2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE check engine light

Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation
on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the
light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer can check the vehicle. Your dealer has
the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to x
any mechanical or electrical problems that may
have developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
may begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.Here are some things you need to know to help your
vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the Check
Engine light is on or not working properly.
To perform a Check Engine light bulb check with the
keyless ignition, make sure the transmitter fob is in the
passenger compartment. SeeIgnition Positions on
page 2-22. Press the bottom of the ACC button on the
instrument panel and hold the button down for ve
seconds. The instrument panel, including the Check
Engine light, will light up and the ignition will be on, but
the engine will not start — if you press the bottom of
the ACC button only briey, less than ve seconds, the
accessory power mode will be turned on, but not the
ignition. After the bulb check, be sure to press and
release the ACC button again to turn the ignition off and
avoid draining the vehicle’s battery.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if
you have recently replaced your battery or if your battery
has run down. The diagnostic system is designed to
evaluate critical emission control systems during normal
driving. This may take several days of routine driving. If
you have done this and your vehicle still does not pass
the inspection for lack of OBD system readiness, your
GM dealer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
3-44

BUCKLE SEATBELT:This message reminds you to
buckle the driver’s seat belt.
This message will display and a chime will sound when
the ignition is on, the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled,
and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle
your seat belt.
If the driver remains unbuckled when the ignition is
on and the vehicle is in motion, the reminder will
be repeated. If the driver’s seat belt is already buckled,
this message and chime will not come on.
This message is an additional reminder to the Safety
Belt Reminder Light in the instrument panel cluster.
SeeSafety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-34for more
information.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL:This message will appear when
the life of the engine oil has expired. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4. After an oil change, the engine
oil life system must be reset. See “Engine Oil Life” under
DIC Controls and Displays on page 3-48. Also, see
Engine Oil on page 5-16andEngine Oil Life System on
page 5-23for more information.
CHECK BRAKE FLUID:This message will appear, a
chime will sound, and the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster will be on if the ignition is
on to inform the driver that the brake uid level is
low. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38.
Have the brake system serviced by your GM dealer as
soon as possible. SeeBrakes on page 5-42.CHECK COOLANT LEVEL:This message will appear
when there is a low level of engine coolant. Have
the cooling system serviced by your GM dealer as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-29.
CHECK GAS CAP:If the gas cap has not been fully
tightened, this message will appear. You should
check your gas cap to ensure that it is on properly.
Once tightened, it will take at least one overnight park
to reset or clear this message. If there is a CHECK GAS
CAP message and a malfunction indicator lamp on in
the instrument panel cluster, you may need to see your
GM dealer for service. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-42for more information.
CHECK OIL LEVEL:Press the RESET button to
acknowledge that you have read the message and to
remove it from the display. The message will reappear
every 10 minutes until this condition changes. Once
the vehicle senses a change in the engine oil level, the
light will remain off.
You will hear two chimes when this message is
displayed. If this message appears after starting your
engine, your engine oil level may be too low. You
may need to add oil. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-32.
3-55

ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE ENGINE RPM:
You will hear multiple chimes when this message is
displayed. This message will remain displayed and
active until the issue is resolved.
If the engine oil temperature exceeds 320°F (160°C),
this message is displayed. You should check the engine
coolant temperature and engine oil level. If your engine is
too hot, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-32. Your
vehicle may need service, so see your GM dealer. You
can monitor the oil temperature with the gages button
on the DIC.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED:If it is dark enough outside
and the headlamps and Twilight Sentinel
®controls are
off, this message will display. This message informs the
driver that turning on the exterior lamps is recommended.
It has become dark enough outside to require the
headlamps and/or other exterior lamps.
HIGH TIRE PRESSURE:To acknowledge the warning,
press the RESET button. After you press the RESET
button, a message will reappear every 10 minutes
until this condition changes. This message indicates
that the pressure in one of your tires is higher than
42 psi (290 kPa). Next to the HIGH TIRE PRESSURE
message, you can see either LEFT FRONT, RIGHT
FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate to
you which tire is higher than 42 psi (290 kPa).You can receive more than one tire pressure message
at a time. To read other messages that may have
been sent at the same time, press the RESET button.
If a tire pressure message appears on the DIC, stop
as soon as you can. Have the tire pressures checked
and set to those shown on your Tire Loading Information
Label. SeeExtended Mobility Tires on page 5-62and
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 5-64.
HOT ENGINE AIR CONDITIONING OFF:This message
displays when the engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature. To avoid added strain
on a hot engine, the air conditioning compressor is
automatically turned off. When the coolant temperature
returns to normal, the A/C operation will automatically
resume. You can continue to drive your vehicle. If this
message continues to appear, have the system repaired
by your GM dealer as soon as possible to avoid
compressor damage.
ICE POSSIBLE:This message displays when the
outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy road
conditions.
LOW FUEL:This message displays when the fuel tank
is less than 10 percent full and the display is turned
off. A multiple chime will also sound when this message
is displayed. SeeFuel Gage on page 3-47.
3-57

LOW OIL PRESSURE:If this message appears while
the engine is running, stop the engine and do not
operate it until the cause of low oil pressure is corrected.
Severe damage to the engine can result. A multiple
chime will sound when this message is displayed. See
Engine Oil on page 5-16.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE:You will hear multiple chimes
and the tire pressure light on the instrument panel
cluster will come on when this message is displayed.
SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-42. To acknowledge
the warning, press the RESET button. After you
press the RESET button, a message will appear every
10 minutes until this condition changes. This message
indicates that the pressure in one of your tires is
less than 24 psi (164 kPa). Next to the LOW TIRE
PRESSURE message, you can see either LEFT
FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR
to indicate to you which tire is low on pressure. You
can receive more than one tire pressure message at a
time. To read other messages that may have been
sent at the same time, press the RESET button. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon
as you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on your Tire Loading Information Label.
SeeExtended Mobility Tires on page 5-62andTire
Pressure Monitor System on page 5-67.
{CAUTION:
When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT
message is displayed on the Driver Information
Center, your vehicle’s handling capabilities will
be reduced during severe maneuvers. The
active handling system will be affected. See
Active Handling System on page 4-10.Ifyou
drive too fast, you could lose control of your
vehicle. You or others could be injured. Do not
drive over 55 mph (90 km/h) when the LOW
TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT message is
displayed. Drive cautiously and check your tire
pressures as soon as you can.
MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h):To
acknowledge the warning, press the RESET button.
After you press the RESET button, a message will
reappear every 10 minutes until this condition changes.
This message indicates that a malfunction is present
in the Selective Ride Control system. The vehicle speed
will be limited to a value determined by the vehicle
when the shock absorber system has failed and
the shocks are in their full soft mode. Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.
3-58

NO FOB - OFF OR RUN?:When this message
displays, it means that the keyless access transmitter
is not detected inside the vehicle while you are trying
to turn the ignition off. Your vehicle may be near a strong
radio antenna signal causing the keyless access
system to be jammed. The vehicle will remain in
ACCESSORY until OFF or START has been pressed
or ve minutes has expired. If you turn the ignition
off and you cannot nd the keyless access transmitter,
you will not be able to restart the vehicle. The keyless
access transmitter needs to be inside of the vehicle
in order for the vehicle to start. SeeStarting the Engine
on page 2-23for more information.
OPTIONS UNAVAILABLE:This message is displayed
for a few seconds if a keyless access transmitter
that is not labelled 1 or 2 is used and you try to
personalize the features on your vehicle by pressing
the OPTION button. The personalization system will
not recognize the transmitter and the DIC will not display
the current driver number or the menus used to set
personalizations. The personalization features will
then be set to the default states. SeeDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-68for more information.
PRESS BRAKE TO START ENGINE (Automatic
Transmission Only):This message is displayed if you
try to start the engine by pressing the keyless ignition
start button without having the brake pressed. The brake
needs to be pressed when starting the engine. See
Ignition Positions on page 2-22for more information.REDUCED ENGINE POWER:You will hear multiple
chimes when this message is displayed. To acknowledge
that you have read the message and to remove it from
the display, press the RESET button. The message will
reappear every ve minutes until this condition changes.
If the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message and the CHECK
ENGINE light comes on, a noticeable reduction in the
vehicle’s performance may occur. If the REDUCED
ENGINE POWER message is displayed but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed to your destination.
The performance may be reduced the next time the
vehicle is driven.
The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while
the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime the
CHECK ENGINE light stays on, the vehicle should be
taken to your GM dealer as soon as possible for
diagnosis and repair.
Also, seeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-42.Ifthe
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed in
combination with the COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE
message, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-32.
3-60

SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM:If the
SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM message is
displayed, there is a problem with your Active Handling
System and your vehicle needs service. See your
GM dealer. The instrument cluster light will also be
on and a chime will sound. When this message
is displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your
driving accordingly. SeeActive Handling System
on page 4-10for more information.
SERVICE AIR CONDITIONING:This message
displays when the electronic sensors that control the
air conditioning and heating systems are no longer
working. Have the climate control system serviced by
your GM dealer if you notice a drop in heating and
air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES:If the SERVICE
ANTILOCK BRAKES message is displayed when you
are driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the
ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the
system. If the message stays on, or comes back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle is in need
of service. See your GM dealer. If the anti-lock
brake system warning light is on and the regular brake
system warning light is not on, you still have brakes,
but do not have anti-lock brakes. If the regular
brake system light is also on, you do not have anti-lock
brakes and there is a problem with your brakes. See
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light on page 3-39
andBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38.If the SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES message is being
displayed, your Traction Control System and the
Active Handling System will also be disabled. The Driver
Information Center will scroll three messages: SERVICE
ANTILOCK BRAKES, SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM,
and SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING, and the instrument
cluster lights will be illuminated along with a chime.
The driver can acknowledge these messages by
pressing the RESET button. When the service message
is displayed the computer controlled systems will not
assist the driver and you should have the system
repaired by your GM dealer as soon as possible.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM:Press the RESET
button to acknowledge that you have read the message
and to remove it from the display. The message will
reappear every 10 minutes until this condition changes.
You will hear multiple chimes when this message is
displayed.
If this message comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the electrical charging system.
It could indicate that you have a loose or broken drive
belt or another electrical problem. Have it checked
right away by your GM dealer. Driving while this warning
message is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the message on,
be certain to turn off your accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
3-61

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Under certain weather or operating conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal, or other noise may
be heard with your performance braking system.
This brake system is designed for superior fade
resistance and consistent operation using high
performance brake pads. Brake noise is normal and
does not affect system performance.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
an advanced electronic braking system that will
help prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You may hear a momentary motor
or clicking noise while this test is going on, and you
may even notice that your brake pedal moves a
little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-39.
4-7

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with
your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
4-31