
How to Check and Add Fluid
Fluid should be added if the fluid level is below the step
on the inside of the reservoir. There are additional
instructions on the reservoir cap. Put the rubber seal
and cap back on. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for more information on location.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-23

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will find an engine coolant temperature gage on the
instrument panel cluster and a COOLANT OVER
TEMP message on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-41
andDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
messages COOLANT OVER TEMP and REDUCED
ENGINE POWER are displayed, along with the Check
Engine light, an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders helps prevent engine
damage. In this mode, you will notice a loss in power
and engine performance. This operating mode
allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency; you may drive up to 50 miles (80 km).
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
5-26

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except when you are pushing on the
brake pedal firmly).
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear the
brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Z06 models are equipped with high performance front
brake linings designed for improved brake performance
under severe use. They will normally exhibit some
low speed noise and you may notice an increase in the
amount of brake dust.Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
As you make brake stops, your disc brakes
automatically adjust for wear.
5-39

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
5-67

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-22
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature................3-86
Active Handling System...................................4-10
Active Handling System Light...........................3-40
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-36
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-92
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-72, 3-78
Air Bag
Off Light.....................................................3-36
Readiness Light..........................................3-35
Air Bag System..............................................1-40
Air Bag Off Switch.......................................1-46
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-44
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-49
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?....................1-43
What Will You See After an
Air Bag Inflates?......................................1-44
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?...................1-43
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-42
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Air Compressor..............................................5-78
Air Dam, Front...............................................2-19
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
AM ...............................................................3-88
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-89
Antenna, Power Antenna Mast Care..................3-90Antennas, Integrated Windshield and Rear
Window......................................................3-90
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-39
Appearance Care............................................5-82
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-85
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-90
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-83
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-85
Fiberglass Springs.......................................5-90
Finish Damage............................................5-89
Titanium Exhaust System..............................5-89
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-89
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-90
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Arming the System.........................................2-16
Ashtrays........................................................3-23
Audio System(s).............................................3-69
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-88
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-89
Care of Your CDs........................................3-89
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-89
Integrated Windshield and Rear Window
Antennas................................................3-90
Power Antenna Mast Care............................3-90
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-70
Radio with CD............................................3-76
Setting the Time..........................................3-69
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-86
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer..........................3-81
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-88
Automatic Transmission...................................2-21
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-25
B
Battery..........................................................5-40
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-8
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-18
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-25
Brake
Parking......................................................2-31
System Warning Light..................................3-38
Brake Fluid....................................................5-37
Brake Wear...................................................5-39
Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-19
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-48
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-48
Headlamps.................................................5-48
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-52
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps..................5-50
Buying New Tires...........................................5-66
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specifications............................5-99
Carbon Fiber Hood.........................................5-89
Carbon Monoxide...................4-28, 4-38, 2-11, 2-36
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-85
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-88
Your CD Player...........................................3-89
Your CDs ...................................................3-89
Cargo Cover..................................................2-43
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-75
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-75
CD Changer, Trunk-Mounted............................3-81
CD Messages........................................3-80, 3-85
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-40
Chains, Tires..................................................5-71
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-41
Gages Warning Light...................................3-46
Check Engine Light.........................................3-41
Checking Coolant............................................5-24
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
2

Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-93
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-92
G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-46
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-41
Engine Oil Pressure.....................................3-44
Fuel..........................................................3-46
Speedometer..............................................3-34
Tachometer.................................................3-34
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-37
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specifications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-40
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hatch/Trunk...................................................2-11
Hatch/Trunk Lid Release..................................2-12
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-8
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-92
Headlamps....................................................5-48
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-48
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-48
Headlamps Doors...........................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................... 3-8
Head-Up Display (HUD)...................................3-18
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-26
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-26
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Hood, Carbon Fiber........................................5-89
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-31
How to Add Fluid............................................5-22
How to Check and Add Fluid............................5-23
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-47
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-35
How to Remove and Replace the Floor Mats......2-41
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-11
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-22
Hydroplaning..................................................4-22
6

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