2004 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 do not want to
spin your wheels too fast. The method known as
“rocking” can help you get out when you are 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 are stuck, spin the wheels as little as
possible. Do not 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, seeTire Chains on page 5-71.
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. SeeTraction 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 does not get you out after a few
tries, you may need to be towed out. If you do need to
be towed out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
4-32

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specifications....................................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.....................5-10
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.............................5-21
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.....................................5-35
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-36Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-41
Rear Axle.......................................................5-47
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-48
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-48
Headlamps..................................................5-48
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps...................5-50
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-52
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-52
Tires..............................................................5-55
Extended Mobility Tires (Except Z06)...............5-61
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................5-62
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
(Except Z06).............................................5-64
Tire Rotation................................................5-65
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-65
Buying New Tires.........................................5-66
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-67
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-68
Wheel Replacement......................................5-68
Tire Chains..................................................5-71
Lifting Your Vehicle.......................................5-71
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-75
Tire Inflator Kit (Z06 Only).............................5-77
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates the
tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is “70,” as shown in item “C” of
the illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall
is 70% as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter
“R” means radial ply construction; the letter “D” means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters represent
the load range and the speed rating of a tire. The
load range represents the load carrying capacity a tire is
certified to carry. The load index can range from 1 to
279. The speed rating is the maximum speed a tire
is certified to carry a load. Speed ratings range
from “A” to “Z”.Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to its
width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
before a tire has built up heat from driving.
SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-62.
5-58

Light (cont.)
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-35
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-39
Brake System Warning.................................3-38
Check Gages Warning.................................3-46
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-41
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-34
Security.....................................................3-45
TCS Warning Light......................................3-39
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-39
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors..............................2-15
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.....................................4-12
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Lockout Protection..........................................2-10
Locks
Door........................................................... 2-9
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door................................................2-10
Loss of Control...............................................4-18
Lowering the Convertible Top............................2-51
M
Magnesium Wheel Finish.................................5-89
Magnetic Speed Variable Assist Steering............4-14
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-13
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-11
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-41
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transmission.......................................2-22
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-28
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-7
Memory.........................................................2-57
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-58
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) – Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-38
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-37
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror.................2-39
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-39
8

Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-5
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-40
Convenience Net.........................................2-43
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-40
Glove Box..................................................2-40
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-42
Storing the Roof Panel....................................2-47
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-32
Sun Visors.....................................................2-15
T
Tachometer....................................................3-34
Taillamps
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-50
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-39
Telescopic Steering Column............................... 3-6
Testing the Alarm............................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-86
Theft-Deterrent System....................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-16
PASS-Key
®.................................................2-18
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-5
Tire Inflator Kit Storage....................................5-81
Tire Inspection and Inflation Check...................... 6-9
Tire Sealant...................................................5-78
Tire Sidewall Labeling......................................5-55
Tire Size Codes..............................................5-57Tire Terminology and Definitions........................5-58
Tires.............................................................5-55
Buying New Tires........................................5-66
Chains.......................................................5-71
Extended Mobility........................................5-61
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-75
Inflation - Tire Pressure................................5-62
Lifting Your Vehicle......................................5-71
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-64
Rotation.....................................................5-65
Tire Inflator Kit............................................5-77
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-67
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-68
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-68
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-65
To Use The Engine Coolant Heater...................2-24
Top Strap......................................................1-28
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-30
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)...............2-34
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-33
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-38
Your Vehicle...............................................4-33
Traction
Active Handling System................................4-10
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-9
Control System Warning Light.......................3-39
Limited-Slip Rear Axle..................................4-12
Selective Ride Control..................................4-12
12

What to Do with Used Oil................................5-17
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-68
Replacement...............................................5-68
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-14
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System)...................................5-16
When to Check Lubricant.................................5-47
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-35
Why Safety Belts Work..................................... 1-8
Windows.......................................................2-14
Power........................................................2-15Windshield Washer........................................... 3-9
Fluid..........................................................5-36
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement......................................5-52
Fuses........................................................5-92
Windshield Wipers............................................ 3-8
Winter Driving................................................4-28
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14