2012 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C6 fuel

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-31
Head-Up Display (HUD)
{WARNING
If the HUD image is too bright,
or too high in your field of view, it
may take you more time to see
things you need to see when it is
dark outside. Be sure to keep the
HUD image dim and placed low in
your field of view.
For vehicles with the Head-Up
Display (HUD), you can see some
of the driver information that
appears on the instrument panel
cluster.
The information may be displayed in
English or metric units and appears
as an image focused out toward
the front of the vehicle. The HUD
consists of the following information:
.Speedometer
.Turn Signal Indicators
.High-Beam Indicator Symbol
.Tachometer
.Manual Paddle Shift Gear
Indicator (If Equipped)
These displays on the HUD are
for use when using the manual
paddle shift controls to shift the
transmission. See “Manual
Paddle Shift” inAutomatic
Transmission on page 9‑27.
.Shift Light
This light is used for
performance driving to
indicate that the vehicle's best
performance level has been
reached to shift the transmission
into the next higher gear.
An arrow pointing up will light
up on the display just prior to
reaching the engine fuel cut-off
mode. This cut-off is about
6,500 rpm for the LS3 engine,
6,600 rpm for the LS9 & ZR1
engines, and 7,000 rpm for the
LS7 engine.
.Check Gauges Warning
.Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
.Transmission Fluid Temperature
Gauge, (Automatic Transmission
Vehicles Only)
.Engine Oil Temperature Gauge
.Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
.G-Force Gauge
.Boost Gauge (If Equipped)
.Audio Functions, Street
Mode Only
.Navigation, Only with Navigation
Radio, Turn-by-Turn Guidance.
Street Mode Only

Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-41
A sound will be heard when this
message is displayed. SeeEngine
Oil on page 10‑14.
Engine Power Messages
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.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
If this message displays and the
check engine light comes on, a
noticeable reduction in the vehicle's
performance may occur. If the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
message is displayed, but there is
no reduction in performance, proceed to your destination.
The performance may be reduced
the next time the vehicle is driven.
The vehicle may be driven at a
reduced speed while the REDUCED
ENGINE POWER message is
displayed, but acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime the
check engine light stays on, the
vehicle should be taken to your
dealer as soon as possible for
diagnosis and repair. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑19
for more information.
Multiple chimes sound when this
message is displayed.
To acknowledge the message, press
the RESET button. The message
reappears every five minutes until
this condition changes.
If the REDUCED ENGINE
POWER message is displayed in
combination with the COOLANT
OVER TEMPERATURE message,
see Engine Overheating on
page 10‑30.
Fuel System Messages
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 for service.
See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑19 for more information.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when the
fuel tank is less than 10 percent
full and the display is turned off.
A sound will be heard when this
message is displayed. Refill the fuel
tank as soon as possible. See Fuel
Gauge on page 5‑12.

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
5-42 Instruments and Controls
SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM
This message displays if the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
has detected a problem within the
fuel system. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. This
message also displays when the
cluster is not getting fuel information
from the PCM.
Key and Lock Messages
FOB AUTOLEARN WAIT
XX MINUTES
See“Matching Transmitter(s) to
Your Vehicle” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.
FOB BATTERY LOW
See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3.
KNOWN FOB
See “Matching Transmitter(s) to
Your Vehicle” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF FOBS
LEARNED
See “Matching Transmitter(s) to
Your Vehicle” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.
NO FOBS DETECTED
This message displays if the vehicle
does not detect the presence of a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter when you have
attempted to start the vehicle or
a vehicle door has just closed.
The following conditions may cause
this message to appear.
.Driver-added equipment plugged
into the accessory power outlet
on the center console is causing interference. Examples of these
devices are cell phones and cell
phone chargers, two-way radios,
power inverters, or similar items.
Try moving the RKE transmitter
away from these devices when
starting the vehicle. In addition,
PDA devices and remote garage
and gate openers may also
generate Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI) that may
interfere with the RKE
transmitter. Do not carry the
RKE transmitter in the same
pocket or bag as these devices.
.The vehicle is experiencing
Electromagnetic Interference
(EMI). Some locations, such as
airports, automatic toll booths,
and some gas stations have EMI
fields which may interfere with
the RKE transmitter.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
8-4 Climate Controls
1(Defrost):This mode clears the
windows of fog or frost more quickly.
Air is directed to the windshield, with
a small amount directed to the side
window outlets. The indicator light
comes on and the digital display will
show the defrost mode symbol and
fan speed when the front defrost
mode is being used. In this mode,
the system automatically turns off
the recirculation and runs the air
conditioning compressor, unless the
outside temperature is at or below
freezing. Recirculation cannot be
selected while in the defrost mode.
Pressing
1again will return the
system to the last operating mode.
For severe ice conditions, turn the
driver's temperature knob to 32°C
(90°F) while in defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
^(Air Conditioning Off): Press to
turn the air conditioning compressor
off. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation. When in
AUTO, the air conditioning
compressor comes on automatically,
as needed.
Air conditioning does not operate
at temperatures below about
2°C to 4°C (35°F to 40°F).
In temperatures above 4°C (40°F),
the air conditioning cannot be
turned off in defrost and defog,
as it helps to remove moisture from
the vehicle. It also helps to keep the
windows clear.
You may notice a slight change in
engine performance when the air
conditioning compressor shuts off
and turns on again. This is normal.
The system is designed to make
adjustments to help with fuel
economy while still maintaining the
selected temperature. On hot days, open the windows to
let hot inside air escape; then close
them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down.
It also helps the system to operate
more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days
press the AUTO button and
adjust the temperature to a cool,
comfortable setting. To achieve
maximum cool down, do the
following:
1. Select
Hmode.
2. Press
?.
3. Select the a/c on.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
Using these settings together for
long periods of time may cause
the air inside of your vehicle to
become too dry. To prevent this

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-2 Driving and Operating
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Gasoline Specifications(U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . 9-49
California Fuel
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-49
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention
away from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws
in your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
.Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-13
To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm
the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of
the way to save heat. Repeat this
until help arrives but only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the
cold. Moving about to keep warm
also helps.
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method.
{WARNING
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and
you or others could be injured.
The vehicle can overheat,
causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the
wheels as little as possible and
avoid going above 55 km/h
(35 mph).
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, see Tire
Chains on page 10‑76.
Rocking the Vehicle to
Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a forward
gear, or with a manual transmission,
between 1 (First) or 2 (Second) and
R (Reverse), spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries,
it might need to be towed out.
If the vehicle does need to be towed
out, see Towing the Vehicle on
page 10‑82.

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-17
Refer to your vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about your
vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined
weight of the driver, passengers
and cargo should never exceed
your vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label
A vehicle-specific Certification
label is attached to the rear
edge of the driver door.It tells you the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle, called
the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel and
cargo. Never exceed the GVWR
for your vehicle, or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
either the front or rear axle.
Do not load your vehicle with
more weight than it was
designed to carry. See
“Steps
for Determining Correct Load
Limit” earlier in this section.
{WARNING
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Notice: Overloading the
vehicle may cause damage.
Repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Do not overload the vehicle.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-19
For the first 800 km (500 mi):
.Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
.Do not exceed 4000 rpm.
.Avoid driving at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
including the use of cruise
control.
.Avoid downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle when the
engine speed will exceed
4000 rpm.
.Do not let the engine labor.
Never lug the engine in high
gear at low speeds. With a
manual transmission, shift to
the next lower gear. This rule
applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.For the first 2414 km (1500 mi):
.Do not participate in track
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during the
first 2414 km (1500 mi).
.Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary.
Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal during the
first 2414 km (1500 mi).
Front Air Dam
The vehicle is equipped with a front
air dam which has minimal ground
clearance.
Vehicles with the ZR1 package,
or Z06 vehicles with RPO CFZ,
also come with a splitter made from
carbon fiber.
{WARNING
ZR1s, and Z06s with RPO CFZ,
contain parts made from carbon
fiber.
When damaged, the exposed
edges can be very sharp.
A person could be injured by
these sharp edges. Use caution
when washing the vehicle,
coming in contact with,
or removing damaged carbon
fiber parts. See your dealer for
replacement.
Under normal operation, these
components will occasionally
contact some road surfaces (speed
bumps, driveway ramps, etc.). This
can be heard inside the vehicle as a
scraping noise. This is normal and
does not indicate a problem.
Use care when approaching bumps
or objects on road surfaces and
avoid them when possible.