2010 CHEVROLET CORVETTE oil level

Z06, Z16, and ZR1 Features
Checking Engine Oil
ZO6, Z16 (Grand Sport), and ZR1 models have a high
performance dry sump lubrication system. This system
operates differently than a standard engine lubrication
system. See Engine Oil on page 6‑19.
You should check the oil level only after the engine has
been thoroughly warmed up and then shut off for at
least five minutes. This ensures that the oil level
reading obtained will be accurate.
Jump Starting the Battery
The battery of ZO6, Z16 (Grand Sport), and
ZR1 models is in the rear of the vehicle. You do not
need to access the battery for jump starting. There are
remote positive (+) and negative (−) terminals under the
hood for this purpose. See Battery
on page 6‑49and
Jump Starting on page 6‑50.
Brake Noise
Under certain weather or operating conditions,
occasional brake 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 is normal and does not affect system
performance. See Braking on page 5‑4.
Car Wash Guidelines
Automatic car washes are not recommended for this
vehicle. Some car washes cause damage to the
vehicle, the wheels, and the convertible top, if the
vehicle is so equipped.
If you drive the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that does not have enough clearance for
the undercarriage and/or wide rear tires and wheels,
you could damage the vehicle. Verify with the manager
of the car wash that the vehicle will fit before entering
the car wash or use a touchless car wash. See
Washing Your Vehicle on page 6‑94.
1-23

BUCKLE PASSENGER
This message reminds you to buckle the passenger's
safety belt.
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
the ignition is on, the driver's safety belt is buckled, the
passenger's safety belt is unbuckled with the passenger
airbag enabled, and the vehicle is in motion. You should
have the passenger buckle their safety belt.
The reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on, the
vehicle is in motion, the driver is buckled and the
passenger is still unbuckled, and the passenger airbag
is enabled. If the passenger's safety belt is already
buckled, this message will not come on.
BUCKLE SEATBELT
This message reminds you to buckle the driver's
safety belt.
This message displays and a sound will be heard when
the ignition is on, the driver's safety belt is unbuckled,
and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle your
safety belt.
If the driver remains unbuckled when the ignition is
on and the vehicle is in motion, the reminder will be
repeated. If the driver's safety belt is already buckled,
this message will not come on. This message is an additional reminder to the safety
belt reminder light in the instrument panel cluster.
See
Safety Belt Reminders
on page 4‑32for more
information.
CHANGE BRAKE PADS
On vehicles with electronic brake pad wear sensors,
this message will be displayed when the pads are worn.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message displays when the life of the engine
oil has expired. See Scheduled Maintenanceon
page 7‑3. After an oil change, the engine oil life
system must be reset. See “Engine Oil Life”under
DIC Operation and Displays
on page 4‑47. Also, see
Engine Oilon page 6‑19and Engine Oil Life Systemon page 6‑25for more information.
CHECK BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, a sound will be heard, and the
brake system warning light on the instrument panel
cluster turns on if the ignition is on to inform the driver
that the brake fluid level is low. See Brake System
Warning Light
on page 4‑36. Have the brake system
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
See Brakes on page 6‑43.
4-54

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. See Engine Coolant
on
page 6‑34.
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. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
on page 4‑41for 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. See Engine Overheating on page 6‑38.
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. See Convertible Top
(Manual)
on page 3‑59or Convertible Top (Power)on
page 3‑66.
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. If your
vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission,
Launch Control is available when this mode selected.
The Traction Control System (TCS) will not be operating
while in the Competitive Driving mode. Adjust your
driving accordingly. This system is available on all
models except ZR1. See Competitive Driving Mode
on
page 5‑9, including the “Launch Control” information,
and Racing or Other Competitive Drivingon page 5‑19for more information.
4-55

COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE
This message displays and a sound will be heard if the
engine coolant exceeds 124°C (255°F). 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
gauges button on the DIC or the engine coolant
temperature gauge on the instrument panel cluster.
See Engine Overheating
on page 6‑38,DIC Operation
and Displayson page 4‑47, and Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge on page 4‑40.
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 briefly 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. See Cruise Control
on page 4‑7for
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.
See Engine Overheating on page 6‑38.
ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE
ENGINE RPM
This message displays if the engine oil temperature
exceeds 160°C (320°F). Check the engine coolant
temperature and engine oil level. If the engine is
too hot, see Engine Overheating
on page 6‑38.
The vehicle may need service, so see your dealer/
retailer.
You can monitor the oil temperature with the gauges
button on the DIC. See DIC Operation and Displays
on
page 4‑47.
4-56

LOW OIL PRESSURE
This message displays if low oil pressure levels occur.
If this message appears while the engine is running,
stop the engine and do not operate it until the cause of
low oil pressure is corrected. Severe damage to the
engine can result. A sound will be heard when this
message is displayed. See Engine Oil on page 6‑19.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE LOW
ADD AIR TO TIRE
{WARNING:
When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT
message is displayed on the Driver Information
Center, your vehicle's handling capabilities will be
reduced during severe maneuvers. The active
handling system will be affected. See Active
Handling System
on page 5‑8. If you drive
too fast, you could lose control of your vehicle.
You or others could be injured. Do not drive
over 55 mph (90 km/h) when the LOW TIRE
PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT message is displayed.
Drive cautiously and check your tire pressures as
soon as you can. This message displays when one or more of the
tires is under-inflated. This message also displays
LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or
RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire is affected.
Multiple chimes sound and the tire pressure light on
the instrument panel cluster turns on when this
message is displayed. See
Tire Pressure Light
on
page 4‑40. 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. See Run-Flat Tires
on
page 6‑69, Loading the Vehicleon page 5‑28,
Inflation - Tire Pressureon page 6‑70, and Tire
Pressure Monitor Systemon page 6‑72. The DIC
also shows the tire pressure values. See DIC Operation
and Displays
on page 4‑47.
To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.
A message reappears every 10 minutes until the
condition is corrected.
4-58

If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control
more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the
tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues —such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the
braking skid.Racing or Other Competitive Driving
Racing or competitive driving may affect the vehicle
warranty. See the warranty book before using the
vehicle for racing or other competitive driving.
Notice: If you use the vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving, the engine may use more oil
than it would with normal use. Low oil levels can
damage the engine. For information on how to add
oil, see Engine Oil on page 6‑19.
Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport Only: Be sure to check
the oil level often during racing or other competitive
driving and keep the level at or near the upper mark
that shows the proper operating range on the
engine oil dipstick.
Except Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport: Be sure to check
the oil level often during racing or other competitive
driving and keep the level at or near 1 L (1 quart)
above the upper mark that shows the proper
operating range on the engine oil dipstick. After the
competitive driving, remove excess oil so that the
level on the dipstick is not above the upper mark
that shows the proper operating range.
Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport Only: For racing or
competitive driving, it is recommended that the brake
fluid be replaced with a high performance brake fluid
that has a dry boiling point greater than 279°C (534°F).
5-19

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 fluid reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread depth. See Tireson page 6‑62.
.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 inflated to
recommended pressure?
.Weather and Maps: Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
5-23

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑27.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power
Steering Fluid on page 6‑41.
C. Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 6‑104.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump Starting on page 6‑50.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil on page 6‑19.
F. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank. See “Changing Engine
Oil and Filter” Engine Oil on page 6‑19.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil on page 6‑19.
H. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine Coolant on page 6‑34.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on
page 6‑42.
J. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”under
Brakes on page 6‑43.
K. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Hydraulic
Clutch on page 6‑31.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
(Except ZO6, ZR1, and Grand Sport)
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL message displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), check the engine oil
level right away. For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC)
on page 4‑47. Check the
engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. 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.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 6‑14for 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 this is not done,
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.
6-19