2007 CHEVROLET CORVETTE oil level

The engine oil level must be checked when the
engine is warm. Cold oil level in the dry sump tank
may not indicate the actual amount of oil in the
system. With this system, engine oil is contained
in an external tank, separate from the engine.
Under normal operating conditions, the oil
pan under the engine does not store any oil.
If the vehicle has been parked for an extended
period without the engine being started, some
oil will seep back into the oil pan, reducing
the amount of oil held in the dry sump tank
and there could be no engine oil at all showing
on the dipstick. This is normal since the
dipstick is designed to read engine oil level
only after the engine has run long enough
to reach normal operating temperature.Do not add engine oil based on cold engine
dipstick readings. The engine oil level on the
dipstick will also be inaccurate if checked while
the engine is running.
1. To obtain an accurate engine oil level reading,
warm up the engine to at least 175°F (80°C).
Cold oil will not give a correct oil level reading.
2. Once the engine is warm, turn off the engine.
Checking the oil while the engine is running
will result in an incorrect oil level reading.
3. Wait at least ve minutes (but not more
than 20 minutes) to allow oil to drain and
settle in the engine.
4. Remove the dipstick from the external engine
oil tank and clean it with a lint-free paper
towel or a cloth. Re-insert the dipstick into
the external oil tank, pushing it all the way
in until it stops.
5. Remove the dipstick from the oil tank and
read the level on the cross-hatched area.
Oil levels that fall in the cross-hatched
area are normal.
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When to Add Engine Oil (Except Z06)
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the
tip of the dipstick, you need to add at least
one quart/liter of oil. But you must use the right
kind. This section explains what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, seeCapacities
and Specications on page 426.
SeeRacing or Other Competitive Driving on
page 292for additional information on engine oil.
Notice:Do not add too much oil. If the
engine has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched area that
shows the proper operating range, the
engine could be damaged.SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 330for
the location of the
engine oil ll cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating range.
Push the dipstick all the way back in when
you are through.
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When to Add Engine Oil (Z06 Only)
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the
tip of the dipstick, you need to add at least
one quart/liter of oil through the oil ll cap opening
in the oil tank. But you must use the right kind.
This section explains what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, seeCapacities
and Specications on page 426.
SeeRacing or Other Competitive Driving on
page 292for additional information on engine oil.
Notice:Do not add too much oil. If the
engine has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched area that
shows the proper operating range, the
engine could be damaged.SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 330for
the location of the
external engine oil
tank and ll cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating range.
Push the dipstick all the way back into the
oil tank when you are through.
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
(Z06 Only)
Z06 models have a racetrack-ready dry sump
engine lubrication system. This high-performance
system operates differently than a standard
engine lubrication system and requires a special
procedure when changing the engine oil and lter.
Follow this procedure closely when changing
the engine oil and lter.
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A. Engine Oil Drain Plug
B. Seal
1. Remove the two engine oil drain plugs
from the bottom of the engine oil pan.
One drain plug drains the external oil tank
via the oil transfer supply line. The other
drain plug drains residual oil from the
crankcase sump. Allow the oil to drain.2. Once the oil has been drained from the
engine, remove the engine oil lter and
allow the oil to drain.
3. Re-install both drain plugs and tighten them
to 18 lb ft (25
Y).
4. Replace the oil lter and tighten it to
18 lb ft (25
Y). SeeNormal Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 445for the
correct lter.
5. Oil is lled through the opening in the top
of the external engine oil tank. Remove the
oil ll cap.
6. Add eight quarts (7.6 L) of oil to the oil tank.
SeeCapacities and Specications on
page 426.
7. Install the oil ll cap and insert the dipstick,
if removed.
8. Start the engine and let it run at idle for at
least 15 seconds. This will circulate the
fresh engine oil through the lubrication system.
9. Shut off the engine and check the oil level
as described under “Checking Engine Oil
(Z06 Only).”
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Your vehicle’s engine is lled at the factory
with a Mobil 1®synthetic oil, which meets all
requirements for your vehicle.
Substitute Engine Oil: When adding oil to
maintain engine oil level, oil meeting GM
Standard GM4718M may not be available.
You can add substitute oil designated SAE 5W-30
with the starburst symbol at all temperatures.
Substitute oil not meeting GM Standard GM4718M
should not be used for an oil change.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM
Standard GM4718M are all you need for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer that lets you know
when to change your engine oil and lter.
This is based on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving
conditions, the mileage at which an oil change
will be indicated can vary considerably. For the
oil life system to work properly, you must reset
the system every time the oil is changed.
Z06 models are equipped with a racetrack-ready
dry sump engine lubrication system. This
high-performance system operates differently
than a standard engine lubrication system
and requires a special procedure when changing
the engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil
on page 333.
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When the system has calculated that oil life has
been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change
is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message
will come on. Change your oil as soon as possible
within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is
possible that, if you are driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system may not indicate
that an oil change is necessary for over a
year. However, your engine oil and lter must
be changed at least once a year and at this
time the system must be reset. Your dealer
has GM-trained service people who will perform
this work using genuine GM parts and reset
the system. It is also important to check your
oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you
must change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since your last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to
change your engine oil and lter based on vehicle
use. Anytime your oil is changed, reset the
system so it can calculate when the next oil
change is required. If a situation occurs where
you change your oil prior to a CHANGE ENGINE
OIL message being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message
after an oil change, do the following:
1. Press the TRIP button so the OIL LIFE
percentage is displayed.
2. Press RESET and hold for two seconds.
OIL LIFE REMAINING 100% will appear.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes
back on when you start your vehicle, the engine
oil life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
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Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood,
here is what you will see:
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fan
B. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the
hood can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a level surface.
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Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake uid without taking
off the cap. Look at the brake uid reservoir.
The uid level should be above the MIN mark on
the reservoir. If it is not, have the brake system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is between the MIN and
MAX marks.
What to Add
When you do need brake uid, use only DOT-3
brake uid. Refer toRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 443. Use new brake
uid from a sealed container only.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and
the area around the cap before removing it. This
will help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake
system, the brakes may not work well.
This could cause a crash. Always use the
proper brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake system can
damage brake system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced. Do not
let someone put in the wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint nish can
be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake
uid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately. SeeWashing Your Vehicle
on page 411.
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