2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE service

To locate the nearest GM or run-at servicing facility, call
Roadside Assistance. For phone numbers and Roadside
Service details seeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-7.
{CAUTION:
Run-at tires are constructed differently than other
tires and could explode during improper service.
You or others could be injured or killed if you
attempt to repair, replace, dismount, or mount a
run-at tire. Let only an authorized run-at service
center repair, replace, dismount, and mount run-at
tires.
The valve stems on your run-at tires have sensors that
are part of the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-73.
These sensors contain batteries which are designed
to last for 10 years under normal driving conditions.
See your dealer/retailer if you ever need to have a wheel
replaced, or if the sensors ever need replacement.
Notice:Using liquid sealants can damage the tire
valves and tire pressure monitor sensors in the
vehicle’s run-at tires. This damage would not be
covered by warranty. Do not use liquid sealants
in the vehicle’s run-at tires.
Ination - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to
operate effectively.
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you that
under-ination or over-ination is all right.
It is not. If your tires do not have enough air
(under-ination), you can get the following:
Too much exing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Premature or irregular wear
Poor handling
Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over-ination),
you can get the following:
Unusual wear
Poor handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards
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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 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.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS
sensors are mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly
on your vehicle. The TPMS sensors monitor the air
pressure in the vehicle’s tires and transmits the tire
pressure readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the low
tire pressure warning light,
located in the instrument
panel cluster.
At the same time a message to check the pressure in
a specic tire appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message appear at each ignition cycle until
the tires are inated to the correct ination pressure.
Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can be viewed by
the driver. For additional information and details about
the DIC operation and displays seeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-49andDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-54.
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Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those recommended for your
vehicle could prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-78.
Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or
signal a low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer for
service if the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message
comes on and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identication code.
Any time you replace one or more of the TPMS sensors
or rotate your vehicle’s tires, 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 side front tire, passenger side
front tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear tire
using a TPMS diagnostic tool. See your dealer/retailer for
service.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle’s tires for signs of wear or damage Also
check for damaged wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time for
New Tires on page 5-77andWheel Replacement
on page 5-82.
The tires on your vehicle are different sizes front
to rear. Due to this, the tires should not be rotated.
Each tire and wheel should be used only in the
position it is in.
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Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
The following information relates to the
system developed by the United States National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
which grades tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters
of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.While the tires available on General Motors
passenger cars and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they must also conform
to federal safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specied
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half (1.5)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signicantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
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If you ever use a jack to lift your vehicle, follow the
instructions that came with the jack, and be sure to
use the correct lifting points to avoid damaging
your vehicle.
Notice:Lifting your vehicle improperly can damage
your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by your warranty. To lift your vehicle properly, follow
the advice in this part.
To help prevent vehicle damage:
Be sure to place a block or pad between the
jack and the vehicle.
Make sure the jack you are using spans at least
two crossmember ribs.
Lift only in the areas shown in the following
pictures.
For additional information, see your dealer/retailer
and the Chevrolet Corvette service manual.
Lifting From the Front
The front lifting points can be accessed from either side
of your vehicle, behind the front tires.
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3. Lift the vehicle with the jack, making sure the jack
spans at least two of the crossmember ribs (B).
For more information, seeDoing Your Own Service
Work on page 5-5.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while you are driving,
especially if you maintain the tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out slowly.
SeeTires on page 5-62for additional information. But if
you should ever have a blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire creates a drag that pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake
to a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you would use
in a skid. In any rear blowout remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
The vehicle has no spare tire, no tire changing
equipment, and no place to store a tire.
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The vehicle, when new, had run-at tires. This type of
tire can operate effectively with no air pressure, so you
will not need to stop on the side of the road to change a
at tire. You can just keep on driving. The shorter the
distance you drive and the slower the speed, the greater
the chance that the run-at tire will not have to be
replaced. Run-at tires perform so well without any air
that a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is used to
alert you if a tire has lost pressure. SeeRun-Flat Tires
on page 5-69andTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-73.
{CAUTION:
Special tools and procedures are required to
service a run-at tire. If these special tools and
procedures are not used you or others could be
injured and the vehicle could be damaged. Always
be sure the proper tools and procedures, as
described in the service manual, are used.
To order a service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-15.
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
The vehicle’s interior will continue to look its best if it
is cleaned often. Although not always visible, dust and
dirt can accumulate on the upholstery. Dirt can damage
carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces. Regular
vacuuming is recommended to remove particles from
the upholstery. It is important to keep the upholstery from
becoming and remaining heavily soiled. Soils should be
removed as quickly as possible. The vehicle’s interior
may experience extremes of heat that could cause
stains to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent
cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to home furnishings may also transfer
color to the vehicle’s interior.
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Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
This is the legal identier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver side. It can be seen through the windshield
from outside the vehicle. The VIN also appears on
the Vehicle Certication and Service Parts labels
and the certicates of title and registration.
Engine Identication
The eighth character in the VIN is the engine code. This
code helps identify the vehicle’s engine, specications,
and replacement parts. See “Engine Specications”
underCapacities and Specifications on page 5-110
for your vehicle’s engine code.
Service Parts Identication Label
This label is on the inside of the glove box.
It is very helpful if you ever need to order parts.
The label has the following information:
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
Model designation
Paint information
Production options and special equipment
Do not remove this label from the vehicle.
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