
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

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

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they are working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section that
tells you what to do about it. Please follow this
manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly — and even dangerous. So please get to know
your warning lights and gages. They are a big help.
Your vehicle may also have a Driver Information Center
that works along with the warning lights and gages.
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-48.
3-32

Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster and Driver Information Center (DIC) are designed to let you know at a glance how the
vehicle is running. You will know how fast you are going, about how much fuel you have left and many other
things you will need to know to drive safely and economically. The instrument panel cluster indicator warning lights,
gages and DIC messages are explained on the following pages.
United States shown, Canada similar
3-33

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

Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-20
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-21
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-25
Transmission Operation, Manual........................2-28
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trunk/Hatch...................................................2-11
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer.............................3-81
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-6
Twilight Sentinel
®(Optional in United States,
Standard in Canada)....................................3-16
U
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-88
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-67
United States – Customer Assistance.................. 7-4
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a
Power Loss................................................3-87
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings........................................... ivVehicle (cont.)
Loading......................................................4-33
Parking Your...............................................2-35
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders.................................................... 7-9
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).............................................5-91
Service Parts Identification Label...................5-92
Vehicle Personalization
Memory.....................................................2-57
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-41
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-31
Visors...........................................................2-15
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-37
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-32
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-58
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-5
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-85
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-14
13