2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE check transmission fluid

COOLANT OVER TEMP:You will hear four chimes
and the CHECK GAGES telltale will come on when this
message is displayed. To acknowledge the warning,
press the RESET button. After you press the RESET
button, a message will be displayed and you will hear a
chime every minute until this condition changes. If
you do not press RESET, the message will remain on
the digital display until the condition changes.
If the engine coolant exceeds 255ÉF (124ÉC), this
message is displayed. If you have been operating your
vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should
pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. You can monitor the coolant
temperature with the GAGES button on the DIC or
the engine coolant gage on the instrument panel cluster.
See
Engine Overheating on page 5-26.
REDUCE ENGINE RPM:You will hear four chimes
when this message is displayed. To acknowledge
the warning, press the RESET button. After you press
the RESET button, a message will be displayed and you
will hear a chime every minute until this condition
changes. If you do not press RESET, the message will
remain on the digital display until the condition
changes.
If the engine oil temperature exceeds 320ÉF (160ÉC),
this message is displayed. You should check the engine
coolant temperature and engine oil level. If your
engine is too hot, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-26.Your vehicle may need service, so see your dealer. You
can monitor the oil temperature with the GAGES
button on the DIC.
HIGH TRANS TEMP (Automatic Transmission
Only):You will hear four chimes when this message is
displayed. To acknowledge this warning, press the
RESET button. After you press the RESET button, the
message will be displayed every 10 minutes until
the condition changes. If you do not press RESET, the
message remains on the display until the condition
changes.
If the transmission ¯uid temperature rises above 270ÉF
(132ÉC) or rises rapidly, this message is displayed.
The transmission may shift gears or apply the torque
converter clutch to reduce the ¯uid temperature. Driving
aggressively or driving on long hills can cause the
transmission ¯uid temperature to be higher than normal.
If this message appears, you may continue to drive at
a slower speed. You should also monitor the
transmission ¯uid temperature and allow it to cool to at
least 230ÉF (110ÉC). The transmission ¯uid temperature
can be monitored with the GAGES button on the
DIC. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-20.
You should also check the engine coolant temperature.
If it is also hot, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-26.
If the HIGH TRANS TEMP message is displayed during
normal vehicle operation on ¯at roads, your vehicle
may need service. See your dealer for an inspection.
3-58

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

Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check
It is not necessary to check the transmission ¯uid level.
A transmission ¯uid leak is the only reason for ¯uid
loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your dealer
service department and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and changing
the transmission ¯uid. Because this procedure is
difficult, you should have this done at your dealer service
department. Contact your dealer for additional
information or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. To purchase a service manual, see
Service
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-10.
Notice:We recommend you use only ¯uid labeled
DEXRONž-III, because ¯uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by ¯uid other than DEXRON
ž-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.Change both the ¯uid and ®lter every 50,000 miles
(80 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one of
these conditions:
·In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
·In hilly or mountainous terrain.
·High performance operation.
If you do not use your vehicle under one of these
conditions, change the ¯uid and ®lter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for the proper
service intervals for the transmission ¯uid and ®lter.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the ¯uid in your manual transmission
doesn't require changing.
5-20

Capacities and Speci®cations
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions.
Please refer to
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14for more information.
Capacities and Speci®cations
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a 1.75 lbs 0.79 kg
Automatic Transmission
Drain and Re®ll 5.0 quarts 4.7 L
Overhaul 10.8 quarts 10.2 L
Cooling System 12.6 quarts 11.9 L
Engine Oil with Filter 6.5 quarts 6.1 L
Fuel Tank 18.0 gallons 68.0 L
Manual Transmission (Overhaul) 4.1 quarts 3.8 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ®ll to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck ¯uid level after ®lling
5-92

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
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. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-78.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-14.
Manual Transmission Check
Check the transmission ¯uid level; add if needed. SeeManual Transmission Fluid on page 5-20. Check
for leaks. A ¯uid leak is the only reason for ¯uid loss.
Have the system inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transmission Check
It is not necessary to check the transmission ¯uid level.
A transmission ¯uid leak is the only reason for ¯uid
loss. Check for leaks. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle
to your dealer and have it repaired as soon as
possible.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
speci®ed in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, rear
compartment, console door and any folding seat
hardware. Part D tells you what to use. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment.
6-9

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-77
Automatic Transmission Check........................... 6-9
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-10
Automatic Transmission...................................2-21
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-24
B
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-8
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-17
Battery..........................................................5-40
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-24
Body Lubrication Service................................... 6-9
Brake Fluid....................................................5-37
Brake Wear...................................................5-39
Brake............................................................2-30
Parking......................................................2-30
System Inspection.......................................6-13
System Warning Light..................................3-35
Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-19
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-47
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-51
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamps.................................................5-47
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-51
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps..................5-49
Buying New Tires...........................................5-59
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-92
Carbon Monoxide...................4-27, 4-35, 2-11, 2-35
Care of.........................................................5-77
Safety Belts................................................5-77
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-78
Your CD Player...........................................3-79
Your CDs ...................................................3-79
Cargo Cover..................................................2-42
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-66
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-8
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-66
CD Changer, Trunk-Mounted............................3-71
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-39
Chains, Tires..................................................5-64
Check Engine Light.........................................3-38
Checking Coolant............................................5-25
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
2

Electrical System (cont.)
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-85
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-85
Emergency Trunk Release Handle
(Convertible Only)........................................2-13
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-40
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Routing.................5-95
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-89
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................. 6-8
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check..................................... 6-8
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance..................... 6-5
Engine..........................................................5-18
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-38
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-38
Coolant......................................................5-23
Cooling System Inspection............................6-13
Exhaust.....................................................2-35
Oil Pressure Gage.......................................3-41
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-21
Exit/Entry Lighting...........................................3-16
Express-Down Window....................................2-15Extended Mobility Tires....................................5-54
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-20
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Filter.............................................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Station....................................3-63, 3-67
Finish Care....................................................5-78
Finish Damage...............................................5-81
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-79
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-68
Floor Mats.....................................................2-40
Fluid.............................................................5-20
Automatic Transmission................................5-20
Manual Transmission....................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-35
Windshield Washer......................................5-36
FM ...............................................................3-77
Fog Lamps....................................................3-14
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Front Air Dam................................................2-19
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
5

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