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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6-11
When you open the hood, you'll see the following:
A. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
B. Battery
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap
E. Engine Air Cleaner/FilterF. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
G. Brake Fluid Reservoir
H. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped)
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
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6-26
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL
coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it
is hand
-tight.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
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6-27 How to Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
When the engine
compartment is hot, the
level should be at the
HOT mark.
When the engine
compartment is cool, the
level should be at the
FULL COLD mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
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7-19
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilThe engine requires a special
Engine Oil meeting GM Standard
GM4718M. Oils meeting this
Standard may be identified as
synthetic, and should also be
identified with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines ªStarburstº
symbol. However, not all
Synthetic API oils with the
Starburst symbol will meet this
GM Standard. You should look for
and use only an oil that meets GM
Standard GM4718M. For the
proper viscosity, see ªEngine Oilº
in the Index.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench
DEX-COOL or
Havoline DEX-COOL
Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Hydraulic Clutch
SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part
No. 12345347 or equivalent
DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Manual
TransmissionDEXRON-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
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9-7
Radiator and Heater Hose 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholder 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Integrated Windshield and Rear Window Antennas 3-32 . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking Your Vehicle 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key in the Ignition 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit and Entry 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-44, 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Sidemarkers 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Headlamp/High
-Beams 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal and Taillamps 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twilight Sentinel 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lap Belt Cinch Feature 1-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latches, Seatback 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-36 . . . . . . .
Lifting Your Corvette 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From the Front 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From the Rear 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-21, 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-80, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-8, 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limited-Slip Rear Axle 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cylinders 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Automatic Transmission Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Wheel Lock Key 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss of Control 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-9
Pass-Key2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .