2012 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C6 manual transmission

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
2012 Chevrolet Corvette Owner ManualM
Driving and Operating. . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-18
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-27
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-36
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Conversions and
Add-Ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-78
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-3
Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . 11-12
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-15 Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-19
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-20
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12 Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-14
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-18
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-19
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Roof Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Convertible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-22
Z06, Z16, and ZR1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-24
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-3
A.Air Vents on page 8‑6.
B. Head-Up Display Controls (If Equipped). See Head-Up
Display (HUD) on page 5‑31.
C. Turn and Lane-Change Lever. See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑4.
Cruise Control on page 9‑45.
Fog Lamps on page 6‑5.
Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
D. Manual Shift Paddles (If Equipped). See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑27.
E. Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑26.
F. Instrument Cluster on page 5‑9.
G. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑4.
H. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑26. I.
Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑4.
J. Infotainment on page 7‑1.
K. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1.
L. Fuel Door Release Button. See Filling the Tank on
page 9‑51.
Hatch/Trunk Release Button.
See “Hatch/Trunk Lid Release”
under Hatch on page 2‑11.
M. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑6.
N. Power Folding Top Switch (If Equipped). See Convertible
Top on page 2‑24.
O. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑19.
P. Bluetooth Controls (If Equipped). See Bluetooth on
page 7‑16.
Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑3 (If Equipped). Q.
Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
R. Horn on page 5‑4.
S. Telescopic Steering Column Control (If Equipped).
See Steering Wheel Adjustment
on page 5‑2.
T. Keyless Ignition. See Ignition
Positions on page 9‑20.
U. Heated Front Seats on page 3‑8
(If Equipped).
V. Shift Lever (Automatic Shown). See Automatic Transmission on
page 9‑27 orManual
Transmission on page 9‑32.
W. Active Handling System on
page 9‑38.
X. Power Outlets on page 5‑6.
Y. Selective Ride Control on
page 9‑43 (If Equipped).
Z. Parking Brake on page 9‑36.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
1-6 In Brief
Outside the Vehicle
Use the key to open the hatch/trunk.
SeeKeys on page 2‑2.
Then, pull the manual door release
handle.
Trunk Release
The vehicle must be in P (Park)
with an automatic transmission
and Neutral with a manual
transmission.
For manual transmission vehicles,
the parking brake must be set
when the engine is running
for the hatch/trunk release to
operate. See Parking Brake on
page 9‑36.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
1-10 In Brief
Storing Memory Positions
To save into memory:
1. Adjust the driver seat, bothoutside mirrors, and the
telescopic steering column.
2. Press and hold “1”until
two beeps sound.
3. Repeat for a second driver position using “2.”
To recall:
.On vehicles with an automatic
transmission, press and
release “1”or“2.”
If the vehicle is in P (Park), a
single beep sounds and the
memory position is recalled after
a brief delay.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park),
three beeps sound and the
memory position is not recalled.
.On vehicles with a manual
transmission, when the vehicle
is on, the parking brake must be
set to recall a memory position.
Press and release “1”or“2.”
A single beep sounds and the
memory position is recalled after
a brief delay.
If the vehicle is on and the
parking brake is not set,
three beeps sound and the
memory position is not recalled.
See Memory Seats on page 3‑4.
Easy Exit Driver Seat
This feature can move the seat
rearward and the telescopic steering
column out of the way to allow extra
room to exit the vehicle.
B: Press to save and recall the
easy exit seat position. To save into memory:
1. Recall the desired driving
position by pressing “1.”
2. Adjust the seat and the telescopic steering column
to the desired exit position.
3. Press and hold Buntil
two beeps sound.
4. Repeat for a second driver position using “2.”
To recall, press and release B.
The vehicle must be in P (Park) for
an automatic transmission or the
parking brake must be set for a
manual transmission. A single beep
sounds. The seat and telescopic
steering column will move to the
position previously stored for the
identified driver.
See Memory Seats on page 3‑4.

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
1-16 In Brief
Transmission
Manual Paddle Shift
(Automatic Transmission)
The Manual Paddle Shift system
can be used in D (Drive) or
S (Sport Mode). The system is
activated by pushing the paddle,
above the steering wheel spokes,
to manually up-shift to the next
gear, or pulling on the paddle,
behind the steering wheel
spokes to manually down-shift.The current gear will be displayed
in the Driver Information (DIC),
or the Head-Up Display (HUD),
if the vehicle has either of these
features.
The Manual Paddle Shift system
can be deactivated by moving the
shift lever from S (Sport Mode)
back to D (Drive), or by holding
the up‐shift paddle for more than
one second. If the shift lever was in
D (Drive) when the system was
activated, the transmission will
return to automatic shifting after
10 seconds of cruising at a steady
speed and no manual shifts,
or when the vehicle comes to
a stop.
The Manual Paddle Shift system
will not allow either an up-shift or a
down-shift, if the vehicle speed is
too fast or too slow, nor will it
allow a start from 4 (Fourth) or
higher gear.
See
Manual Mode on page 9‑29.
One to Four Shift Light
(Manual Transmission)
On vehicles with a manual
transmission, when this light
comes on, you can only shift
from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) instead
of 1 (First) to 2 (Second).
For more information about shifting
for the best fuel economy, see
Manual Transmission on page 9‑32.

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
1-20 In Brief
Navigation System
If the vehicle has a navigation
system, there is a separate
navigation system manual that
includes information on the radio,
audio players, and navigation
system.
The navigation system provides
detailed maps of most major
freeways and roads. After a
destination has been set, the
system provides turn-by-turn
instructions for reaching the
destination. In addition, the system
can help locate a variety of points of
interest (POIs), such as banks,
airports, restaurants, and more.
See the navigation system manual
for more information.
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC display is located at the
bottom of the instrument panel
cluster. It shows the status of many
vehicle systems and enables
access to the personalization menu.
The DIC buttons are located on the
instrument panel to the right of the
instrument panel cluster.
.4:Press to display fuel
information such as fuel economy
and range.
2: Press to display gauge
information like oil pressure and
temperature, coolant temperature,
automatic transmission fluid
temperature (if equipped), battery
voltage, and front/rear tire
pressures.
TRIP: Press to display your total
and trip distance driven, the elapsed
time function, your average speed,
and the engine oil life.
OPTION: Press to choose personal
options that are available on your
vehicle, depending on the options
your vehicle is equipped with, such
as door locks, easy entry seats, and
language.
RESET: Press, along with the other
buttons, to reset system functions,
select personal options, and turn off
or acknowledge messages on
the DIC.
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑26.

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-23
Z06, Z16, and ZR1
Features
Checking Engine Oil
Z06, ZR1, and manual transmission
Z16 (Grand Sport) coupe models
have a high performance dry sump
lubrication system. This system
operates differently than a
standard engine lubrication system.
SeeEngine Oil on page 10‑14.
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 Z06, ZR1, and
manual transmission Z16 (Grand
Sport) coupe 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 10‑40 andJump Starting
on page 10‑78.
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 9‑4. 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” underExterior Care
on page 10‑82.