2012 CHEVROLET CORVETTE check engine

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
5-42 Instruments and Controls
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 10‑34.
To acknowledge the message, press
the RESET button. The message
reappears every 10 minutes until
this condition changes.
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 10‑16.
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 10‑34.

Black plate (50,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
5-50 Instruments and Controls
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.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders on
page 5‑17 for more information.
Anti-theft Alarm System
Messages
INTRUSION SENSOR OFF
This message may display when the
anti-theft alarm has been disarmed.
INTRUSION SENSOR ON
This message may display when the
anti-theft alarm has been armed.
Service Vehicle Messages
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 if you
notice a drop in heating and air
conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ELECTRICAL
SYSTEM
This message displays if an
electrical problem has occurred
within the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays and a sound
will be heard when there may be an
electrical or another system problem
with the vehicle. Have your vehicle
checked by your dealer if this
message keeps appearing.
Starting the Vehicle
Messages
PRESS BRAKE TO START
ENGINE (Automatic
Transmission Only)
This message displays if you try to
start the engine by pressing the
keyless ignition start button without
having the brake pressed. The
brake needs to be pressed when
starting the engine. See Ignition
Positions on page 9‑19 for more
information.

Black plate (53,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-53
This message is followed by the
MAXIMUM SPEED 90 km/h
(55 MPH) message, and then by the
REDUCED HANDLING message.
The Active Handling System will
intervene more quickly when a flat
tire has been detected. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
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 and Loading
Information label. SeeRun-Flat
Tires on page 10‑59, Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑14, Tire Pressure
on page 10‑66, and Tire Pressure
Monitor System on page 10‑68. The
DIC also shows the tire pressure
values. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑28. To acknowledge the message, press
the RESET button. A message
reappears every 10 minutes until
the condition is corrected.
Transmission Messages
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there
is a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer for service.
SHIFT TO PARK
If the vehicle has an automatic
transmission, this message displays
if the vehicle is not in P (Park) when
the engine is being turned off. The
vehicle will be in ACCESSORY.
Once the shift lever is moved to
P (Park), the vehicle will turn off.
The vehicle will remain in
ACCESSORY, without the 20 minute
time-out period, until the shift lever
is moved to P (Park) or until the
driver presses the pushbutton to
restart the vehicle. See
Ignition
Positions on page 9‑19 for more
information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays and
four chimes sound if the
transmission fluid temperature
rises above 132°C (270°F) or rises
rapidly. The transmission may
shift gears or apply the torque
converter clutch to reduce the fluid
temperature. Driving aggressively or
driving on long hills can cause the
transmission fluid temperature to be
higher than normal. If this message
appears, you may continue to drive
at a slower speed. Monitor the
transmission fluid temperature and
allow it to cool to at least 110°C
(230°F). The transmission fluid
temperature can be monitored with
the gauges button on the DIC. See
“DIC Operation and Displays” under
Driver Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑28 andAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 10‑23.
Also check the engine coolant
temperature. If it is also hot, see
Engine Overheating on page 10‑34.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-6 Driving and Operating
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions.
But skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly
steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. The vehicle may
straighten out. Be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. 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.
.Try 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.
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 10‑16. Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport Coupe
manual transmission 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
Coupe manual transmission:
Be sure to check the oil level
often during racing or other
competitive driving and keep the
level at or near 1 L (1 qt) 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 Coupe
manual transmission 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

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-10 Driving and Operating
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to
your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find a
safe place to park the vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep the interior
temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving—scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{WARNING
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-12 Driving and Operating
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use theRoadside
Assistance Program (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑8 orRoadside
Assistance Program (Mexico) on
page 13‑10. To get help and keep
everyone in the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{WARNING
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
Carbon Monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
.Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
.Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in
the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑26.
Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can
cause deadly CO (Carbon
Monoxide) gas to get inside.
CO could overcome you and
kill you. You cannot see it or
smell it, so you might not know
it is in your vehicle.
(Continued)

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-18 Driving and Operating
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended
guidelines during the first 2 414 km
(1,500 miles) of driving this vehicle.
Parts have a break-in period and
performance will be better in
the long run.
For the first 322 km (200 miles):
.To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first 322 km
(200 miles).
.New brake linings also need a
break- in period. Avoid making
hard stops during the first
322 km (200 miles). This is
recommended every time brake
linings are replaced.For the first 80 km (500 miles):
.Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
.Do not exceed 4,000 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 2 414 km (1,500 miles):
.Do not participate in track
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during the
first 2 414 km (1,500 miles).
.Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary.
Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal during the
first 2 414 km (1,500 miles).
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.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-22 Driving and Operating
4. If the engine does not start andno 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 −18°C
or 0°F), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Try pushing
the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor 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 briefly 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.
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects
components. Once cranking has
been initiated, the engine continues
cranking for a few seconds or until
the vehicle starts. If the engine does
not start, cranking automatically
stops after 15 seconds to prevent
cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also
prevents cranking if the engine is
already running.
Notice:
The engine is designed to
work with the electronics in the
vehicle. If electrical parts or
accessories are added, you could
change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer. If you do not, the engine
might not perform properly. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.Stopping the Engine
If the vehicle has an automatic
transmission, move the shift lever to
P (Park) and press and hold the
Acc. (Off/Accessory) button, located
on the instrument panel, until the
engine shuts off. If the shift lever is
not in P (Park), the engine shuts off
and the vehicle goes into the
accessory mode. The DIC displays
SHIFT TO PARK. Once the shifter is
moved to P (Park), the vehicle turns
off. If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, it is recommended
that you move the shift lever to
R (Reverse) and set the parking
brake after you turn off the
engine by pressing and holding
the Acc. (Off/Accessory) button.
If the RKE transmitter is not
detected inside the vehicle when it
is turned to off, the DIC displays
NO FOB –OFF OR RUN?.
See Key and Lock Messages on
page 5‑43 for more information.