2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Owners Manual

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

Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
uid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid:
1. Turn the ignition off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level on
the dipstick. There are markings on both sides of
the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough uid to bring the level
up to the mark.
When the engine
compartment is hot,
the level should be at
the HOT mark. When the
engine compartment is
cool, the level should be
at the FULL COLD mark.
5-42

What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage the
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the correct uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer uid, be
sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If the vehicle will be operating in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that
has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-14for reservoir
location.
Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not clean
as well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
5-43

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master
cylinder reservoir is lled
with DOT-3 brake uid.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down:
The brake uid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the uid level goes back up.
A uid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low uid level. Have the brake hydraulic
system xed, since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes will not work well.Do not top off the brake uid. Adding uid does not
correct a leak. If uid is added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much uid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake uid, as necessary, only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If too much brake uid is added, it can spill on
the engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough.
You or others could be burned, and the vehicle
could be damaged. Add brake uid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
See “Checking Brake Fluid” in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check the brake uid. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
5-44

Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake uid by looking at the brake uid reservoir.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14.
The uid level should be above the MIN mark on the
reservoir. If it is not, have the brake hydraulic system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
What to Add
Use only new DOT-3 brake uid from a sealed
container. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This helps keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in
the brake hydraulic system can damage brake
hydraulic system parts so badly that they will
have to be replaced. Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of uid.
If brake uid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake uid on the vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-95.
5-45

Brake Wear (Except ZR1)
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads
are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard
all the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Wear (ZR1 Only)
The ZR1 model does not have built-in brake pad wear
indicators and periodic visual inspection of the brake pads
is required to determine when to replace the brake pads.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Make sure that the brakes have been given
sufficient time to cool and then set the park brake.
Brake pads can be visually inspected through the
wheel by inspecting the outer brake pads at each
wheel.
Brake pads should be replaced when worn to
two mm of pad thickness. New pads are 10 mm thick.
In addition, brake pad inspection is required any time
the tires are removed.Front
Rear
5-46

The ZR1 also has an electronic brake pad wear sensor
system. When pads are worn, the CHANGE BRAKE
PADS message displays in the Driver Information Center.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54.Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Rotor Wear
ZR1 models have ceramic brake rotors. Rotors should
be visually inspected whenever the brake pads are
replaced. Rotors also need to be weighed before brake
pads are replaced to conrm that the rotor mass is
greater than the wear-out mass printed on the rotor.
The rotor can be reused if the weight of the rotor is above
the mass limit. Rotor inspection and weighing methods
can be found in the service manual. SeeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.
5-47

Brake Rotor Protector
{CAUTION:
Ceramic rotors will be very hot after operation and
touching them may cause burns. Be sure brake
system is completely cool prior to installation of
protector, or coming in contact with them.
Notice:Rotors may be chipped if hard contact is
made with the wheel during wheel installation or
removal. Always use the rotor protectors. Be sure to
carefully follow wheel removal and installation
instructions.
5-48