
Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3
This vehicle has a keyless access
system with pushbutton start. See
Ignition Positions on page 9‑19for
information on starting the vehicle.
Notice: If you ever lose your
transmitter(s) and/or key, it could
be difficult to get into your
vehicle. You may even have to
damage your vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have a spare
transmitter and/or key.
If locked out of the vehicle, contact
Roadside Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑8 orRoadside
Assistance Program (Mexico) on
page 13‑10.
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
Overview on page 14‑1.Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑21 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the
RKE operating range:
.Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
30 m (100 ft) away from the vehicle.
Keyless Unlocking
Press the door handle sensor to
unlock and open the doors if the
RKE transmitter is within range.
See Door Locks on page 2‑8 and
“Passive Door Unlock” under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑55 for additional information.
Keyless Locking
The doors lock after several
seconds if all doors are closed and
at least one RKE transmitter has
been removed from the interior of
the vehicle. To customize whether
the doors automatically lock when
exiting the vehicle, see “Passive
Door Locking” underVehicle
Personalization on page 5‑55 for
additional information.

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-7
13. A beep sounds onceprogramming in complete.
The DIC displays READY
FOR FOB #2.
To program additional
transmitters, take transmitter 1
out of the transmitter pocket
and place transmitter 2 in the
pocket. Up to four transmitters
can be programmed. The DIC
then displays MAXIMUM
NUMBER OF FOBS
LEARNED and exits the
programming mode.
Press Acc. on the ignition
switch to complete the process.
14. Press Acc. on the ignition switch if programming is
complete.
15. Press
Kon each newly
programmed transmitter to
complete the process.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
If the transmitter battery is weak,
the DIC may display NO FOBS
DETECTED when trying to start the
vehicle. To start the vehicle, place
the transmitter in the glove box
transmitter pocket with the buttons
facing the passenger side. Then,
with the vehicle in P (Park) for an
automatic transmission, press the
brake pedal and
/. If the vehicle
has a manual transmission, press
the clutch and
/. Replace the
transmitter battery as soon as
possible. Change the transmitter
battery if the DIC displays FOB
BATTERY LOW.
Battery Replacement
Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the
transmitter.
1. Separate the transmitter with a
flat, thin object inserted into the
slot on the side or back of the
transmitter.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing down. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Reassemble the transmitter.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-19
Express-Down Window
Press the front of the switch to the
second position to activate the
express-down feature. To stop the
window as it is lowering, press the
switch again.
Window Indexing
This feature automatically lowers
the window a small amount when
the door is opened. When the door
is closed, the window will raise to its
full up position. If either window
does not index properly, it could be
due to loss of power. Before
returning to the dealer for service,
perform the power window initialize
procedure.
Power Window Initialize
After a power reconnect such as
battery replacement, the window
indexing feature and the power
convertible top (if equipped) will
not function until the system is
initialized.
Once power is restored:
1. Close the doors.
2. Raise the window and hold theswitch up for three seconds after
the window is closed.
3. Release the switch, then hold the switch up again for
three seconds and release.
Sun Visors
Pull the visor toward you, or move it
to the side to help reduce glare.
To use the lighted mirror, lift the
cover.

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
2-24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Removable Roof Panel
Notice:If you use a glass
treatment and/or conditioner that
contains ethyl sulfate on the roof
panel, you could damage the
panel. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Only
use a GM-approved glass cleaner
on the roof panel.
Special care is necessary when
cleaning, removing, and/or storing
the roof panel.
.Flush with water to remove dust
and dirt, then dry the panel.
.Clean a transparent roof panel
with GM Glass Cleaner. Leave
the cleaner on the panel for
one minute, then wipe the panel
with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not
use glass cleaner on a painted
roof panel.
.Do not use abrasive cleaning
materials on either type of panel.
If water drops are frequently allowed
to dry on the roof panel, impurities
in the water will adhere to the top. These impurities may etch or mar
the finish. When the panel gets wet,
dry it off.
Convertible Top
After a power reconnect such as
battery replacement, the power
windows need to be initialized for
the convertible top to work. See
“Power Window Initialize”
inPower
Windows on page 2‑18.
Manual Operation
For care and cleaning of the
convertible top, see “Cleaning the
Convertible Top” in this section.
High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
If the vehicle has this feature, the
following procedures explain the
proper operation of the manual
convertible top. The parts of the manual convertible
top that are used when lowering and
raising it are:
A. Front Edge of the
Convertible Top
B. Rear Edge of the Convertible Top
C. Tonneau Cover
Notice: Leaving the convertible
top down and exposing the
interior of the vehicle to outdoor
conditions may cause damage.
Always close the convertible top
if leaving the vehicle outdoors.

Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-43
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.
SeeMalfunction 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 5‑13.
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.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-21
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) for an automatic
transmission. For a manual
transmission the vehicle can be
started in Neutral or any other gear
as long as the clutch pedal is
pressed. To restart a vehicle with a
manual transmission when you are
already moving, use the Neutral
position only. To restart a vehicle
with an automatic transmission
when you are already moving, use
N (Neutral).
Notice:Do not try to shift to
P (Park) if the vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
The RKE transmitter must be inside
the vehicle for the ignition to work. Cell phone chargers can interfere
with the operation of the Keyless
Access System. Battery chargers
should not be plugged in when
starting or turning off the engine.
To start the vehicle, do the following:
1. For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, with your foot on
the brake pedal, press the
START button located on the
instrument panel. For vehicles
with a manual transmission, you
must also press in the clutch
pedal while pressing the
START button.
If there is not an RKE transmitter
in the vehicle or if there is
something causing interference
with it, the DIC will display
NO FOBS DETECTED.
See Key and Lock Messages on
page 5‑43 for more information. 2. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button and
the engine cranks automatically
until it starts. If the battery in the
RKE transmitter is weak, the
DIC displays FOB BATTERY
LOW. You can still drive the
vehicle.
See “Battery Replacement”
under Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3 for more information.
If the fob battery is dead, you
need to insert the fob into the
fob slot to enable engine
starting. See “NO FOBS
DETECTED” underKey and
Lock Messages on page 5‑43.
3. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-22 Automatic Transmission
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-25
Cooling System (Engine) . . . 10-28
Cooling System
(Intercooler) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-34
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-36
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-45 Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-46
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47
Windshield Replacement . . . 10-47
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-50

Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-43
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it.
This helps keep dirt from entering
the reservoir.
{WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in
the brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well.
This could cause a crash.
Always use the proper brake fluid.Notice
.Using the wrong fluid can
badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts.
For example, just a few
drops of mineral-based oil,
such as engine oil, in the
brake hydraulic system can
damage brake hydraulic
system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of fluid.
.If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces,
the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to
spill brake fluid on the
vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately.
Battery
Refer to the replacement number
on the original battery label when a
new battery is needed.
For battery replacement, see your
dealer or the service manual.
To purchase a service manual,
see
Service Publications Ordering
Information on page 13‑17.
{WARNING
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.