2008 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coolant temperature

CRUISE DISENGAGED
This message displays briey when you disengage the
cruise control system by stepping on the brake on
an automatic transmission vehicle or the clutch on a
manual transmission vehicle, or by turning off the cruise
control switch. SeeCruise Control on page 3-11for
more information.
ENGINE DRAG CONTROL ACTIVE
This message displays when engine drag control is
active. When driving in a lower gear in rainy, snowy, or
icy conditions and then letting up on the accelerator
or downshifting, the rear wheels may begin to slip and
this message displays. This message stays on for a
few seconds following the engine drag control event.
ENGINE OVERHEATED – STOP ENGINE
This message displays and a continuous chime sounds
when the engine has overheated. Stop and turn the
engine off immediately to avoid severe engine damage.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-31.
ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE
ENGINE RPM
This message displays if the engine oil temperature
exceeds 320°F (160°C). Check the engine coolant
temperature and engine oil level. If the engine is
too hot, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-31.
Your vehicle may need service, so see your
dealer/retailer.
You can monitor the oil temperature with the gages
button on the DIC. SeeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-52.
Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.
This message remains displayed and active until the
issue is resolved.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
This message displays if it is dark enough outside and
the headlamps and the Twilight Sentinel®controls
are off. 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.
3-62

HIGH TIRE PRESSURE
This message displays when one or more of the tires is
over-inated. This message also displays LEFT FRONT,
RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to
indicate which tire is affected. 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 the
Tire Loading Information label. SeeRun-Flat Tires
on page 5-64,Loading the Vehicle on page 4-24,
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-66, andTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-68. The DIC also shows
the tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-52.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
A message reappears every 10 minutes until the
condition is corrected.
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 automatically resumes. You can continue
to drive your vehicle. If this message continues to
appear, have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer
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. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when the fuel tank is less than
10 percent full and the display is turned off. A multiple
chime also sounds when this message is displayed.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage
on page 3-50.
LOW OIL PRESSURE
This message displays if low oil pressure levels occur.
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 sounds when this
message is displayed. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
3-63

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every ve minutes until this
condition changes.
If the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is
displayed in combination with the COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE message, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-31.
SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a problem with the
Active Handling System and your vehicle needs service.
The active handling system light on the instrument
panel cluster also turns on and a chime sounds.
See your dealer/retailer. When this message is
displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeActive Handling System on page 4-7
for 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 dealer/retailer if you notice a drop in
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES
If this message displays while 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 dealer/retailer.
If the antilock brake system (ABS) warning light is on and
the regular brake system warning light is not on, you still
have brakes, but do not have ABS. If the regular brake
system warning light is also on, you do not have ABS and
there is a problem with the brakes. SeeAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on page 3-42andBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-41.
If this message is displayed, the Traction Control
System (TCS) and the Active Handling System will also
be disabled. The DIC will scroll three messages:
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES, SERVICE TRACTION
SYSTEM, and SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING, and
the instrument panel cluster lights will come on along
with a chime. When the service message is displayed,
the computer controlled systems will not assist the
driver. Have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.
To acknowledge these messages, press the RESET
button.
3-67

TRACTION SYSTEM – ON
This message displays and a single, quick tone sounds
when the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned
on by pressing the Active Handling System button on
the console. This message automatically clears from the
DIC display on its own. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-6for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
This message displays and four chimes sound if the
transmission uid temperature rises above 270°F
(132°C) or rises rapidly. The transmission may shift
gears or apply the torque converter clutch to reduce the
uid temperature. Driving aggressively or driving on
long hills can cause the transmission uid temperature
to be higher than normal. If this message appears,
you may continue to drive at a slower speed. Monitor
the transmission uid temperature and allow it to cool
to at least 230°F (110°C). The transmission uid
temperature can be monitored with the gages button on
the DIC. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-52
andAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-27.
Also check the engine coolant temperature. If it is also
hot, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-31.
If this message is displayed during normal vehicle
operation on at roads, your vehicle may need service.
See your dealer/retailer for an inspection.If driving in a performance or competitive manner,
the use of (S) Sport Automatic Mode or (S) Sport
Manual Paddle Shift gear selection is recommended.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-26
for more information.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every 10 minutes until this
condition changes. If you do not press the RESET
button, the message remains on the display until the
condition changes.TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn
signal is left on for three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km).
Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the off
position.
To acknowledge this message, press the RESET
button.
UNLATCH HEADER TO MOVE TOP
This message displays and a chime sounds if you try to
lower the convertible top without rst unlocking the
top. Move the latch handle to unlock the convertible top.
SeeConvertible Top (Manual) on page 2-62or
Convertible Top (Power) on page 2-68.
3-73

When to Check and What to Use
The hydraulic clutch uid
reservoir cap has this
symbol on it. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-14for reservoir
location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for the proper uid
to use. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12. The uid requires changing every
two years. SeeAdditional Required Services on
page 6-6.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the clutch uid reservoir to make sure
the uid level is at the MIN (Minimum) line on the side of
the reservoir. The hydraulic clutch uid system should
be kept closed and sealed. Do not remove the cap
to check the uid level or to top-off the uid level.
Remove the cap only when necessary to 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 5-31.
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
®can
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 the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in the vehicle.
5-28

Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-14for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd an engine coolant temperature gage on the
instrument panel cluster and a COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-44andDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-57for more information.
5-31

If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues and you are not stopped, pull
over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine
for three minutes while you are parked. If you still
have the warning, turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see
“Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” later in
this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
messages COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE and
REDUCED ENGINE POWER are displayed, along with
the Check Engine light, an overheat protection mode
which alternates ring groups of cylinders helps prevent
engine damage. In this mode, you will notice a loss
in power and engine performance. This operating mode
allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency; you may drive up to 50 miles (80 km).
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-17.
5-33

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a uid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-14for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts of
the washer system. Also, water does not clean as
well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
5-41