2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE engine overheat

2. When the engine begins cranking, let go of the
button and the engine cranks automatically until
it starts. If the battery in the keyless access
transmitter is weak, the DIC displays FOB
BATTERY LOW. You can still drive the vehicle.
See “Battery Replacement” underKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-5for more information.
If the fob battery is dead, you need to insert the
fob into the fob slot to enable engine starting.
See “No Fobs Detected” underDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-54.
3. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.4. If the engine does not start and no DIC message is
displayed, wait 15 seconds before trying again to let
the cranking motor cool down.
If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
while cranking for up to 15 seconds maximum. Wait
at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts,
let go of the accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, repeat these steps. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by pressing the START button immediately
after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down.
2-24

Downshifting (Manual Transmission)
Do not downshift into the gear shown below at a speed
greater than shown in the table:
1 (First) 50 mph (80 km/h)
2 (Second) 74 mph (119 km/h)
3 (Third) 101 mph (163 km/h)
4 (Fourth) 130 mph (209 km/h)
Notice:If you skip more than one gear when
you downshift, or if you race the engine when you
release the clutch pedal while downshifting, you
could damage the engine, clutch, driveshaft or the
transmission. Do not skip gears or race the engine
when downshifting.
The six-speed transmission has a spring that centers the
shift lever near 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth). This spring helps
you know which gear you are in when you are shifting.
Be careful when shifting from 1 (First) to 2 (Second) or
downshifting from 6 (Sixth) to 5 (Fifth). The spring will try
to pull the shift lever toward 4 (Fourth) and 3 (Third).
Make sure you move the lever into 2 (Second) or
5 (Fifth). If you let the shift lever move in the direction
of the pulling, you may end up shifting from 1 (First) to
4 (Fourth) or from 6 (Sixth) to 3 (Third).
Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located to the right of the
center console.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down.
Pull the parking brake lever up. If the ignition is on,
the brake system warning light will come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Then push the release button in as you move
the parking brake lever all the way down.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
2-32

Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
1. Hold the brake pedal set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-32for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the
button on the lever and pushing the lever all the
way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Press the Acc. button (ignition switch) to turn the
engine off.
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake is
rmly set before you leave it. After you have moved the
shift lever into P (Park), hold down the regular brake
pedal. See if you can move the shift lever away from
P (Park) without rst pushing the button on the lever.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully
locked into P (Park).
2-33

The system is not working properly and the vehicle
needs service.
This light also comes on when the Competitive Drive
mode is selected.
When the Active Handling System is turned off, the light
comes on, a chime sounds, and the TRACTION
SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING – OFF message
displays in the DIC. The Traction Control System is off
and the Active Handling System does not assist
with controlling the vehicle.
When the Active Handling System is turned back on,
the light turns off, a chime sounds and the TRACTION
SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING – ON message
displays in the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54for
more information.Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the shaded area, the engine
is too hot.
This means that the engine coolant has overheated.
If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-39for more
information.United States
Canada
3-41

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.
3-57

COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE
This message displays and a sound will be heard if the
engine coolant exceeds 255°F (124°C). If you have
been operating the vehicle under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn
off the engine as soon as possible.
You can monitor the coolant temperature with the gages
button on the DIC or the engine coolant temperature
gage on the instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-39,DIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-49, andEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-41.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message and sound will come back on until this
condition changes. If you do not press the RESET
button, the message remains on until the condition
changes.
CRUISE DISENGAGED
This message displays briey when you disengage the
cruise control system by stepping on the brake on
an automatic transmission vehicle or the clutch on a
manual transmission vehicle, or by turning off the cruise
control switch. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for
more information.
ENGINE DRAG CONTROL ACTIVE
This message displays when engine drag control is
active. When driving in a lower gear in rainy, snowy, or
icy conditions and then letting up on the accelerator
or downshifting, the rear wheels may begin to slip and
this message displays. This message stays on for a
few seconds following the engine drag control event.
ENGINE OVERHEATED – STOP
ENGINE
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
the engine has overheated. Stop and turn the engine
off immediately to avoid severe engine damage.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-39.
ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE
ENGINE RPM
This message displays if the engine oil temperature
exceeds 320°F (160°C). Check the engine coolant
temperature and engine oil level. If the engine is too hot,
seeEngine Overheating on page 5-39. The vehicle
may need service, so see your dealer/retailer.
You can monitor the oil temperature with the gages
button on the DIC. SeeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-49.
3-58

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every ve minutes until this
condition changes.
If the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is
displayed in combination with the COOLANT OVER
TEMPERATURE message, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-39.
SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a problem with the
Active Handling System and the vehicle needs service.
The active handling system light on the instrument
panel cluster also turns on and a sound will be heard.
See your dealer/retailer. When this message is
displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeActive Handling System on page 4-8
for more information.
SERVICE AIR CONDITIONING
This message displays when the electronic sensors that
control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if you notice a drop in
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES
If this message displays while you are driving, stop as
soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the
engine again to reset the system. If the message
stays on, or comes back on again while you are driving,
the vehicle is in need of service. See your dealer/retailer.
If the antilock brake system (ABS) warning light is on
and the regular brake system warning light is not on, you
still have brakes, but do not have ABS. If the regular
brake system warning light is also on, you do not
have ABS and there is a problem with the brakes.
SeeAntilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 3-39andBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-38.
If this message is displayed, the Traction Control
System (TCS) and the Active Handling System will also
be disabled. The DIC will scroll three messages:
SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES, SERVICE TRACTION
SYSTEM, and SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING, and
the instrument panel cluster lights will come on along
with a sound. When the service message is displayed,
the computer controlled systems will not assist the
driver. Have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.
To acknowledge these messages, press the RESET
button.
3-63

long hills can cause the transmission uid temperature
to be higher than normal. If this message appears,
you may continue to drive at a slower speed. Monitor
the transmission uid temperature and allow it to cool
to at least 230°F (110°C). The transmission uid
temperature can be monitored with the gages button on
the DIC. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-49
andAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-30.
Also check the engine coolant temperature. If it is also
hot, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-39.
If this message is displayed during normal vehicle
operation on at roads, the vehicle may need service.
See your dealer/retailer for an inspection.
If driving in a performance or competitive manner,
the use of (S) Sport Automatic Mode or (S) Sport
Manual Paddle Shift gear selection is recommended.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-26
for more information.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
The message reappears every 10 minutes until this
condition changes. If you do not press the RESET
button, the message remains on the display until the
condition changes.TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a sound will be heard if a
turn signal is left on for three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km).
Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the off
position.
To acknowledge this message, press the RESET
button.
UNLATCH HEADER TO MOVE TOP
This message displays and a sound will be heard if you
try to lower the convertible top without rst unlocking
the top. Move the latch handle to unlock the convertible
top. SeeConvertible Top (Manual) on page 2-59or
Convertible Top (Power) on page 2-66.
3-69