Page 270 of 383

6-
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
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-17 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-19 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-19 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-21 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-22 Rear Axle
6
-23 Engine Coolant
6
-26 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
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 Replacement6
-40 Tires
6
-53 Lifting Your Corvette
6
-57 Appearance Care
6
-57 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-60 Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel
6
-60 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-62 Cleaning Your Convertible Top
6
-62 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
6
-63 Cleaning Tires
6
-63 Finish Damage
6
-63 Underbody Maintenance
6
-65 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-66 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-66 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-67 Electrical System
6
-74 Replacement Bulbs
6
-75 Capacities and Specifications
6
-76 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts 
     
        
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6-11 Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood, you'll see the following:
A. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap
B. Battery
C. Engine Oil DipstickD. Engine Oil Fill Cap
E. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
G. Brake Fluid ReservoirH. 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.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
The surge tank pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for
information on location.
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
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
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.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for
more information on location.
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. 
     
        
        Page 365 of 383

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 starburst
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).