2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE check engine

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-28.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-42.
C.Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-106.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Out of View).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-51.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-20.
F. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank. See “Changing Engine
Oil and Filter (Z06 Only)”Engine Oil on page 5-20.G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-20.
H. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-34.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-43.
J. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-44.
K. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir. SeeHydraulic
Clutch on page 5-31.
5-19

Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
(Except ZO6 and ZR1)
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL message displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), check the engine oil
level right away. For more information, seeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-49. You should
check the engine oil level regularly; this is an added
reminder.
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level every time
you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a lint-free
paper towel or a cloth, then push it back in all
the way.
3. Remove the dipstick again, keeping the tip down
and read the level on the cross-hatched area. Oil
levels that fall in the cross-hatched area are normal.
4. Push the dipstick back in all the way.
When to Add Engine Oil
(Except ZO6 and ZR1)
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the
dipstick, add at least one quart/liter of the recommended
oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-110.
SeeRacing or Other Competitive Driving on page 4-15
for additional information on engine oil.
5-20

Notice:Do not add too much oil. If the engine
has so much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating
range, the engine could be damaged.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14
for the location of the
engine oil ll cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper
operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in
when you are through.Checking Engine Oil (ZO6 and ZR1)
A. Engine Oil Dipstick
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level every time
you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
5-21

The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
The dipstick is located on the dry sump engine oil tank.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14
for the location of the dry sump engine oil tank.
These vehicles have a racetrack-ready dry sump
engine lubrication system. This high-performance system
operates differently than a standard engine lubrication
system and requires a special procedure when checking
the engine oil level. Follow this procedure closely when
checking the engine oil level.
The engine oil level must be checked when the engine
is warm. Cold oil level in the dry sump tank may not
indicate the actual amount of oil in the system. With
this system, engine oil is contained in an external tank,
separate from the engine. Under normal operating
conditions, the oil pan under the engine does not store
any oil. If the vehicle has been parked for an extended
period without the engine being started, some oil will
seep back into the oil pan, reducing the amount of oil
held in the dry sump tank and there could be no engine
oil at all showing on the dipstick.This is normal since the dipstick is designed to read
engine oil level only after the engine has run long enough
to reach normal operating temperature. Do not add
engine oil based on cold engine dipstick readings.
The engine oil level on the dipstick will also be inaccurate
if checked while the engine is running.
1. To obtain an accurate engine oil level reading,
warm up the engine to at least 175°F (80°C).
Cold oil will not give a correct oil level reading.
2. Once the engine is warm, turn off the engine.
Checking the oil while the engine is running
will result in an incorrect oil level reading.
3. Wait at least ve minutes (but not more than
20 minutes) to allow oil to drain and settle in
the engine.
4. Remove the dipstick from the external engine oil
tank and clean it with a lint-free paper towel or a
cloth. Re-insert the dipstick into the external oil tank,
pushing it all the way in until it stops.
5. Remove the dipstick from the oil tank and read the
level on the cross-hatched area. Oil levels that fall
in the cross-hatched area are normal.
5-22

A. Engine Oil Drain Plugs
B. Seals
1. Remove the two engine oil drain plugs from the
bottom of the engine oil pan. One drain plug drains
the external oil tank via the oil transfer supply line.
The other drain plug drains residual oil from the
crankcase sump. Allow the oil to drain.2. Once the oil has been drained from the engine,
remove the engine oil lter and allow the oil
to drain.
3. Re-install both drain plugs and tighten them to
18 lb ft (25Y).
4. Replace the oil lter and tighten it to 18 lb ft
(25Y). SeeMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-14for the correct lter.
5. Oil is lled through the opening in the top of the
external engine oil tank. Remove the oil ll cap.
6. Add 10.5 quarts (9.9 L) of oil to the oil tank.
SeeCapacities and Specifications on page 5-110.
7. Install the oil ll cap and insert the dipstick,
if removed.
8. Start the engine and let it run at idle for at least
15 seconds. This will circulate the fresh engine
oil through the lubrication system.
9. Shut off the engine and check the oil level
as described under “Checking Engine Oil
(ZO6 and ZR1).” ZO6 Shown, ZR1 Similar
5-24

Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM4718M are all that is needed for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine oil system ushes are not recommended and
could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer that indicates when to
change the engine oil and lter. This is based on engine
revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil
change is indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life
system to work properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.Z06 and ZR1 models have a racetrack-ready dry sump
engine lubrication system. This high-performance system
operates differently than a standard engine lubrication
system and requires a special procedure when changing
the engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-20.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes on. Change
the oil as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system might not indicate that an oil
change is necessary for over a year. However, the engine
oil and lter must be changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer
has trained service people who will perform this work
using genuine parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly and keep it at the
proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
5-26

4. Inspect or replace the lter. SeeMaintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-14.
5. Reverse Steps 1 and 3 to replace the air
cleaner/lter cover.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop
ames if the engine backres. If it is not there and
the engine backres, you could be burned. Do not
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre
can cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/lter in place when
you are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid level.
A transmission uid leak is the only reason for uid loss.
If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
service department and have it repaired as soon as
possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and changing
the transmission uid. Because this procedure is difficult,
you should have this done at your dealer/retailer service
department. Contact your dealer/retailer for additional
information or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. To purchase a service manual, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 6-6, and be
sure to use the uid listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12.
5-30

Manual Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the manual transmission
uid level. A transmission uid leak is the only reason
for uid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer service department and have it repaired
as soon as possible. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12for the proper uid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch uid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system. Adding
uid will not correct a leak. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
The hydraulic clutch uid
reservoir cap has this
symbol on it. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-14for reservoir
location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for the proper uid
to use. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12. The uid requires changing every two years.
SeeAdditional Required Services on page 6-6.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the clutch uid reservoir to make sure
the uid level is at the MIN (minimum) line on the side of
the reservoir. The hydraulic clutch uid system should
be closed and sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check the uid level or
to top-off the uid level. Remove the cap only when
necessary to add the proper uid until the level reaches
the MIN line.
5-31