2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE steering wheel

If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don't want to spin your
wheels too fast. The method known as ªrockingº can
help you get out when you're stuck, but you must
use caution.
{CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they
can explode, and you or others could be
injured. And, the transmission or other parts of
the vehicle can overheat. That could cause an
engine compartment ®re or other damage.
When you're stuck, spin the wheels as little as
possible. Don't spin the wheels above 35 mph
(55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.
Notice:Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of
your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the
wheels too fast while shifting your transmission
back and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your
vehicle, see
Tire Chains on page 5-64.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. You should turn
your TCS System off. See
Traction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9. Then shift back and forth
between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the
wheels as little as possible. For a manual transmission,
shift slowly between either FIRST (1) or SECOND (2)
and REVERSE (R), allowing the wheels to stop
before shifting into gear. Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. By slowly
spinning your wheels in the forward and reverse
directions, you will cause a rocking motion that may free
your vehicle. If that doesn't get you out after a few
tries, you may need to be towed out. If you do need to
be towed out, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº following.
4-32

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under
the Hood....................................................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-20
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-20
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26
Cooling System............................................5-29
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-35Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-36
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-41
Rear Axle.......................................................5-46
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-47
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-47
Headlamps..................................................5-47
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps...................5-49
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-51
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-51
Tires..............................................................5-54
Extended Mobility Tires (Except Z06)...............5-54
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure................................5-56
Tire Pressure Monitor System (Except Z06)......5-57
Tire Rotation................................................5-58
Buying New Tires.........................................5-59
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-60
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-61
Wheel Replacement......................................5-61
Tire Chains..................................................5-64
Lifting Your Vehicle.......................................5-64
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-68
Tire In¯ator Kit (Z06 Only).............................5-70
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Scheduled Maintenance...................................6-4
Part B: Owner Checks and Services.................6-8
At Each Fuel Fill............................................6-8
At Least Once a Month...................................6-8
At Least Twice a Year....................................6-9At Least Once a Year.....................................6-9
Part C: Periodic MaintenanceInspections.........6-12
Steering and Suspension Inspection................6-12
Tire and Wheel Inspection.............................6-12
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-12
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-13
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-13
Rear Axle Service.........................................6-13
Brake System Inspection................................6-13
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants................................................6-14
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-16
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer's
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-10.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, cha®ng, etc.
Tire and Wheel Inspection
Inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage. If there is
irregular or premature wear, check the wheel
alignment. Inspect for damaged wheels.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the ¯oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-35.
6-12

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-12
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-22
Hydroplaning..................................................4-21
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-28
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-27
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-39
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-39
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-32
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-30
Ignition Automatic Transmission
Lock Check................................................6-11
Ignition Positions.............................................2-20
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-23
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-56
In¯ator Kit, Tire...............................................5-70
Inspection......................................................6-13
Brake System.............................................6-13
Engine Cooling System................................6-13
Exhaust System..........................................6-12
Fuel System...............................................6-13
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-12
Steering and Suspension..............................6-12
Tire and Wheel...........................................6-12
Installing the Roof Panel..................................2-47
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-86Instrument Panel.............................................3-30
Cluster.......................................................3-30
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Integrated Windshield and Rear Window
Antennas....................................................3-80
Interior Lamps................................................3-15
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-41
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service................................ 6-9
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps...........................................................3-12
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lap Belt Cinch Feature....................................1-14
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-13
LATCH System...............................................1-31
Child Restraints...........................................1-31
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-33
7

LATCH System (cont.)
Latches, Seatback............................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
(Automatic Transmission)..............................2-32
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-10
Lifting From the Front......................................5-66
Lifting From the Rear......................................5-67
Lifting Your Corvette, Tires...............................5-64
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors..............................2-15
Light.............................................................3-37
Active Handling System................................3-37
Air Bag Off .................................................3-33
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-32
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-36
Brake System Warning.................................3-35
Check Gages Warning.................................3-42
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-38
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-31
Security.....................................................3-42
TCS Warning Light......................................3-36
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-36
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.....................................4-11
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Lockout Protection..........................................2-10
Locks............................................................. 2-9
Door........................................................... 2-9
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door................................................2-10Loss of Control...............................................4-17
Lowering the Convertible Top............................2-50
M
Magnesium Wheel Finish.................................5-81
Magnetic Speed Variable Assist Steering............4-13
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-94
Maintenance Schedule...................................... 6-8
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-8
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
At Least Twice a Year................................... 6-9
Brake System Inspection..............................6-13
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-13
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-12
Fuel System Inspection................................6-13
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services............... 6-8
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-12
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-14
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-16
Rear Axle Service........................................6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Steering and Suspension Inspection...............6-12
8

Securing a Child Restraint................................1-33
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-33
Passenger Seat Position...............................1-34
Security Light.................................................3-42
Selective Ride Control.....................................4-12
Sensors.........................................................3-26
Service Bulletins.............................................7-11
Service Manuals.............................................7-10
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-38
Publications Ordering Information...................7-10
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle............1-47
Setting Preset Stations............................3-64, 3-68
Setting the Time.............................................3-62
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..................3-64, 3-68
Shift Speeds (Manual Transmission)..................2-28
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-31
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-33
Skidding........................................................4-17
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-21
Speci®cations, Capacities.................................5-92
Speedometer..................................................3-31
Sport Seat....................................................... 1-6
Starter Interlock Feature..................................2-22
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-10
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-21
Steering and Suspension Inspection..................6-12Steering in Emergencies..................................4-14
Steering Tips..................................................4-13
Steering........................................................4-13
Storage Areas................................................2-39
Center Console Storage Area........................2-39
Convenience Net.........................................2-42
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-39
Glove Box..................................................2-39
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-41
Storing the Roof Panel....................................2-46
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-32
Sun Visors.....................................................2-15
T
Tachometer....................................................3-31
Taillamps.......................................................5-49
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-49
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-36
Telescopic Steering Column............................... 3-5
Testing the Alarm............................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-75
Theft-Deterrent System....................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-16
PASS-Key
ž.................................................2-17
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-5
Tire In¯ation Check........................................... 6-8
Tire In¯ator Kit Storage....................................5-73
Tire Sealant...................................................5-71
12

Vehicle............................................................ 4-5
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-33
Parking Your...............................................2-34
Symbols......................................................... iv
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-28
Visors...........................................................2-15
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-34
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-29
Warnings.......................................................3-53
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-53
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-4
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-78
Weatherstrip Lubrication.................................... 6-9
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-14
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-17
What to Use..........................5-24, 5-35, 5-36, 5-46Wheels..........................................................5-61
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-61
Replacement...............................................5-61
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-14
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System)...................................5-16
When to Check and What to Use.....................5-22
When to Check Lubricant.................................5-46
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-35
When to Check......................................5-20, 5-56
Why Safety Belts Work..................................... 1-8
Windows.......................................................2-14
Power........................................................2-15
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check................. 6-8
Windshield Washer........................................... 3-8
Fluid..........................................................5-36
Windshield Wiper............................................5-51
Blade Replacement......................................5-51
Fuses........................................................5-85
Windshield Wipers............................................ 3-7
Winter Driving................................................4-27
Wiper Blade Check........................................... 6-9
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14