Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
9-36 Driving and Operating
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The switch is on the
center console. The EPB can
always be activated, even if the
ignition is off. To prevent draining
the battery, avoid repeated cycles of
the EPB when the engine is not
running.The system has a red parking brake
status light and an amber parking
brake warning light. See
Electric
Parking Brake Light on page 5-21
and Service Electric Parking Brake
Light on page 5-21. There are also
parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
See Brake System Messages on
page 5-34. In case of insufficient
electrical power, the EPB cannot be
applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, check
the red parking brake status light to
ensure that the parking brake is
applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Lift up the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light
will flash and then stay on once the
EPB is fully applied. If the red
parking brake status light flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a
problem with the EPB. A DIC
message will display. Release the
EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps
flashing, have the vehicle serviced.
Do not drive the vehicle if the red
parking brake status light is flashing.
See your dealer. See
Electric
Parking Brake Light on page 5-21.
If the amber parking brake warning
light is on, lift up on the EPB switch
and hold it up. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber
parking brake warning light remains
on, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is moving, the vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
held up. If the switch is held up until
the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when
the vehicle is not moving. This is
Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
9-38 Driving and Operating
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
If equipped, HSA may automatically
activate when the vehicle is stopped
on a grade. This feature is designed
to prevent the vehicle from rolling,
either forward or rearward, during
vehicle drive off. During the
transition from releasing the brake
pedal to accelerating to drive off on
a grade, HSA holds the braking
pressure to prevent rolling. HSA will
not activate if the vehicle is in a
drive gear and facing downhill or if
the vehicle is facing uphill and in
R (Reverse).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and a StabiliTrak
system. These systems help limit
wheel spin and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on
slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that the
rear wheels are spinning too much
or are beginning to lose traction.
When this happens, TCS applies
the brakes to the spinning wheel
and reduces engine power (by
closing the throttle and managing
engine spark) to limit wheel spin.StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
If cruise control is being used when
TCS begins to limit wheel spin, the
cruise control will automatically
disengage. Cruise control may be
reengaged when road conditions
allow. See
Cruise Control on
page 9-49.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-39
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck on
page 9-14 and“Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this
section.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak is
activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working. If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC),
and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
The TCS/StabiliTrak button is on the
center console.
{Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-43
Driver Mode Selector Attributes
Affected
The Gauge Cluster Display is
configured for each mode when
linked (default):
.Tour: Modern theme which
features displays for audio and
navigation.
.Sport: Classic easy to read
Sports Car gauges.
.Track: Gauges design based on
Corvette Racing display with lap
timer.
Throttle Progression
Adjusts throttle sensitivity by
selecting how quick or slow the
throttle reacts to input.
Transmission Shift Mode −Paddle
Shift Automatic
.Adjusts to either a smoother or
firmer shift.
.Sport –Performance Algorithm
Liftfoot (PAL) recognizes
aggressive throttle maneuvers and holds lower gears for
greater engine braking and
enhanced vehicle control when
not using paddles. (Available in
Sport or Track mode.)
.Track
–Performance Algorithm
Shift (PAS) recognizes
aggressive cornering, heavy
braking, and high acceleration to
select and hold lower gears
when not using paddles.
Active Fuel Management (engine
cylinder shuts off)
4-Cylinder Mode
.Normal with automatic
transmission: The engine uses
8-cylinder mode when
accelerating, but changes to
4-cylinder mode when coasting.
.With manual transmission:
Active Fuel Management only
active in Eco mode.
.Off in Manual mode with
automatic transmission unless in
Eco mode.
.Eco keeps the engine in
4-cylinder mode unless heavy
acceleration is needed.
Exhaust (variable mode exhaust
system)
Changes when the variable exhaust
valves open.
Steering (Assist Effort)
Adjusts from a lighter steering feel
to reduced assist for more
steering feel.
Magnetic Ride Control (if
equipped)
Adjusts the shock dampening
firmness based on driving
conditions to improve comfort and
performance.
Launch Control
Available only in Track mode for
maximum “off–the–line” acceleration
when in Competitive or PTM modes.
Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
9-44 Driving and Operating
Stability Control
.Competitive Driving Mode allows
less computer control to permit
some slide and drift and is
selected with the
gbutton–only
available in Track mode.
.StabiliTrak can be turned off by
pressing and holding the
g
button for 10 seconds.
PTM (Performance Traction
Management) (if equipped)
.Available in Track mode.
.There are five selectable
settings if Competitive Driving
Mode is activated.
Competitive Driving Mode
If equipped, Competitive Driving
Mode, Performance Traction
Management, and Launch Control
are systems designed to allow
increased performance 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
StabiliTrak systems on.
{Caution
Attempting to shift when the drive
wheels are spinning and do not
have traction may cause damage
to the transmission. Damage
caused by misuse of the vehicle
is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not attempt to shift
when the drive wheels do not
have traction.
Competitive Driving Mode
(Except Z51 and Z06 with
Magnetic Ride Control)
Competitive Driving Mode allows full
engine power while StabiliTrak
helps maintain directional control of
the vehicle by selective brake
application. In this mode, TCS is off
and Launch Control is available.
Adjust your driving style to account
for the available engine power. See
“Launch Control”
later in this
section.
Black plate (45,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-45
These lights are on when the
vehicle is in the Competitive
Driving Mode.
In order to select this optional
handling mode, the vehicle mode
must be Track. Then quickly press
the TCS/StabiliTrak
gbutton on the
center console two times.
STABILITRAK COMPETITIVE
MODE displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5-39. When the
gbutton is pressed
again, the traction off light
iand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gwill go out.
Performance Traction
Management (Z51 and Z06 with
Magnetic Ride Control)
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) integrates the Traction
Control, StabiliTrak, and Magnetic
Ride Control systems to provide
improved and consistent
performance when cornering. The
amount of available engine power is
based on the mode selected, track
conditions, driver skill, and the
radius of each corner.
This light is on when the vehicle is
in the PTM mode. To select this optional handling
mode, the vehicle mode must be
Track. Then quickly press the TCS/
StabiliTrak
gbutton on the center
console two times.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION WET
ACTIVE HANDLING ON displays in
the DIC.
To experience the performance
benefit of this system, after entering
a curve and at the point where
normal acceleration occurs, fully
push the accelerator pedal. The
PTM system will modify the level of
engine power for a smooth and
consistent corner exit.
Black plate (46,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
9-46 Driving and Operating
The PTM system contains five
modes. These modes are selected
by turning the Selective Ride
Control/Performance Traction
Management MODE SELECT knob
on the center console. Scroll up or
down through Wet, Dry, Sport 1,
Sport 2, and Race modes by turning
the MODE SELECT knob to the
right or left.The following is a DIC display
description and the recommended
usage of each mode:
PERFORMANCE TRACTION
WET ACTIVE HANDLING ON
.Intended for all driver skill levels.
.Wet or damp conditions only
—
not intended for use in heavy
rain or standing water.
.StabiliTrak is on and engine
power is reduced based on
conditions.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION
DRY ACTIVE HANDLING ON
.For use by less experienced
drivers or while learning a new
track.
.Dry conditions only.
.StabiliTrak is on and engine
power is slightly reduced.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION
SPORT 1 ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
.For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than
Dry mode.
.StabiliTrak is on and more
engine power is available than in
Dry mode.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION
SPORT 2 ACTIVE
HANDLING OFF
.For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than
Dry and Sport 1 modes.
.StabiliTrak is off and available
engine power is the same as
Sport 1 mode.
Black plate (47,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-47
PERFORMANCE TRACTION
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.
.StabiliTrak is off and engine
power is available for maximum
cornering speed.
Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak
gbutton to turn off PTM
and return to the traction control and
StabiliTrak systems. The traction off
light
iand StabiliTrak OFF lightg
will go out.
Launch Control (Track
Mode Only)
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode (except Z51 and Z06 with
Magnetic Ride Control) or
Performance Traction Management
(Z51 and Z06 with Magnetic Ride Control), on all vehicles 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
60 and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
.Competitive Driving Mode is
selected (except Z51 and Z06
with Magnetic Ride Control) or
any of the Performance Traction
Management modes are
selected (Z51 and Z06 with
Magnetic Ride Control). The
TCS light comes on the
instrument cluster and the
appropriate DIC message
displays.
.The vehicle is not moving.
.The steering wheel is pointing
straight.Manual Transmissions
.The clutch is pressed and the
vehicle is in 1 (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. Allow
the engine rpm to stabilize.
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 9-32.
Automatic Transmissions
.The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent
to a panic brake event.
.The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle. (If
the vehicle rolls due to wide
open throttle, release the
throttle, press the brake pedal