2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ECU

Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a
supply of windshield washer ¯uid, a rag, some winter
outer clothing, a small shovel, a ¯ashlight, a red
cloth and a couple of re¯ective warning triangles. And, if
you will be driving under severe conditions, include a
small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of
burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you
properly secure these items in your vehicle.
Driving On Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where your tires meet
the road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road, you can have a very slippery situation.
You'll have a lot less traction or ªgripº and will need to
be very careful.
4-28

{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
·Put things in the rear area of your vehicle.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
·Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
·Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
·When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Towing a Trailer
Your Corvette is neither designed nor intended to tow a
trailer.
4-35

The maximum speed label
reminds you to drive
cautiously and not to
exceed 55 mph (90 km/h)
until you have the
damaged tire inspected
and repaired.
Place the air compressor pump and accessories into the
in¯ator kit case and store in the hatch/trunk
compartment area of your vehicle.Tire In¯ator Kit Storage
The tire in¯ator kit is stored in the rear hatch/trunk area
of your vehicle.
1. Remove the elastic cord (A) from around the
retaining hook (B) and slide the kit out from
under the elastic band (C) that is secured to the
¯oor of the hatch/trunk area.
2. Unwrap the elastic cord (A) from around the handle
of the tire in¯ator kit. Open the tire in¯ator kit case
by lifting up the two tabs located on either side
of the kit handle.
5-73

To Stow the Tire In¯ator Kit:
{CAUTION:
Storing the tire in¯ator kit or other equipment
in the passenger compartment of the vehicle
could cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could strike
someone. Store the tire in¯ator kit in the
proper place.1. Loop the elastic cord (A) around the handle of the
tire in¯ator kit.
2. Insert the tire in¯ator kit under the elastic band (C)
that is secured to the ¯oor of the hatch/trunk area
of your vehicle.
3. Wrap the elastic cord (A) around the retaining
hook (B).
5-74

Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft cloth
or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface ®nish.
Cleaning the Security Shade and
Convenience Net
Wash with warm water and mild detergent, rinse with
cold water and tumble dry on low. Do not use chlorine
bleach.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust ®lms on interior glass. See
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-82.
Notice:Don't use abrasive cleaners on glass,
because they may cause scratches. Avoid placing
decals on the inside rear window, since they
may have to be scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners
are used on the inside of the rear window, an
electric defogger element may be damaged. Any
temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. See
Part D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14.
5-77

Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-48
Check...........................................................3-38
Engine Light...............................................3-38
Gages Warning Light...................................3-42
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-81
Child Restraints..............................................1-26
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-26
Infants and Young Children...........................1-23
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-31
Older Children.............................................1-21
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-33
Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger
Seat Position...........................................1-34
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-31
Top Strap...................................................1-30
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-80
Cleaning Coated Moldings................................5-76
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-78
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-75
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-77
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-77
Cleaning Leather............................................5-76
Cleaning Removable Roof Panel.......................5-79
Cleaning the Convertible Top............................5-80
Cleaning the Security Shade and
Convenience Net.........................................5-77Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-76
Cleaning Tires................................................5-80
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-79
Cleaning........................................................5-81
Fiberglass Springs.......................................5-81
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-75
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-78
Titanium Exhaust System..............................5-81
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-81
Weatherstrips..............................................5-77
Climate Control System...................................3-22
Dual Automatic............................................3-22
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-28
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-22
Compact Disc Messages..........................3-70, 3-75
Competitive Driving Mode................................4-11
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-42
Convertible Top..............................................2-49
Lowering the Convertible Top........................2-50
Raising the Convertible Top..........................2-53
Coolant.........................................................3-38
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-38
Heater, Engine............................................2-23
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-26
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-16
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-9
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-39
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-11
3

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