Black plate (77,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-77
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it is much more likely
to leak out slowly. SeeTires on
page 10‑54 for additional
information. But if there ever is a
blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
The vehicle has no spare tire, no
tire changing equipment, and no
place to store a tire.
The vehicle, when new, had run-flat
tires. This type of tire can operate
effectively with no air pressure so
there is no need to stop on the side
of the road to change a flat tire.
If driving on a deflated run-flat tire
for 40 km (25 mi) or less and at
speeds of 90 km/h (55 mph) or less,
there is a good chance the tire can
be repaired. The Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) will show
if a tire has lost pressure. See
Run-Flat Tires on page 10‑56
and
Tire Pressure Monitor System on
page 10‑64.{WARNING
Special tools and procedures are
required to service a run-flat tire.
If these special tools and
procedures are not used, injury
or vehicle damage may occur.
Always be sure the proper tools
and procedures, as described in
the service manual, are used.
To order a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information on page 13‑18.
Black plate (78,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
10-78 Vehicle Care
Jump Starting
For more information about the
vehicle battery, seeBattery on
page 10‑40.
If your battery has run down, you
may want to use another vehicle
and some jumper cables to start
your vehicle. Be sure to use the
following steps to do it safely.
{WARNING
Batteries can hurt you. They can
be dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can
burn you.
.They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
.They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these
things can hurt you. Notice:
If you try to start your
vehicle by pushing or pulling it,
you could damage your vehicle.
Do not push or pull your vehicle
to start it; instead, use the jump
starting procedure in this manual
to start your vehicle when the
battery has run down.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must
have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Notice: Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump
starting. If the other vehicle does
not have a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles
can be damaged.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach,
but be sure the vehicles are not
touching each other. If they are,
it could cause a ground
connection you do not want.
You would not be able to start
your vehicle, and the bad
grounding could damage the
electrical systems. To avoid the possibility of the
vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake firmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start
procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in Neutral
before setting the parking
brakes.
Notice: If any accessories are left
on or plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible,
turn off or unplug all accessories
on either vehicle when jump
starting the vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
cigarette lighter or the accessory
power outlet. Turn off the radio
and all lamps that are not
needed. This will avoid sparks
and help save both batteries.
And it could save the radio!
Black plate (79,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-79
4. Open the hoods and locate thepositive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on each
vehicle.
6.2 L LS3 shown, 7.0L LS7 and
6.2L LS9 similar
Your vehicle has a remote
positive (+) terminal (A) and a
remote negative (−) terminal (B),
as shown in the illustration,
which should be used to jump
start your vehicle. The remote positive (+)
terminal (A) can be accessed by
opening the cover of the engine
compartment fuse block.
The remote negative (−)
terminal (B) is located
underneath the engine cover,
below the engine oil fill cap.
See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10‑8 for
the location of the engine
compartment fuse block and
engine oil fill cap.
You will not need to access
the battery for jump starting.
The remote terminals are for
that purpose.
{WARNING
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{WARNING
Using an open flame near a
battery can cause battery gas to
explode. People have been hurt
doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you
need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough
water. You do not need to add
water to the battery installed in
your new vehicle. But if a battery
has filler caps, be sure the right
amount of fluid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that
first. If you do not, explosive gas
could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
Black plate (80,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
10-80 Vehicle Care
{WARNING
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles could
be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will go
to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one. Negative (−) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine
part or to a remote negative (−)
terminal if the vehicle has one. Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or you will get a
short that would damage the
battery and maybe other parts
too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal on the
dead battery because this can
cause sparks.
6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal
of the dead battery. Use a
remote positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
7. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the
positive (+) terminal of the
good battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one.
8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal of the
good battery. Use a remote
negative (−) terminal if the
vehicle has one. Do not let the other end touch
anything until the next step.
The other end of the negative (−)
cable does not go to the dead
battery. It goes to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or
to a remote negative (−) terminal
on the vehicle with the dead
battery.
9. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable at least 45 cm
(18 inches) away from the dead
battery, but not near engine
parts that move. The electrical
connection is just as good there,
and the chance of sparks getting
back to the battery is much less.
Your vehicle has a remote
negative (−) terminal for this
purpose.
Black plate (89,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-89
Cargo Cover and
Convenience Net
Wash with warm water and mild
detergent, rinse with cold water and
tumble dry on low. Do not use
chlorine bleach.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{WARNING
Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them.
In a crash, they might not be able
to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Floor Mats
{WARNING
If a floor mat is the wrong size or
is not properly installed, it can
interfere with the pedals.
Interference with the pedals can
cause unintended acceleration
and/or increased stopping
distance which can cause a crash
and injury. Make sure the floor
mat does not interfere with the
pedals.
Use the following guidelines for
proper floor mat usage.
.The original equipment floor
mats were designed for your
vehicle. If the floor mats need
replacing, it is recommended
that GM certified floor mats be purchased. Non-GM floor mats
may not fit properly and may
interefere with the accelerator or
brake pedal. Always check that
the floor mats do not interfere
with the pedals.
.Use the floor mat with the
correct side up. Do not turn
it over.
.Do not place anything on top of
the driver side floor mat.
.Use only a single floor mat on
the driver side.
.Do not place one floor mat on
top of another.
The driver side floor mat is held in
place by two hook-type retainers
and the passenger side is held in
place by one.
Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
11-2 Service and Maintenance
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
frequent checks and services.
The Additional Required
Services‐Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑14.
.Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
.Use the recommended fuel.
See Recommended Fuel on
page 9‑48.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services ‐Normal chart. The Additional Required
Services
‐Severe are for
vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city
traffic in hot weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or
competitive driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services ‐Severe chart.
{WARNING
Performing maintenance work
can be dangerous and can
cause serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work on page 10‑7.
Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
INDEX i-1
A
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Active Handling System . . . . . . . 9-38 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Add-On Electrical
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Additional Information, OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . 10-22
Air Dam, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . 3-17
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 5-18
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Alarm System Anti-theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Antenna Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Alarm System Messages . . . . . 5-49
Antilock Brake
System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8, 13-10
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Audio System Diversity Antenna System . . . . 7-11
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . 7-2
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Shift Lock ControlFunction Check . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
i-2 INDEX
B
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-78
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Voltage and Charging Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
Boost Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Brake
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 5-21
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46 Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44 Bulb Replacement (cont'd)
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . iii
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11 Cargo
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Cautions, Danger, and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 4-2
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76
Check Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Child Restraints Infants and Young
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . 3-35, 3-36
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Climate Control Systems Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6