Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6007198) - 2014 - CRC - 2/5/14
5-20 Instruments and Controls
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
turns off.
The traction off light comes on when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
has been turned off by pressing and
releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak
button.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFF
light come on when StabiliTrak is
turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not
limited. Adjust driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-36.
StabiliTrak®OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
This light comes on when the
StabiliTrak system is turned off.
If StabiliTrak is off, the Traction
Control System (TCS) is also off.
If the StabiliTrak and TCS are off,
the system does not assist in
controlling the vehicle. Turn on the
TCS and the StabiliTrak systems
and the warning light turns off.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-36.
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak®Light
This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally,
the indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the
TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak
system have been disabled. A DIC
message may display. Check the
DIC messages to determine which
feature(s) is no longer functioning
and whether the vehicle requires
service.
Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6007198) - 2014 - CRC - 2/5/14
5-22 Instruments and Controls
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 10-54.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
{Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine
oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Check the oil level as soon as
possible. Add oil if required, but if
the oil level is within the operating
range and the oil pressure is still
low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance
schedule for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and might have
some other system problem. See
your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is near the fuel gauge and
comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is
working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank
is low on fuel. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced.
Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6007198) - 2014 - CRC - 2/5/14
Instruments and Controls 5-35
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be
sure to reset the Oil Life System.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 10-16, Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5-24, Engine
Oil on page 10-10, and Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-3.
ENGINE OIL HOT, IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine oil temperature is too hot.
Stop and allow the vehicle to idle
until it cools down.
ENGINE OIL LOW —ADD OIL
On some vehicles, this message
displays when the engine oil level
may be too low. Check the oil level
before filling to the recommended
level. If the oil is not low and this message remains on, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See
Engine Oil on page 10-10.
OIL PRESSURE LOW —STOP
ENGINE
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
UPSHIFT NOW, ENGINE
PROTECTION ACTIVE
This message indicates the engine
controls have taken action to
prevent an oil starvation condition.
This may reduce the available
engine power, or on automatic
transmission equipped vehicles
force an upshift to a higher gear.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, 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 this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel as
soon as possible.
Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6007198) - 2014 - CRC - 2/5/14
Climate Controls 8-5
Air Vents
Use the tab on the air outlets to
change the direction of the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
may block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors may adversely affect
the performance of the system.
.Keep the area around the base
of the instrument panel console
and air path under the seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The passenger compartment air
filter removes certain particles from
the air including pollen and dust
particles. Reductions in airflow,
which may occur more often in
dusty areas, indicate that the filter
may need to be replaced. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3.
{Caution
Driving without a passenger
compartment air filter in place can
cause water and small particles,
like paper and leaves, to be
pulled into your climate control
system which may cause damage
to it. Make sure you always
replace the old filter with a
new one.The passenger compartment air
filter is on the passenger side of the
engine compartment near the
coolant surge tank. See
Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10-7.
To check or replace the air filter:
1. Release the retainer clips from the passenger compartment air
filter cover. The PVC hoses may
need to be held out of the way
briefly to access the air filter
cover.
2. Remove the cover.
Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6007198) - 2014 - CRC - 2/5/14
9-6 Driving and Operating
{Caution
If the vehicle is used for track
events and competitive driving,
the engine may use more oil than
it would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and at
the proper level. SeeEngine Oil
on page 10-10.
Because the fluid temperatures may
be higher, it is necessary to change
the rear axle fluid after first time
track or competitive driving event.
After first time event, the rear axle
fluid should be changed every
24 hours of racing or competitive
driving. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11-12.
{Caution
Not changing the engine oil to
15W-50 may cause engine
damage. Engine oil must be
changed to 15W-50 synthetic.
See Capacities and Specifications
on page 12-2.
Z51 Only: Check the oil level often
during track events and competitive
driving and keep the level at or near
0.5 qt (0.5 L) 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.
Except Z51: Additional oil fill above
the upper mark on the dipstick is not
recommended for track events or
other competitive driving. 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. 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.
Replace existing brake fluid with a
qualified high performance brake
fluid from a sealed container. Brake
fluid with a dry boiling point >279°C
(534°F) is qualified. If high
performance brake fluid is used,
replace it with GM approved brake
fluid before driving on public roads.
If high performance brake fluid is in
the vehicle and the age of the brake
fluid is over a month old or
unknown, replace the brake fluid
before track events and competitive
driving. Do not use silicone or
DOT-5 brake fluids.
Z51 Only: Limit vehicle load to the
driver only, with no other cargo;
inflate tires to 180 kPa (26 psi); and
drive at a maximum speed of
280 km/h (174 mph).
Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6007198) - 2014 - CRC - 2/5/14
Driving and Operating 9-11
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
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
.Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.
.Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow
or ice between the tires and the
road, creating less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C
(32°F) when freezing rain begins to
fall, resulting in even less traction.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in
freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6007198) - 2014 - CRC - 2/5/14
9-12 Driving and Operating
Drive with caution, whatever the
condition. Accelerate gently so
traction is not lost. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick, so there is even less
traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction.
If you accelerate too fast, the drive
wheels will spin and polish the
surface under the tires even more.
Traction Control should be turned
on. SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-36.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops on slippery roads, but
apply the brakes sooner than when
on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) on page 9-33.
Allow greater following distance on
any slippery road and watch for
slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in
shaded areas. The surface of a
curve or an overpass can remain icy
when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
Turn off cruise control on slippery
surfaces.
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See
Roadside
Assistance Program on page 13-5.
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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.(Continued)
Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6007198) - 2014 - CRC - 2/5/14
9-18 Driving and Operating
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended
guidelines during the first 2 414 km
(1,500 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. 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 mi):
.Do not participate in track
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during the
first 2 414 km (1,500 mi).
.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 mi).
Front Air Dam
If equipped, the front air dam has
minimal ground clearance.
Under normal operation, the
components will occasionally
contact some road surfaces (speed
bumps, driveway ramps, etc.). This
can be heard inside the vehicle as a
scraping noise. This is normal and
does not indicate a problem.
Use care when approaching bumps
or objects on road surfaces and
avoid them when possible.