2008 CHEVROLET CORVETTE overheating

Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
installation instructions included with the equipment.
We recommend that you see a qualied technician or
your dealer/retailer for the proper installation of your
equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
The ashtray and cigarette lighter are located on the
instrument panel, in front of the shift lever. To use the
ashtray, press on the indentation at the top of the door.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other ammable items
are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
Loose objects, such as paper clips, can lodge behind
and beneath the ashtray lid and prevent movement
of the lid. You should avoid putting small, loose objects
near the ashtray.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way and let
go. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from the
heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
3-25

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the shaded area,
your engine is too hot.
This means that your engine coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under
normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road,
stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon
as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-31for more
information.
Tire Pressure Light
This light comes on briey
when the engine is started.
This light also comes on when one or more of the tires
are signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-57for more
information.
Stop and check the tires as soon as it is safe to do so.
If underinated, inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 5-58for more information.
If a problem is detected with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System, this light ashes for approximately 60 seconds
and then stays on for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-68
for more information. United States
Canada
3-44

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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To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every 10 minutes until this
condition changes.
CLOSE TRUNK TO MOVE TOP
This message displays and a chime sounds if the trunk
is open while you are trying to operate the convertible
top. Make sure the trunk is closed before operating the
convertible top. SeeConvertible Top (Manual) on
page 2-62orConvertible Top (Power) on page 2-68.
COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE
This message displays and a short chime sounds
when the Competitive Driving mode is selected.
The instrument panel cluster light will not be on
when the Competitive Driving mode is selected.
The Traction Control System (TCS) will not be operating
while in the Competitive Driving mode. Adjust your
driving accordingly. SeeRacing or Other Competitive
Driving on page 4-15for more information.
COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE
This message displays and a chime sounds if the engine
coolant exceeds 255°F (124°C). If you have been
operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions,
pull off the road, stop your vehicle, and turn off the
engine as soon as possible.
You can monitor the coolant temperature with the gages
button on the DIC or the engine coolant temperature
gage on the instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-31,DIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-52, andEngine Coolant Temperature Gage
on page 3-44.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears and a chime sounds every
minute until this condition changes. If you do not press
the RESET button, the message remains on until the
condition changes.
3-61

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

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

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-17
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-23
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-25
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-27
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-27
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-27
Engine Coolant.............................................5-28
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-31Engine Overheating.......................................5-31
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-33
Cooling System............................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-41
Brakes........................................................5-42
Battery........................................................5-45
Jump Starting...............................................5-46
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-51
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-52
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-52
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-55
Windshield Replacement.................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-58
Winter Tires.................................................5-59
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-60
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-62
Run-Flat Tires..............................................5-64
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1