2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE fuel

The Driver Information Center (DIC) has different modes
which can be accessed by pressing the following
buttons located on the instrument panel, to the right of
the instrument panel cluster.
.4(Fuel):Press this button to display fuel information
such as fuel economy and range.
2(Gages):Press this button to display gage
information like oil pressure and temperature, coolant
temperature, automatic transmission uid temperature,
if equipped, battery voltage, and front/rear tire pressures.TRIP:Press this button to display your total and trip
distance driven, the elapsed time function, your average
speed, and the engine oil life.
OPTION:Press this button to choose personal options
that are available on your vehicle, depending on the
options your vehicle is equipped with, such as door
locks, easy entry seats, and language.
RESET:Press this button, used along with the other
buttons, to reset system functions, select personal
options, and turn off or acknowledge messages on
the DIC.
FUEL Button
The fuel button displays average fuel economy and
instantaneous fuel economy, calculated for your specic
driving conditions, and range information.
Average Fuel Economy:The average fuel economy is
viewed as a long-term approximation of your overall
driving conditions. You should reset the average fuel
economy display every time you refuel. If you press the
RESET button in this mode while you are driving, the
system will reset this display and begin guring fuel
economy from that point in time.
Press the fuel button to display average fuel economy,
such as:
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY 20.1 MPG or
AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY 11.7 L/100 km
3-50

Instantaneous Fuel Economy:Instantaneous fuel
economy reects only the fuel economy that the vehicle
has right now and will change frequently as driving
conditions change. Unlike average fuel economy,
this menu item cannot be reset.
Press the fuel button again to display instantaneous
fuel economy, such as:
INSTANT FUEL ECONOMY 20.1 MPG or
INSTANT FUEL ECONOMY 11.7 L/100 km
Fuel Range:The range calculates the remaining
distance you can drive without refueling. It is based on
fuel economy and the fuel remaining in the tank.
Press the fuel button again to display the range,
such as:
RANGE 30 MI or
RANGE 48 km
If the LOW FUEL warning is displayed or if RANGE
is less than 40 miles (64 km), the display will read
RANGE LOW.
The fuel economy data used to determine fuel range is
an average of recent driving conditions. As your driving
conditions change, this data is gradually updated
automatically.If the vehicle has been idling for a long time, the range
displayed on the DIC could be abnormally low.
The vehicle must be driven 5–10 miles (8–16 km) to
get an accurate reading.
GAGES Button
The gages button displays oil pressure, oil temperature,
coolant temperature, transmission uid temperature
for automatic transmission vehicles only, battery voltage,
and tire pressure information.
Oil Pressure:This display shows the oil pressure.
Press the gages button to display the oil pressure,
such as:
OIL PRESSURE 40 PSI or
OIL PRESSURE 276 kPa
Oil Temperature:This display shows the oil
temperature.
Press the gages button again to display the oil
temperature, such as:
OIL TEMPERATURE 234°F or
OIL TEMPERATURE 112°C
If the oil temperature is low, the display will show OIL
TEMPERATURE LOW. If the oil temperature is high,
the display will show OIL TEMPERATURE HIGH.
3-51

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 5-34.
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 3-42for 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 5-39.
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 sound will be heard 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 2-59orConvertible Top (Power)
on page 2-66.
COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE
This message displays and a sound will be heard
when the Competitive Driving mode is selected.
The instrument panel cluster light will 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.
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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.
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 5-69,Loading the Vehicle on page 4-22,
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-70, andTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-73. The DIC also shows
the tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-49.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 the 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 sound will
be heard when this message is displayed. Rell the
fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage on
page 3-48.
3-59

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 the
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 the 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 the 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 3-42. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-74for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
If this message displays when you are driving, there is a
problem with the Traction Control System (TCS) and
the 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.
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Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............4-2
Driving for Better Fuel Economy.......................4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-6
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-6
Active Handling System...................................4-8
Limited-Slip Rear Axle...................................4-10
Selective Ride Control...................................4-10
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-13
Loss of Control.............................................4-13Racing or Other Competitive Driving................4-15
Driving at Night............................................4-16
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-17
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-18
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-18
Winter Driving..............................................4-19
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................4-21
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-22
Loading the Vehicle......................................4-22
Towing..........................................................4-28
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-28
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-28
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-28
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly inated.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively is to
wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are for
Everyone on page 1-8.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they
might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
4-2

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under
your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The
best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-62.
Turn off cruise control.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
4-17