2008 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ignition

Here are ve things that some owners ask about.
All these things are normal and do not indicate that
anything is wrong with the fuel gage.
At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before
the gage reads the full symbol.
It takes more (or less) fuel to ll up than the gage
reads. For example, the gage reads half full,
but it took more (or less) than half of the tank’s
capacity to t it.
The gage pointer may move while cornering,
braking or speeding up.
The gage may not indicate the tank is empty when
the ignition is turned off.
The gage reading may change slightly within the
rst several minutes after starting the vehicle.
SeeDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-52for more
information.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) gives you the
status of many of your vehicle’s systems. It is also
used to display driver personalization features and
warning/status messages. The DIC display is located on
the instrument panel cluster below the speedometer
and tachometer, directly above the steering column.
The DIC buttons are located on the instrument panel,
to the right of the instrument panel cluster.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is turned on. After
displaying CORVETTE BY CHEVROLET, the DIC
will display the current driver and the information that
was last displayed before the engine was turned off.
If a problem is detected, a warning message will appear
on the DIC display. Be sure to take any message that
appears on the display seriously and remember that
clearing the message will only make the message
disappear, not correct the problem.
If your vehicle has the Head-Up Display (HUD) and you
use the Manual Paddle Shift feature, the gear will
display in the HUD, except if your vehicle has the
Navigation system and the HUD is displaying
turn-by-turn guidance information. If the HUD is
displaying turn-by-turn guidance information, the gear
instead displays in the DIC. See “Manual Paddle
Shift” underAutomatic Transmission Operation on
page 2-26and “Head-Up Display (HUD)” in the index of
the Navigation system manual for more information.
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Both of the trip odometers can be used simultaneously.
TRIP A could be used to track the distance to a
destination. TRIP B could be used to track maintenance
periods. The trip odometers can be reset by pressing
the RESET button on the DIC.
There is also a miles since last ignition feature that
displays the number of miles (kilometers) driven since
you last started the vehicle. Press and hold the
RESET button for three seconds, then release it.
The miles (kilometers) since the last ignition cycle will
be set into the trip odometer.
Elapsed Timer:Press the TRIP button until ELAPSED
TIMER is displayed, such as ELAPSED TIMER .00.
When the ignition is in on, the DIC can be used as a
stopwatch. The display can show hours, minutes and
seconds. The elapsed time indicator will record up to
23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds, then it will reset to
zero and continue counting. The display appears as
ELAPSED TIMER .00 in the elapsed time function.
You can start or stop the elapsed time by pressing the
RESET button. To reset the elapsed time to zero,
press the RESET button for three seconds while the
timer is displayed.Pressing and holding the RESET button for at least
10 seconds will reset the timer display to the time since
last ignition cycle.
Average Speed:Press the TRIP button until the
average speed is displayed, such as:
AVERAGE SPEED 62 MPH or
AVERAGE SPEED 100 km/h
Press and hold the RESET button to reset to
0.0 mph (km/h).
Engine Oil Life:Press the TRIP button until the engine
oil life is displayed, such as OIL LIFE REMAINING 89%.
This is an estimate of the engine oil’s remaining
useful life. It will show 100% when the system is reset
after an oil change. It will alert you to change the oil
on a schedule consistent with your driving conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the system will
alert you with the message CHANGE ENGINE OIL.
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The Active Handling System performance is affected
until the next message ACTIVE HANDLING READY is
displayed in the DIC. SeeActive Handling System
on page 4-7for more information.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
ATTACH TRUNK PARTITION
If your vehicle has a power convertible top, this message
displays and a chime sounds if the trunk partition is
not in place. Open the hatch/trunk and make sure the
trunk partition is secure and no objects are on the trunk
partition. SeeRear Storage Area on page 2-54for
more information.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the vehicle has detected
that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable
point. The battery saver system starts reducing certain
features of the vehicle that you may be able to notice.
At the point that features are disabled, this message is
displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to save
the charge in the battery. Turn off unnecessary
accessories to allow the battery to recharge.
BUCKLE PASSENGER
This message reminds you to buckle the passenger’s
safety belt.
This message displays and a chime sounds when the
ignition is on, the driver’s safety belt is buckled, the
passenger’s safety belt is unbuckled with the passenger
airbag enabled, and the vehicle is in motion. You should
have the passenger buckle their safety belt.
The reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on,
the vehicle is in motion, the driver is buckled and the
passenger is still unbuckled, and the passenger airbag
is enabled. If the passenger’s safety belt is already
buckled, this message and chime will not come on.
BUCKLE SEATBELT
This message reminds you to buckle the driver’s
safety belt.
This message displays and a chime sounds when the
ignition is on, the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled,
and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle your
safety belt.
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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 safety 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 Reminders on page 3-36for more
information.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message displays 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” underDIC Operation
and Displays on page 3-52. Also, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-17andEngine Oil Life System on page 5-23for
more information.
CHECK BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, a chime sounds, and the brake
system warning light on the instrument panel cluster
turns on if the ignition is on to inform the driver that the
brake uid level is low. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-41. Have the brake system serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeBrakes
on page 5-42.
CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
This message displays when the engine coolant level
is low. Have the cooling system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-28.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Check the fuel cap to make sure that it is
on properly. Once tightened, it takes at least one
overnight park to reset or clear this message. If both the
CHECK GAS CAP message and the malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument panel cluster are on,
you may need to see your dealer/retailer for service.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-45for more
information.
CHECK OIL LEVEL
On some vehicles, this message displays and two
chimes sound if the oil level in the vehicle is low.
Once the vehicle senses a change in the engine oil
level, the light remains off.
If this message appears after starting the engine,
the engine oil level may be too low. You may need to
add oil. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-31.
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NO FOB - OFF OR RUN?
This message displays when 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 the vehicle is turned off
or is restarted, 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 displays 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 3-75for more
information.
PRESS BRAKE TO START ENGINE
(Automatic Transmission Only)
This message displays 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. SeeIgnition Positions
on page 2-22for more information.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
If this message displays 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 dealer/retailer as soon as possible for
diagnosis and repair. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-45for more information.
Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.
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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.
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SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM
If this message displays while you are driving, there
may be a problem with the electrical charging system.
It could mean that there is a loose or broken drive belt or
that there is another electrical problem. Have your
vehicle checked right away by your dealer/retailer.
Driving while this message is on could drain the battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the message
on, be certain to turn off the vehicle’s accessories, such
as the radio and air conditioner.
Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET
button. The message reappears every 10 minutes until
this condition changes.
SERVICE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This message displays if an electrical problem has
occurred within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM
This message displays if the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) has detected a problem within the fuel system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
This message also displays when the cluster is
not getting fuel information from the PCM.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
This message displays when the Selective Ride Control
system has detected a malfunction and the system
must be serviced. See your dealer/retailer. If a fault is
present in the Selective Ride Control system which
causes the shocks to be in their full soft condition,
the messages SERVICE RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS
INOPERATIVE, and MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH
(129 km/h) will display together. SeeSelective Ride
Control on page 4-10for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-44. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-70for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
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SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
If this message displays when you are driving, there is a
problem with the Traction Control System (TCS) and
your vehicle is in need of service. See your
dealer/retailer. When this message is displayed, the
system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
The traction control system (TCS) warning light on the
instrument panel cluster will also turn on and a
chime will sound.
When this message is displayed, the computer
controlled systems will not assist the driver in controlling
the vehicle. Have the system repaired by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6for more information.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with the
transmission. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays and a chime sounds when there
may be an electrical or another system problem with
your vehicle. Have your vehicle checked by your
dealer/retailer if this message keeps appearing.
SET PARK BRAKE FOR SEAT RECALL
If your vehicle has a manual transmission, this
message displays if you try to recall the memory
positions when the ignition is on and the parking brake
is not set. If the vehicle is on, you must set the
parking brake in order for the memory positions to
recall. SeeMemory Seat, Mirrors and Steering Wheel
on page 1-4for more information.
SET PARK BRAKE TO MOVE TOP
If your vehicle has a manual transmission, this message
displays and a chime sounds if you try to operate the
power convertible top without rst setting the parking
brake. Set the parking brake before trying to operate the
power convertible top. SeeConvertible Top (Manual)
on page 2-62orConvertible Top (Power) on page 2-68
for more information.
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