2002 CHEVROLET CORVETTE open

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Corvette Assembly Plant
The Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green,
Kentucky is one of the most sophisticated and
computerized automobile assembly facilities in
the world. To build your 2002 Corvette, over
1,025 employes teamed up with the 58 high
-tech
robots that assist in a variety of processes,
from welding to painting.
The Bowling Green facility is Corvette's third
home since 1953. Since beginning production in
June of 1981, it has become one of Kentucky's
most popular tourist attractions.
Corvette Assembly Plant tours are available.
For dates and times, call (270) 745-8228.
Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.
The new National Corvette Museum, located near
the assembly plant, opened its doors in September
of 1994. It is also attracting tourists to the area.
For more information, call 1-800-53-VETTE (83883)
or (270) 781
-7973.

1-24
What makes an air bag inflate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing
system triggers a release of gas from the inflator,
which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and
related hardware are all part of the air bag modules
inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel
in front of the passenger.
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near
-frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or
the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force
of the impact more evenly over the occupant's upper
body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air
bags would not help you in many types of collisions,
including rollovers, rear impacts and many side impacts,
primarily because an occupant's motion is not toward
those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as
anything more than a supplement to safety belts,
and then only in moderate to severe frontal or
near
-frontal collisions.What will you see after an air bag inflates?
After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly
that some people may not even realize the air bag
inflated. Some components of the air bag module
-- the
steering wheel hub for the driver's air bag, or the
instrument panel for the passenger's bag
-- will be hot
for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch.
There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents
in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn't prevent
the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
CAUTION:
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems for
people with a history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle
should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you
have breathing problems but can't get out of the
vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or door.

1-25
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur
from the passenger air bag.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they
inflate, you'll need some new parts for your air bag
system. If you don't get them, the air bag system
won't be there to help protect you in another crash.
A new system will include air bag modules and
possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

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 system commands air bag
inflation and driver's safety belt usage at deployment.
The module also records 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.

1-45
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you,
you should use it.
But if a safety belt isn't long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It's free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don't let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you
in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.
If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in your
vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not
properly protect the person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a crash. To help
make sure your restraint systems are working
properly after a crash, have them inspected
and any necessary replacements made as soon
as possible.
If you've had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.

2-3 Power Windows
With power windows, switches on the door control each
window when the ignition is on or when RAP is present.
See ªRetained Accessory Power (RAP)º in the Index.
Express
-Down Windows
Both the driver's and passenger's window switches have
the express
-down feature. Tap AUTO and immediately
release. The window will lower completely. To stop
the express
-down feature from lowering the window
completely, simply tap the switch again.
You can also open the window any amount by
pressing and releasing the switch.
To close the window, press and hold the up arrow.

2-6
Door Locks
CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

Passengers -- especially children -- can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked,
the handle won't open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash if the doors aren't locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the doors
whenever you drive.

Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.

Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
To lock or unlock the door from the outside, use your
door key on the driver's side or the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
If your theft
-deterrent system is armed, unlock the
driver's door with the key or by using the remote keyless
entry transmitter to open either door to avoid setting off
the alarm. See ªTheft
-Deterrent Systemº in the Index.
To lock the door from the inside, move the lever located
on the door forward. To unlock it, move the lever on the
door rearward.

2-7 Power Door Locks
Press the power door switch on either door to unlock or
lock both doors at once.
Inadvertent Lockout Protection
If you press the power door lock switch when a door
is open and a key is in the ignition, a chime will sound.
If the power door lock switch is pressed again within
five seconds, the doors will lock.
Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving the vehicle, take your key, open
your door and set the locks from inside or with the
remote keyless entry transmitter. Then get out and
close the door.

2-14
Hatch/Trunk
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 with the outside air
button pressed. 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.