2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Owners Manual

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-11

Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $60.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $20.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-12

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

Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-90
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-25
Infants and Young Children...........................1-22
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-30
Older Children.............................................1-19
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-33
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Passenger Seat Position...........................1-36
Top Strap...................................................1-28
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-30
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-23
Cleaning
Fiberglass Springs.......................................5-90
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-83
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-85
Titanium Exhaust System..............................5-89
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-89
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-88
Cleaning Coated Moldings................................5-83
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-86
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-83
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-84
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-84Cleaning Leather............................................5-84
Cleaning Removable Roof Panel.......................5-87
Cleaning the Convertible Top............................5-88
Cleaning the Security Shade and
Convenience Net.........................................5-84
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-84
Cleaning Tires................................................5-88
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-87
Climate Control System
Dual Automatic............................................3-23
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-31
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-22
Competitive Driving Mode................................4-12
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-43
Convertible Top..............................................2-50
Lowering the Convertible Top........................2-51
Raising the Convertible Top..........................2-55
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-41
Heater, Engine............................................2-23
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-26
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-17
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-40
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
3

Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government...................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-30
Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature.................3-87
Disarming the System.....................................2-17
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Downshifting (Manual Transmission)..................2-30Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-48
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-49
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-58
Other Messages..........................................3-68
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-19
City...........................................................4-23
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-26
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-20
Winter........................................................4-28
Driving On Snow or Ice...................................4-29
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-22
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-22
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-23
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-92
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-93
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-92
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-92
4

Electrical System (cont.)
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-92
Emergency Trunk Release Handle
(Convertible Only)........................................2-13
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs.................................3-44
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-41
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-41
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-36
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Pressure Gage.......................................3-44
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-21
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-96
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit/Entry Lighting...........................................3-17
Express-Down Window....................................2-15
Extended Mobility Tires....................................5-61
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-19
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Station....................................3-71, 3-77
Finish Care....................................................5-86
Finish Damage...............................................5-89
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-89
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-75
Floor Mats.....................................................2-41
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-20
Manual Transmission....................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-35
Windshield Washer......................................5-36
FM ...............................................................3-88
Fog Lamps....................................................3-15
Front Air Dam................................................2-19
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-46
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
5

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