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The 1999 Chevrolet Corvette Owner's Manual
1-1 Seats and Restraint SystemsThis section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the air bag system.
2-1 Features and ControlsThis section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
3-1 Comfort Controls and Audio SystemsThis section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
4-1 Your Driving and the RoadHere you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
5-1 Problems on the RoadThis section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.
6-1 Service and Appearance CareHere the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.
7-1 Maintenance ScheduleThis section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
8-1 Customer Assistance InformationThis section tells you how to contact Chevrolet for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on ªReporting Safety Defectsº on page 8-10.
9-1 IndexHere's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read.
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Corvette: The American
Dream Machine
In the early '50s, it was only a designer's dream. Today
the Corvette stands alone as America's dream car
-- a
testament to its unmistakable charisma and the
excitement it inspires. Unique styling, powerful
performance and an undeniable panache have made
Corvette one of the most celebrated sports cars in
the world.
In 1953, Corvette produced 300 new lightweight
fiberglass roadsters. A handful went to project
engineers, General Motors managers, and a select group
of movie stars and celebrities. With a two
-speed
Powerglide automatic transmission, Blue Flame
six
-cylinder engine, and gleaming Polo White exterior,
the Corvette began its drive into the heart of America.
Designers freshened up the 'Vette in 1956 by adding a
removable hardtop and the famous Corvette ªcoves.º
The sculptured body enhanced its sporty look, and a
standard 210
-horsepower Chevy V8 engine solidified
Corvette's reputation as a production race car.
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In 1984, the fourth generation of America's favorite
sports car anticipated the future with a sleek look and
advanced technology that provided superior handling
and performance. Windshield angle was the sheerest of
any domestic vehicle, cornering ability the tightest of
any production car. In short, the 1984 redesign enhanced
the Corvette's reputation as a leader in the world sports
car market.
After 44 years of production, Corvette only got better.
The fifth
-generation Corvette arrived in 1997, featuring
a completely restyled body and a new, all
-aluminum,
5.7 Liter, 345
-horsepower LS1 V8 engine.The structure of the fifth
-generation redesign is the
stiffest ever developed in 44 years of Corvette
production, resulting in unparalleled ride quality and
outstanding handling. Also unique to the new Corvette
is a rear
-mounted transmission.
Available as a Coupe for 1997, the new Corvette offered
such standard features as extended
-mobility tires, a
Bose audio system, and a new, latch-operated roof
designed for easy removal.
With many design cues inspired by the classic models
of the 1960s, the new fifth-generation Corvette is an
impressive combination of sleek styling and world
-class
sports car performance. For 1998, in addition to the
Coupe, a convertible was reintroduced. The
fifth-generation Corvette rollout was completed in 1999
with the introduction of the hardtop model.
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For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
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Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module,
which records information about the air bag system.
The module records information about the readiness
of the system, when the sensors are activated and
driver's safety belt usage at deployment. Some
modules also record speed, engine rpm, brake and
throttle data.
Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag
system. Improper service can mean that your air bag
system won't work properly. See your dealer
for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver's or the
passenger's air bag, the bag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the air bag
module in the steering wheel or both the air bag
module and the instrument panel for the
passenger's air bag. Do not open or break the air
bag coverings.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don't want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your
dealer and the Corvette Service Manual have
information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag
system. To purchase a service manual, see ªService and
Owner Publicationsº in the Index.
CAUTION:
For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air
bag can still inflate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an air bag when
it inflates. Avoid yellow wires, wires wrapped
with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to
follow proper service procedures, and make sure
the person performing work for you is qualified
to do so.
The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.
2-
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2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-6 Memory (Option)
2
-7 Remote Function Actuation System
2
-14 Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
2
-17 Universal Theft-Deterrent (Option)
2
-19 PASS-Key
2-20 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-21 Ignition Positions
2
-23 Starting Your Engine
2
-25 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-27 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-30 Manual Transmission Operation
2
-34 Parking Brake
2
-35 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-37 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-37 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)2
-38 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-38 Engine Exhaust
2
-39 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-39 Limited-Slip Rear Axle
2
-40 Selective Real Time Damping (SRTD) (Option)
2
-41 Windows
2
-43 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-51 Exterior Lamps
2
-53 Interior Lamps
2
-54 Mirrors
2
-56 Storage Compartments
2
-61 Roof Panel (Option)
2
-68 Convertible Top (Option)
2
-74 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-77 Warning Lights, Gages and Messages
2
-92 Driver Information Center (DIC)
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A memory recall can be stopped by pressing any memory
seat, mirror or steering column position button.
Drivers 1, 2 and 3 correspond to the order in which your
key fob transmitters were programmed. (See ªFob
Trainingº in the Index.)
Memory recall will not work if the vehicle is moving,
the key is removed from the ignition, the driver's door is
open, a power seat, mirror or memory switch is being
used. Memory recall will be temporarily interrupted
during engine crank.
Remote Function Actuation System
Your vehicle has a passive/active Remote Function
Actuation (RFA) system that allows you to lock and
unlock your doors, unlock your hatch/trunk lid, turn
the panic alarm on and off and disarm or arm your
theft
-deterrent system. When using one of the key fob
transmitters supplied with your vehicle, the passive
range distance is as much as 30 feet (9 m) away from the
vehicle on the driver's side and 20 feet (6 m) away on
the passenger's side. The active range distance is as
much as 100 feet (30 m) away.
Your vehicle comes
standard with two
transmitters, and up to
three can be matched to
your vehicle.
See ªMatching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicleº later in
this section.
Your RFA system operates on a radio frequency subject
to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules
and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
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CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the hatch/trunk
lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can't see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the hatch/trunk lid open
or if electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body and
the hatch/trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on BI
-LEVEL or VENT. That will force
outside air into your vehicle. See ªComfort
Controlsº in the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
NOTICE:
If you put things in the hatch/trunk area, be sure
they won't break the glass when you close it.
Never slam the hatch/trunk lid down. You could
break the glass or damage the defogger grid.
When you close the hatch/trunk lid, make sure
you pull down from the center, not the sides. If
you pull the hatch/trunk lid down from the side
too often, the weatherstrip can be damaged.
NOTICE:
Do not store heavy or sharp objects in the rear
storage compartments located in the hatch/trunk
area. If you do, the objects could damage
the underbody.