1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE checking oil

6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-19 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-20 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-21 Rear Axle
6
-22 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-23 Engine Coolant
6
-26 Power Steering Fluid
6
-27 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-29 Brakes
6
-32 Battery
6
-33 Bulb Replacement
6
-38 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-41 Tires6
-52 Lifting Your Corvette
6-56 Appearance Care
6
-56 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-59 Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel
6
-60 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-61 Cleaning Your Convertible Top
6
-62 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
6
-62 Cleaning Tires
6
-62 Finish Damage
6
-63 Underbody Maintenance
6
-64 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-65 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-65 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-66 Electrical System
6
-74 Replacement Bulbs
6
-74 Capacities and Specifications
6
-76 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-76 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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6-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:

Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.

Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.

Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.

Don't smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.

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6-12
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are
on properly. Then, just pull the hood down and close
it firmly.
Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL LEVEL message on the Driver
Information Center comes on, it means you need to
check your engine oil level right away. For more
information, see ªDriver Information Centerº in the
Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder.
It's a good idea to check your engine oil level every time
you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick is
next to the coolant surge
tank. The dipstick handle is
a round, yellow loop.Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or a
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, you'll need to
add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right
kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and Specificationsº
in the Index.

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6-30
Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above the MIN mark on the reservoir. If it
isn't, have your brake system checked to see if there
is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on
your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately.
See ªAppearance Careº in the Index.

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9-5
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-24, 3-28, 6-63 . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Dual Climate Control System 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EMT 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Belt 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Coolant 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Coolant 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 5-13, 5-16, 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-16, 2-38, 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Gage 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode 5-8 . . . . . .
Overheating 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Curves 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kind to Use 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Level Check 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Life 2-97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Life Monitor, How to Reset 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Used 6
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Life Monitor 6-15, 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
English/Metric Button 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-16, 2-38, 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit and Entry Lighting 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Express-Down Windows 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extended Mobility Tires 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-44, 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Protection 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Control Buttons 3-2, 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Feature, Theft-Deterrent 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiberglass Springs 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fifth Gear, Manual Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling
A Portable Fuel Container 6
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air Cleaner 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish
Care 6
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear
Automatic Transmission 2
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed Mast Antenna 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, What to Do 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor Mats 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-6
Fob Training 2-101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Gear, Manual Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front
Air Dam 2
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door, Manual Release Tab 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Release Button 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross
Axle Weight Rating 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Weight Rating 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head-Up Display (HUD) 2-88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Remote Control Mirrors 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Lamps 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HUD 2-88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Clutch 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Switch 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inadvertent
Load Control 2
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lockout Protection 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire Pressure 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust System 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-9
Pass-Key
2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Portable Fuel Container, Filling a 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Accessory Outlet 2
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Plug 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna Service 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mast Antenna 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirrors 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote/Heated Control Mirrors 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering Fluid 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Check 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Use 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Check 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Racing or Other Competitive Driving 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Axle Service 7
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartments 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal and Taillamp Bulb Replacement 6-36 . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear Axle, Limited
-Slip 2-39, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Window Defogger 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror, Inside Day/Night 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Seatbacks 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Function Actuation System 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Replacement 2-12, 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Panic Alarm 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronizing Your Transmitter 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RFA Settings 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitter Range 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning the System Off 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement
Bulbs 6
-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 6-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wiper Blades 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Safety Defects 8-10, 8-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resetting the Oil Life Monitor 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restraints
Checking 1
-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Parts After a Crash 1-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronizing Your Transmitter 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reverse
Automatic Transmission 2
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ride Control 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .