2013 CHEVROLET CORVETTE transmission

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-27
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
you may want to shift to 2 (Second)
or 3 (Third) gear. A higher gear
allows you to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces. If traction control
is active, upshifts are delayed to
increase your control of the vehicle.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑34 Traction Control
System (TCS).
The Manual Paddle Shift system
can be deactivated by moving the
shift lever from S (Sport Mode) back
to D (Drive), or by holding either
up-shift paddle for more than
one second.
The driver may choose to briefly
activate the Manual Paddle Shift
system while in D (Drive). Tapping
either the upshift or downshift
controls will place the transmission
in Manual Paddle Shift mode. The
driver may then exit Manual Paddle
Shift mode by holding either upshift
control for more than one second.
The system 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.
While the Manual Paddle Shift gear
selection system is active, the
transmission will automatically
downshift through the gears as the
vehicle slows. The transmission will
select 2 (Second) gear as the
vehicle stops. From a stop, the
vehicle will start from and hold
2 (Second) gear unless the driver
manually paddle shifts into a
different gear or selects D (Drive).
The driver can select 1 (First) gear
for maximum acceleration from
a stop.
When using the Manual Paddle
Shift feature while in S (Sport Mode),
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.
If the vehicle has a Head-Up
Display (HUD), see
Head-Up
Display (HUD) on page 5‑30.
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.
If up-shifting does not occur when
needed, vehicle speed will be
limited to protect the engine.
When the transmission gear does
not respond to a shift change, the
DIC will show an X over the gear
display.

Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-28 Driving and Operating
When a requested shift is denied
due to the speed restrictions shown,
the DIC will momentarily show an X
over the gear display and a chime
will sound.
If the vehicle has a HUD, and the
transmission gear does not respond
to a shift change, a chime will sound
and the HUD will momentarily show
an X over the gear display.
Manual Paddle Shift operation is
available for use with Cruise
Control. SeeCruise Control on
page 9‑42 Cruise Control for more
information.
The vehicle speeds required for
Manual Paddle Shift up-shifts
depend on several vehicle inputs,
which will vary the allowed up-shift
speed by a few km/h (mph). For vehicles with a 2.56:1 Axle
Ratio (RPO GM8)
.Up-shifts to 4 (Fourth) gear
require approximately 35 km/h
(22 mph).
.Up-shifts to 5 (Fifth) gear require
approximately 45 km/h (28 mph).
.Up-shifts to 6 (Sixth) gear
require approximately 65 km/h
(41 mph).
To prevent damage to the
powertrain, Manual Paddle
downshifts to a lower gear cannot
be done above certain speeds. The
maximum speed allowed for
downshifting of gears 1 (First)
through 4 (Fourth) are:
.Into 4 (Fourth) gear over
250 km/h (155 mph).
.Into 3 (Third) gear over 188 km/h
(117 mph).
.Into 2 (Second) gear over
120 km/h (75 mph).
.Into 1 (First) gear over 68 km/h
(42 mph).
For vehicles with a 2.73:1 Axle
Ratio (RPO GU2, Grand Sport
models)
.Up-shifts to 4 (Fourth) gear
require approximately 31 km/h
(19 mph).
.Up-shifts to 5 (Fifth) gear require
approximately 39 km/h (24 mph).
.Up-shifts to 6 (Sixth) gear
require approximately 57 km/h
(35 mph).
To prevent damage to the
powertrain, Manual Paddle
downshifts to a lower gear cannot
be done above certain speeds. The
maximum speed allowed for
downshifting of gears 1 (First)
through 4 (Fourth) are:
.Into 4 (Fourth) gear over
234 km/h (145 mph).

Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-29
.Into 3 (Third) gear over 176 km/h
(109 mph).
.Into 2 (Second) gear over
113 km/h (70 mph).
.Into 1 (First) gear over 64 km/h
(40 mph).
If the driver does not request an
upshift as the engine speed
approaches fuel shut off rpm, the
engine speed will be limited to
protect the engine. See Tachometer
on page 5‑12 for more information.
Manual Transmission
This is the shift pattern for the
six-speed manual transmission.
Here is how to operate the
transmission:
1 (First):Press the clutch pedal
and shift into 1 (First). Then slowly
let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into 1 (First) when you
are going less than 64 km/h
(40 mph). If you come to a complete
stop and it is hard to shift into
1 (First), put the shift lever in Neutral
and let up on the clutch. Press the
clutch pedal back down. Then shift
into 1 (First).
2 (Second):
Press the clutch pedal
as you let up on the accelerator
pedal and shift into 2 (Second).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator
pedal.
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth) and
6 (Sixth): Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth) and 6 (Sixth) the
same way you do for 2 (Second).
Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake
pedal, and shift to Neutral.

Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-30 Driving and Operating
Neutral:Use this position when
you start or idle the engine. The
shift lever is in Neutral when it is
centered in the shift pattern, not in
any gear.
R (Reverse): To back up, press
down the clutch pedal and shift into
R (Reverse). Just apply pressure to
get the lever past 5 (Fifth) and
6 (Sixth) into R (Reverse). Let up on
the clutch pedal slowly while
pressing the accelerator pedal.
The six-speed manual transmission
has a feature that allows you to
safely shift into R (Reverse) while
the vehicle is rolling at less than
5 km/h (3 mph). You will be locked
out if you try to shift into
R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving faster than 5 km/h (3 mph).Shift Speeds
(Manual Transmission)
{WARNING
If you skip a gear when you
downshift, you could lose control
of the vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Do not shift
down more than one gear at a
time when you downshift.
This chart shows when to shift to
the next higher gear for the best fuel
economy.

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-31
Manual Transmission RecommendedShift Speeds in km/h (mph)
Engine Acceleration Shift Speed
1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
All Engines 24 (15) 40 (25) 64 (40) 72 (45) 80 (50)
If the engine speed drops below
900 rpm, or if the engine is not
running smoothly, you should
downshift to the next lower gear.
You may have to downshift two or
more gears to keep the engine
running smoothly or for good engine
performance.
Notice: When shifting gears, do
not move the shift lever around
unnecessarily. This may damage
the transmission. Shift directly
into the next gear.
One to Four Shift Light
(Manual Transmission)
When this light comes on, you can
only shift from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth)
instead of 1 (First) to 2 (Second).
See One-to-Four Shift Light (Manual
Transmission) on page 5‑21 for
more information.
Downshifting
(Manual Transmission)
Do not downshift into the gear
shown below at a speed greater
than shown in the table:
1 (First) 80 km/h (50 mph)
2 (Second) 119 km/h (74 mph) 3 (Third) 163 km/h (101 mph)
4 (Fourth) 209 km/h (130 mph)
Notice: If you skip more than one
gear when you downshift, or if
you race the engine when you
release the clutch pedal while
downshifting, you could damage
the engine, clutch, driveshaft or
the transmission. Do not skip
gears or race the engine when
downshifting.
The six-speed transmission has a
spring that centers the shift lever
near 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth). This
spring helps you know which gear
you are in when you are shifting.

Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-35
The system can be turned on or off
at any time by pressing the Active
Handling button. The DIC will
display the appropriate message
when the button is pushed.
Notice:When traction control is
turned off, or Competitive Driving
Mode is active, it is possible to
lose traction. If you attempt to
shift with the drive wheels
spinning with a loss of traction, it
is possible to cause damage to
the transmission. Do not attempt
to shift when the drive wheels do
not have traction. Damage caused
by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered. See the warranty book
for additional information.
Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle's performance.
See Accessories and Modifications
on page 10‑3 for more information.Active Handling System
The Active Handling System is a
computer controlled system that
helps the driver maintain directional
control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions. This is
accomplished by selectively
applying any one of the vehicle's
brakes.
The ACTIVE HANDLING message
will come on when the system is
operating. See Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑42 for more
information. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working. This
is normal.
The SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING
SYSTEM message is displayed on
the DIC, the Active Handling System light comes on, and a sound
is heard if there is a problem with
the system.
See
Ride Control System Messages
on page 5‑42 for more information.
When this light and the SERVICE
ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM
message are on, the system is not
operational. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
The Active Handling System comes
on automatically whenever the
vehicle is started. To help maintain
directional control of the vehicle, the
system should always be left on.
The system can be turned off if
needed. If the Active Handling
System is turned off, the Traction
Control System will also be turned
off. Adjust your driving accordingly.

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-36 Driving and Operating
To turn the system off, press
the Active Handling button on the
center console until TRACTION
SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING
SYSTEM—OFF is displayed on
the DIC.
The StabiliTrak Off light will
come on.
The system can be turned back on
at any time by pressing the Active
Handling button. The DIC will
display the appropriate message
when the button is pushed. If the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system detects a flat tire and the
Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays TIRE FLAT, or if the TPM
system is malfunctioning and the
DIC displays SERVICE TIRE
MONITOR, the Active Handling
System will be affected as follows:
.The Active Handling System
cannot be turned off by the
driver.
.If the Active Handling System is
off, it will be turned on
automatically.
.Competitive Driving Mode or
Performance Traction
Management is unavailable.
.The Active Handling System will
feel different in aiding and
maintaining directional control.
Competitive Driving Mode
Competitive Driving Mode,
Performance Traction Management,
and Launch Control are systems
designed to allow increasedperformance while accelerating and/
or cornering. This is accomplished
by regulating and optimizing the
engine, brakes, and suspension
performance. These modes are for
use at a closed course race track
and are not intended for use on
public roads. They will not
compensate for driver inexperience
or lack of familiarity with the race
track. Drivers who prefer to allow
the system to have more control of
the engine, brake, and suspension
are advised to turn the normal
traction control and active handling
systems on. See
Racing or Other
Competitive Driving on page 9‑6.
Notice: Do not attempt to shift
when the drive wheels are
spinning and do not have
traction. This may cause damage
to the transmission. Damage
caused by misuse of the vehicle
is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. See the warranty book
for additional information.

Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-39
PERF TRAC 5–RACE ACTIVE
HANDLING OFF
.For use by experienced drivers
who are familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
in other modes
.Active Handling is off and engine
power is available for maximum
cornering speed
Press and release the Active
Handling button to turn off
Performance Traction Management
and return to the Active Handling
and Traction Control Systems. The
TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING-ON message displays
briefly in the DIC and a chime is
heard.
Launch Control
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode (except Z06 with magnetic
Selective Ride Control or ZR1) or
Performance Traction Management (Z06 with magnetic Selective Ride
Control or ZR1), on vehicles with a
manual transmission to allow the
driver to achieve high levels of
vehicle acceleration in a straight
line. Launch Control is a form of
traction control that manages tire
spin while launching the vehicle.
This feature is intended for use
during closed course race events
where consistent zero to sixty
and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
.Competitive Driving Mode is
selected (except Z06 with
magnetic Selective Ride Control
or ZR1) or any of the
Performance Traction
Management modes are
selected (Z06 with magnetic
Selective Ride Control or ZR1).
The TCS light comes on the
instrument panel and the
appropriate DIC message
displays.
.The vehicle is not moving.
.The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
.The clutch is pressed and the
vehicle is in first gear.
.The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle.
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle.
A smooth, quick release of the
clutch, while maintaining the fully
pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip. Complete shifts
as described in Manual
Transmission on page 9‑29.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Mode (except Z06 with magnetic
Selective Ride Control or ZR1) or
Performance Traction Management
(Z06 with magnetic Selective Ride
Control or ZR1).