2013 CHEVROLET CORVETTE sport mode

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
1-14 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 9‑26.
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 9‑29.

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
In Brief 1-23
Battery
This vehicle has a maintenance-free
battery. SeeBattery on page 10‑37
and Jump Starting on page 10‑75.
For Z06, ZR1, manual transmission
Grand Sport Coupe, and 427
Convertible models, the battery is
located in the rear hatch/trunk area.
Access to the battery is not
necessary to jump start the vehicle.
There are positive (+) and negative
(−) terminals in the engine
compartment.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
TTY Users (U.S. Only):
1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
Mexico: 01-800-466-0800
New Chevrolet owners are
automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance Program. See
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑7 orRoadside
Assistance Program (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑10.
OnStar®
If equipped, this vehicle has a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system
that can connect to a live Advisor
for Emergency, Security, Navigation,
Connection, and Diagnostic
Services. See OnStar Overview on
page 14‑1.
Website Information
An online owner manual, owner
videos, and additional ownership
information is available at
http://www.chevrolet.com/owners/
chevy-manuals/.

Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
3-32 Seats and Restraints
Securing an Add-On Child
Restraint in the Vehicle
{WARNING
A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured in
the vehicle. Secure the child
restraint properly in the vehicle
using the vehicle safety belt or
LATCH system, following the
instructions that came with that
child restraint and the instructions
in this manual.
To help reduce the chance of injury,
the child restraint must be secured
in the vehicle. Child restraint
systems must be secured in vehicle
seats by lap belts or the lap belt
portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by
the LATCH system. See Lower
Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) (Z06 and ZR1
Models Only) on page 3‑33 or
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) (Coupe
and Convertible Models Only) on
page 3‑33. Children can be
endangered in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured in
the vehicle.
When securing an add-on child
restraint, refer to the instructions
that come with the restraint which
may be on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both, and to this manual.
The child restraint instructions are
important, so if they are not
available, obtain a replacement
copy from the manufacturer.
Keep in mind that an unsecured
child restraint can move around in a
collision or sudden stop and injure
people in the vehicle. Be sure to
properly secure any child restraint in
the vehicle
—even when no child is
in it.
In some areas of the United States
and Canada, Certified Child
Passenger Safety Technicians
(CPSTs) are available to inspect
and demonstrate how to correctly use and install child restraints. In
the U.S., refer to the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) website to
locate the nearest child safety seat
inspection station. For CPST
availability in Canada, check with
Transport Canada or the Provincial
Ministry of Transportation office.
Securing the Child Within the
Child Restraint
{WARNING
A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child is not
properly secured in the child
restraint. Secure the child
properly following the instructions
that came with that child restraint.

Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
5-44 Instruments and Controls
intended for use on dry race track
conditions. Adjust your driving
accordingly. This system is available
only on ZR1 and Z06 models. See
“Performance Traction
Management”and“Launch Control”
under Competitive Driving Mode on
page 9‑36 for more information
about the use of this mode.
PERF TRAC 3 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING ON
This message displays and a sound
will be heard when this Performance
Traction Management mode is
selected. The instrument panel
cluster light will also be on when
this mode is selected. Launch
Control is available when this mode
is selected. In this mode the
Traction Control and Active
Handling System are available but
intended for use on dry race track
conditions. Adjust your driving
accordingly. This system is available
only on ZR1 and Z06 models. See
“Performance Traction
Management” and“Launch Control” under
Competitive Driving Mode on
page 9‑36 for more information
about the use of this mode.
PERF TRAC 4 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING OFF
This message displays and a sound
will be heard when this Performance
Traction Management mode is
selected. The instrument panel
cluster light will also be on when
this mode is selected. Launch
Control is available when this mode
is selected. In this mode the
Traction Control is available but
intended for use on dry race track
conditions. The Active Handling
System is disabled when this mode
is selected. This mode will require
more driver skill than modes 1-3.
Adjust your driving accordingly. This
system is available only on ZR1 and
Z06 models. See “Performance
Traction Management” and“Launch
Control” underCompetitive Driving
Mode on page 9‑36 for more
information about the use of
this mode.
PERF TRAC 5 –RACE ACTIVE
HANDLING OFF
This message displays and a sound
will be heard when this Performance
Traction Management mode is
selected. The instrument panel
cluster light will also be on when
this mode is selected. Launch
Control is available when this mode
is selected. In this mode the
Traction Control is available but
intended for use on dry race track
conditions. The Active Handling
System is disabled when this mode
is selected. This mode will require
more driver skill than modes 1-4.
Adjust your driving accordingly. This
system is available only on ZR1 and
Z06 models. See “Performance
Traction Management” and“Launch
Control” underCompetitive Driving
Mode on page 9‑36 for more
information about the use of
this mode.

Black plate (50,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
5-50 Instruments and Controls
Information label. SeeRun-Flat
Tires on page 10‑53, Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑12, Tire Pressure
on page 10‑60, and Tire Pressure
Monitor System on page 10‑62. The
DIC also shows the tire pressure
values. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑25.
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 9‑18 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 5‑25 andAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 10‑20.
Also check the engine coolant
temperature. If it is also hot, see
Engine Overheating on page 10‑29.
If this message is displayed during
normal vehicle operation on flat
roads, the vehicle may need
service. See your dealer for an
inspection.
If driving in a performance or
competitive manner, the use of
(S) Sport Automatic Mode or
(S) Sport Manual Paddle Shift gear
selection is recommended. See
Automatic Transmission on
page 9‑25 for more information.
To acknowledge the message, press
the RESET button. The message
reappears every 10 minutes until
this condition changes. If you do not
press the RESET button, the
message remains on the display
until the condition changes.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-6 Driving and Operating
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 10‑13.
Z06, ZR1, manual transmission
Grand Sport Coupe and 427
Convertible 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, manual
transmission Grand Sport Coupe
and 427 Convertible : 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, manual transmission
Grand Sport Coupe and 427
Convertible 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
point greater than 279°C (534°F).
After conversion to the high
performance brake fluid, follow the
brake fluid service
recommendations outlined by the
fluid manufacturer. Do not use
silicone or DOT-5 brake fluids.
Z06, ZR1, and manual transmission
Grand Sport Coupe Only: For racing
or competitive driving, it is
recommended that the loading of
the vehicle be limited to the driver
only, with no other cargo, and that
tires be inflated to 180 kPa (26 psi)
for a maximum speed of 230 km/h
(143 mph).
If the vehicle is a Z06, ZR1,
or manual transmission Grand Sport
Coupe and 427 Convertible model,
it has greaseable outer ends on
both of the rear toe-links. Under
normal use, lubrication should be
performed as described in the
maintenance schedule. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3
andRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 11‑12. If using the vehicle for
racing, lubrication should be
performed at the end of each racing
day. See your dealer for lubrication
and make sure any needed repairs
are made at once. Proper
procedures for performing these

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-17
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended
guidelines during the first 2414 km
(1500 mi) 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 mi):
.To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first 322 km
(200 mi).
.New brake linings also need a
break- in period. Avoid making
hard stops during the first
322 km (200 mi). This is
recommended every time brake
linings are replaced.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, 427
convertibles or Z06 vehicles with
RPO CFZ, also come with a splitter
made from carbon fiber.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-26 Driving and Operating
N (Neutral):In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only. If the vehicle needs
towing, see Towing the Vehicle on
page 10‑79.
{WARNING
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle. D (Drive):
This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, push the pedal
down to achieve the desired level of
acceleration.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”under
Loss of Control on page 9‑5.
S (Sport Mode): When in
S (Sport Mode), the transmission will
work as an automatic until you use
the Manual Paddle Shift Controls,
which activates driver manual gear
selection. See Manual Mode on
page 9‑26. While in S (Sport Mode),
the transmission will have more
noticeable upshifts for sportier
vehicle performance.
Manual Mode
Manual Paddle Shift
While in S (Sport Mode), the paddles
located on the steering wheel can
be used to manually up-shift or
down-shift the transmission.
The Manual Paddle Shift system is
activated from S (Sport Mode) by
pushing the paddle, above the
steering wheel spokes, to up-shift to
the next gear, or pulling on the
paddle, behind the steering wheel
spokes, to down-shift to the
next gear.