
Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Safety Belts
.............................................. 1-6
Child Restraints
.......................................1-19
Air Bag System
.......................................1-40
Restraint System Check
............................1-49
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-9
Windows
.................................................2-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-19
Mirrors
....................................................2-37
Storage Areas
.........................................2-40
Roof Panel
..............................................2-44
Convertible Top
.......................................2-50
Vehicle Personalization
.............................2-57
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-2
Climate Controls
......................................3-23
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-32
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-48
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-69Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-33
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Rear Axle
...............................................5-47
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-52
Tires
......................................................5-55
Appearance Care
.....................................5-82
Vehicle Identification
.................................5-91
Electrical System
......................................5-92
Capacities and Specifications
.....................5-99
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-10
Index................................................................ 1
2004 Chevrolet Corvette Owner ManualM

Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this manual you will find these notices:
Notice:These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice tells about something that can damage your
vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered
by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But
the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the
damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different
colors or in different words.
There are also warning labels on your vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specific component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
component, gage, or indicator, reference the
following topics:
•Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
•Features and Controls in Section 2
•Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
•Climate Controls in Section 3
•Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3
•Audio System(s) in Section 3
•Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
iv

START:This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.
When the engine is not running, ACCESSORY and ON
allow you to operate your electrical accessories,
such as the radio.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
while the ignition is in OFF or ACCESSORY and
the key is in the ignition.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With RAP, your power windows and the audio system
will continue to work for up to 15 minutes after the
ignition key is turned to OFF and neither door is opened.
If a door is opened, the power windows and audio
system will shut off.
Starting Your Engine
This vehicle has a computer system that monitors
engine speed, throttle and pedal position, and records
the current status.
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position – that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
2-21

Your memory settings are now programmed. Any
changes that are made to the audio system and climate
controls while driving will be automatically stored
when the ignition key is turned off.
When first entering your vehicle, after pressing the
unlock button on your remote keyless entry transmitter
or a MEMORY button, a recall of your settings will
occur when the door is closed and the ignition key is in
the ignition switch. As the memory settings are
recalled, the light above the button will flash until the
correct settings are achieved, then glow for five seconds
when complete.
A memory recall can be stopped by pressing any
memory seat, mirror or steering column position button.Drivers 1, 2 and 3 correspond to the order in which your
remote keyless entry transmitters were programmed.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry System on page 2-5
for more information.
Memory recall will not work if the vehicle is moving.
Memory recall will be temporarily interrupted during
engine crank.
If easy entry is on, you must press the MEMORY button
to reset the seat.
2-58

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-5
Horn.............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-6
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Interior Lamps..............................................3-17
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-18
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-22
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-23
Climate Controls............................................3-23
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System.........................................3-23
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-31
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-32
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-33
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-34
Tachometer.................................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-34
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-35
Air Bag Off Light..........................................3-36
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-39
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-39Active Handling System Light.........................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-41
Engine Oil Pressure Gage.............................3-44
Security Light...............................................3-45
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-46
Fuel Gage...................................................3-46
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-48
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-49
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-58
Other Messages...........................................3-68
Audio System(s).............................................3-69
Setting the Time...........................................3-69
Radio with Cassette......................................3-70
Radio with CD..............................................3-76
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer...........................3-81
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-86
Radio Reception...........................................3-88
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-88
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-89
Care of Your CD Player................................3-89
Fixed Mast Antenna (Z06)..............................3-89
Power Antenna Mast Care (Convertible)...........3-90
Integrated Windshield and Rear Window
Antennas (Coupe).....................................3-90
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. See
“Instrument Panel Brightness” underInterior Lamps
on page 3-17.
B. Head-Up Display Controls. SeeHead-Up Display
(HUD) on page 3-18.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-6.
D. Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-48.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-33.
F. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. See “Windshield
Wipers” underTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-6.
G. Driver Information Center (DIC) Controls. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-48.
H. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-4.
I. Center Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-31.
J. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-69.
K. Climate Controls. SeeDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-23.
L. Fog Lamp Button. See “Fog Lamps” underExterior
Lamps on page 3-13.
M. Hatch/Trunk Release Button. See “Hatch/Trunk Lid
Release” underHatch/Trunk on page 2-11.N. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-20.
O. Shift Lever (Automatic Shown). SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-25orManual
Transmission Operation on page 2-28.
P. Active Handling Button. SeeActive Handling System
on page 4-10.
Q. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlets on page 3-22.
R. Selective Ride Control Switch. SeeSelective Ride
Control on page 4-12.
S. Air Bag Off Light. SeeAir Bag Off Light on
page 3-36.
T. Instrument Panel Cupholder. SeeCupholder(s) on
page 2-40.
U. Fuel Door Release Button. SeeFilling Your Tank on
page 5-7.
V. Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter. SeeAshtrays and
Cigarette Lighter on page 3-23.
W. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-31.
X. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-40.
Y. Instrument Panel Fuse Block. See “Instrument Panel
Fuse Block” underFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 5-93.
Z. Air Bag Off Switch. SeeAir Bag Off Switch on
page 1-46.
3-3

Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front
and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.The hazard warning
flasher button is located on
the instrument panel
above the audio system.
Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key isn’t in the
ignition.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps flash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the flashers off.
When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn
signals won’t work.
3-4

Audio System(s)
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone, or two-way radio, make sure that it can
be added by checking with your dealer. Also,
check federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone units. If sound equipment can be added,
it is very important to do it properly. Added
sound equipment may interfere with the operation
of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other systems,
and even damage them. Your vehicle’s systems may
interfere with the operation of sound equipment
that has been added improperly.Figure out which audio system is in your vehicle, find
out what your audio system can do, and how to operate
all of its controls.
Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system
can be played even after the ignition is turned off.
See “Retained Accessory Power (RAP)” underIgnition
Positions on page 2-20.
Setting the Time
Press and hold HR until the correct hour appears on the
display. Press and hold MN until the correct minute
appears on the display.
3-69