2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE maintenance

How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filters (7.0L V8 Engine)
To inspect the air cleaner/lters, remove the lters from
the vehicle and lightly shake the lters to release loose
dust and dirt. If the lters remain caked with dirt, new
lters are required.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/lters,
do the following:
1. Remove the screws holding the lter element
in place.
2. Pull on latches found on either side of the lter.3. Inspect or replace the lter. SeeNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-14.
4. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to replace the air
cleaner/lter cover.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps
to stop ames if the engine backres. If it is
not there and the engine backres, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/lter in place when you are driving.
5-27

When to Check and What to Use
The hydraulic clutch uid
reservoir cap has this
symbol on it. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the uid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper uid to use.
SeeOwner Checks and Services on page 6-8and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Make sure the uid level is at the MIN (Minimum) line on
the side of the reservoir. If it is not, remove the cap and
add the proper uid until the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, 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 5-32.
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 the rst maintenance
service after each 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.
5-29

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level
in the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the brake
uid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the uid
level goes back up. The other reason is that uid is
leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have
your brake system xed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your brakes will not work well, or will not
work at all.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake uid.
Adding brake uid will not correct a leak. If you add uid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much uid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can spill on
the engine. The uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See “Checking Brake Fluid”
in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check your brake uid. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
5-42

Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery. When it
is time for a new battery, get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original battery’s
label. We recommend an ACDelco
®replacement
battery.
For battery replacement, see your dealer or the service
manual. To purchase a service manual, seeService
and Owner PublicationsinService Publications Ordering
Information on page 7-14.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you are not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (−) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
are not careful. SeeJump Starting on page 5-46
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
5-45

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
and cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type and
length, seeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 6-14.
It is a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade
assembly every six months.
Allowing the wiper blade arm to touch the windshield
when no wiper blade is installed could damage the
windshield. Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not allow the wiper blade
arm to touch the windshield.
To remove the wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Open the hood to gain access to the windshield
wipers.
2. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.A. Blade Assembly
B. Arm Assembly
C. Locking TabD. Blade Pivot
E. Hook Slot
F. Arm Hook
3. Press down on the blade assembly pivot locking
tab (C). Pull down on the blade assembly (A) to
release it from the wiper arm hook (F).
4. Remove the insert from the blade assembly (A).
The insert has two notches at one end that are
locked by the bottom claws of the blade assembly.
At the notch end, pull the insert from the blade
assembly.
5-55

Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) on your
vehicle, uses radio and sensor technology to check tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted on each tire and
wheel assembly, transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle. The TPMS sensors
transmit tire pressure readings once every 60 seconds
while the vehicle is being driven and once every
60 minutes when the vehicle is stationary for more than
15 minutes. Using the Driver Information Center (DIC),
tire pressure levels can be viewed by the driver. The
TPMS also uses the DIC to warn the driver when air
pressure, in one or more of the tires, falls below 24 psi
(164 kPa) or is above 42 psi (290 kPa). For additional
information and details about the DIC operation and
displays seeDIC Controls and Displays on page 3-48
andDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-53.
A low tire pressure warning light also appears on the
instrument panel cluster when a low tire condition exists.
The low tire pressure warning light will be shown each
time the engine is started and stays on until the low tire
condition is corrected.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inated to the ination
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire ination pressure label.(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire ination pressure
label, you should determine the proper ination pressure
for those tires.)
As an added safety
feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that
illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is
signicantly under-inated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a signicantly under-inated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-ination also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
5-67

The Tire and Loading Information Label (tire information
placard) is attached to the vehicle’s b-pillar. This label
shows the size of your vehicle’s original tires and the
correct ination pressure for your vehicle’s tires when
they are cold. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can alert you about a low or high
tire pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64
andWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-69.
The SERVICE TIRE MONITOR message, in the DIC,
is displayed when the TPMS is malfunctioning.
For example, one or more TPMS sensors may be
inoperable or missing. Also, the active handling system
will be affected, seeActive Handling System on
page 4-10. See your dealer for service.
TPMS Sensor Identication Codes
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identication code.
Any time you replace one or more of the TPMS sensors,
the identication codes will need to be matched to the
new tire/wheel position. The sensors are matched, to the
tire/wheel positions, in the following order: driver’s
side front tire, passenger’s side front tire, passenger’s
side rear tire, and driver’s side rear tire using a
TPMS diagnostic tool. See your GM dealer for service.
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry and Science
Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates on
a radio frequency and complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates
on a radio frequency and complies with RSS-210
of Industry and Science Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
5-68

Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the
nish should be repaired right away.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of nish damage can be corrected
in your dealer’s body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can develop on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, oor pan,
and exhaust system even though they have corrosion
protection.
At least every spring, ush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of
the frame should be loosened before being ushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can
do this for you.
Fiberglass Springs
Notice:If you use acidic or corrosive cleaning
products, engine degreasers or aluminum cleaning
agents on berglass springs, you may damage
the springs. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Use only approved cleaners
when cleaning your vehicle’s berglass springs.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on the vehicle. This damage can
take two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped discolorations,
and small, irregular dark spots etched into the
paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, GM will
repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs rst.
5-90