2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE brake light

TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING – OFF
This message displays, the instrument panel cluster
light turns on, and a sound will be heard when the
Traction Control System (TCS) and Active Handling
System are turned off by pressing the Active Handling
System button on the console for ve seconds.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) remains on with the
TCS and Active Handling System off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6andActive Handling System on page 4-8for
more information.
To acknowledge this message, press the RESET button.
TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING – ON
If the Traction Control System (TCS) and Active
Handling System are off, this message displays briey,
the instrument panel cluster light turns off, and a
sound will be heard when the TCS and Active Handling
System are turned on by briey pressing the Active
Handling System button on the console. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-6andActive Handling
System on page 4-8for more information.
TRACTION SYSTEM – OFF
This message displays and stays on, a sound will be
heard, and the traction control system (TCS) warning
light on the instrument panel cluster turns on when
the TCS is turned off by pressing the Active Handling
System button on the console. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-40. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-6for more information.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
TRACTION SYSTEM – ON
This message displays and a sound will be heard 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
3-68

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
the vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic.This is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to
cool between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster with a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with
the traffic and allowing realistic following distances
eliminates a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being
driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.
If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, there will still be some
power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is
applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take
longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Under certain weather or operating conditions, occasional
brake squeak, squeal, or other noise might be heard with
the vehicle’s performance braking system. This brake
system is designed for superior fade resistance and
consistent operation using high performance brake pads.
Brake noise and brake dust are normal and do not affect
system performance.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
4-4

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-39.Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get
a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
4-5

Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work. A motor or clicking
noise might be heard and the brake pedal might be felt
to move a little during a stop, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the rear wheels are spinning too much or are
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the rear brakes and reduces engine power
(by closing the throttle and managing engine spark) to
limit wheel spin.The TRACTION SYSTEM ACTIVE message displays on
the Driver Information Center (DIC) when TCS is limiting
wheel spin. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-54. The system may be heard or felt while it is
working, but this is normal.
If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. Cruise control may be reengaged when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
The SERVICE TRACTION
SYSTEM message and
the TCS warning light will
come on if there is a
problem with TCS. See
DIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-54.
When this light and the SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
message are on, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
4-6

Active Handling System
The Active Handling System is a computer controlled
system that helps the driver maintain directional control
of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. This is
accomplished by selectively applying any one of the
vehicle’s brakes.
The ACTIVE HANDLING message will come on when the
system is operating. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-54for more information. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working. This is normal.
The SERVICE ACTIVE
HANDLING SYSTEM
message will be displayed,
the instrument cluster light
will come on, and a sound
will be heard if there is a
problem with the system.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54for
more information.When this light and the SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING
SYSTEM message are on, the system is not
operational. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The Active Handling System comes on automatically
whenever the vehicle is started. To help maintain
directional control of the vehicle, the system should
always be left on. The system can be turned off needed.
If the Active Handling System is turned off, the Traction
Control System will also be turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
To turn the system off,
press the ACTIVE
HANDLING button on the
console for ve seconds.
The system can be
turned back on at any time
by pressing the button.
The DIC will display
the appropriate message
when the button is pushed.
4-8

If the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system detects a at
tire and the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays
TIRE FLAT, or if the TPM system is malfunctioning and
the DIC displays SERVICE TIRE MONITOR, the
Active Handling System will be affected as follows:
The Active Handling System cannot be turned off by
the driver.
If the Active Handling System is off, it will be turned
on automatically.
Competitive Driving Mode is unavailable.
The Active Handling System will feel different in
aiding and maintaining directional control.
Competitive Driving Mode
The driver can select this optional handling mode by
pressing the ACTIVE HANDLING button on the console
quickly two times. COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE will
be displayed in the DIC. Competitive Driving Mode allows
the driver to have full control of the rear wheels while the
Active Handling System helps maintain directional control
of the vehicle by selective brake application. This involves
less intervention than with both the Active Handling
System and Traction Control Systems on. The Traction
Control System will not be operating. Adjust your driving
accordingly.This light will be on when
the vehicle is in the
Competitive Driving Mode.
When the ACTIVE HANDLING button is pressed
again, the Active Handling and Traction Control Systems
will be on. The TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING-ON message will be displayed briey in the
DIC and a chime will be heard.
Notice:When traction control is turned off, or
Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to
lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the drive
wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible
to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt
to shift when the drive wheels do not have traction.
Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered. See the warranty book for additional
information.
4-9

Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a
road onto the shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer
so that the vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
Turn the steering wheel 3 to 5 inches, 8 to 13 cm, (about
one-eighth turn) until the right front tire contacts the
pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be
dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads
for situations that might affect a successful pass.
If in doubt, wait.
Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your side
of the lane.
Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
When you are being passed, ease to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has
asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
4-13

Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving
because some drivers are likely to be impaired — by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light up
so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or
curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect
your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower
in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or owing
water.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause pulling
to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through owing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you and
other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not ignore
police warnings and be very cautious about trying to
drive through owing water.
4-16