2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE warning light

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

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

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.........................5-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-20
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-26
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-28
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-30
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-31
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-31
Cooling System (Engine)................................5-32
Cooling System (Intercooler)...........................5-33Engine Coolant.............................................5-34
Engine Overheating.......................................5-39
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-41
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-42
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-43
Brakes........................................................5-44
Battery........................................................5-50
Jump Starting...............................................5-51
Rear Axle.......................................................5-55
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-56
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-56
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-56
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-57
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-57
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-59
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-59
Windshield Replacement.................................5-60
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-60
Tires..............................................................5-62
Winter Tires.................................................5-63
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-64
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-66
Run-Flat Tires..............................................5-69
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overll the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have nished
pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel
from painted surfaces as soon as possible.
SeeWashing Your Vehicle on page 5-95.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it
clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-42.
The CHECK GAS CAP message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) if the fuel cap is not properly
installed. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-54for more information.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the station
attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer/retailer can get one
for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not t
properly. This may cause the malfunction indicator
lamp to light and may damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-42.
5-11

If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” next in this section.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets the vehicle
be driven to a safe place, up to 50 miles (80 km),
in an emergency situation. If an overheated engine
condition exists and the messages COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE and REDUCED ENGINE POWER
are displayed, along with the check engine light, an
overheat protection mode which alternates ring groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
there is a signicant loss in power and engine
performance.
Driving extended distances in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-20.
5-41