Page 209 of 393

Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
9-28 Driving and Operating
Automatic
Transmission
There are several different positions
for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the
rear wheels. It is the best position to
use when starting the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park on
page 9-24.
Be sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. Fully apply the brakes and
then press the shift lever button
before shifting from P (Park) when
the vehicle is running. If the vehicle cannot be shifted out of P (Park),
ease pressure on the shift lever and
push the shift lever all the way into
P (Park) as brake application is
maintained. Then press the shift
lever button and move the shift lever
into another gear. See
Shifting out
of Park on page 9-25.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to
back up.
{Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9-14.
Page 210 of 393

Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-29
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 10-83.
{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.
{Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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 more power is
needed 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 9-4.
The transmission can be shifted like
a manual transmission using the
paddle shift controls while in
D (Drive). See Manual Mode on
page 9-29.
M (Manual Mode): In
M (Manual Mode), the transmission
can be shifted like a manual transmission using the paddle shift
controls. See
Manual Mode on
page 9-29.
Manual Mode
Manual Paddle Shift
When the shift lever is moved to
M (Manual Mode), the transmission
enters Manual Mode. The
transmission will hold the current
gear until a change is requested.
The paddles on the steering wheel
can be used to manually upshift or
Page 211 of 393

Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
9-30 Driving and Operating
downshift the transmission. The
right (+) plus paddle upshifts, and
the left (−) minus paddle downshifts
When using the Manual Paddle
Shift feature while in M (Manual
Mode), the current gear will be
displayed in the instrument cluster,
or the Head-Up Display (HUD),
if equipped. SeeHead-Up Display
(HUD) on page 5-29.
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
shifting to 2 (Second) gear allows
the vehicle to gain more traction.
The Manual Paddle Shift system
can be deactivated by moving the
shift lever from M (Manual Mode)
back to D (Drive). When the shift lever is in D (Drive),
press either the right (+) plus paddle
or the left (−) minus paddle to place
the transmission in Temporary
Manual Paddle Shift mode. The
gear indicator by the shift lever, in
the cluster, and in the HUD will
display an M, even though the shift
lever is still in D (Drive). To exit the
system, hold the (+) plus paddle for
more than one second. The system
will return to automatic shifting after
six seconds of cruising at a steady
speed, no manual shifts, no
aggressive cornering, 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 1 (First) gear as the vehicle
stops. From a stop, the vehicle will
start from and hold 1 (First) gear
unless the manual paddle shifts are
used to shift into a different gear,
or D (Drive) is selected.If the left (−) minus paddle is held
down briefly, the transmission will
downshift to the lowest gear
possible for the vehicles speed.
If the paddle continues to be held as
the vehicle slows, downshifts will
continue to occur as vehicle speed
allows. This feature also works
while in Temporary Manual Paddle
Shift mode, but the driver must first
press and release the (−) minus
paddle to enter Temporary Manual
Paddle Shift mode, then press and
hold the (−) minus paddle briefly.
The Manual Paddle Shift system will
not allow either an upshift or a
downshift if the vehicle speed is too
fast or too slow, nor will it allow a
start from 3 (Third) or higher gear.
If upshifting does not occur when
needed, vehicle speed will be
limited to protect the engine.
When a requested shift is denied
due to the speed restrictions shown,
a DIC message will be displayed,
and the current gear remains
displayed in the cluster and HUD.
Page 212 of 393

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-31
Manual Paddle Shift operation is
available for use with cruise control.
SeeCruise Control on page 9-49.
The vehicle speeds required for
Manual Paddle Shift upshifts
depend on several vehicle inputs,
which will vary the allowed up-shift
speed by a few km/h (mph).
For vehicles with a 2.41:1 Axle
Ratio (RPO GXB)
.Upshifts to 3 (Third) gear require
approximately 25 km/h (16 mph).
.Upshifts to 4 (Fourth) gear
require approximately 37 km/h
(23 mph).
.Upshifts to 5 (Fifth) gear require
approximately 48 km/h (30 mph).
.Upshifts to 6 (Sixth) gear require
approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).
.Upshifts to 7 (Seventh) gear
require approximately 74 km/h
(46 mph).
.Upshifts to 8 (Eighth) gear
require approximately 95 km/h
(59 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 6 (Sixth) are:
.Into 6 (Sixth) gear over 309 km/h
(192 mph).
.Into 5 (Fifth) gear over 243 km/h
(151 mph).
.Into 4 (Fourth) gear over
183 km/h (114 mph).
.Into 3 (Third) gear over 149 km/h
(93 mph).
.Into 2 (Second) gear over
100 km/h (62 mph).
.Into 1 (First) gear over 62 km/h
(39 mph).
For vehicles with a 2.73:1 Axle
Ratio (RPO GU2)
.Upshifts to 3 (Third) gear require
approximately 24 km/h (15 mph).
.Upshifts to 4 (Fourth) gear
require approximately 34 km/h
(21 mph).
.Upshifts to 5 (Fifth) gear require
approximately 43 km/h (27 mph).
.Upshifts to 6 (Sixth) gear require
approximately 55 km/h (34 mph).
.Upshifts to 7 (Seventh) gear
require approximately 64 km/h
(40 mph).
.Upshifts to 8 (Eighth) gear
require approximately 82 km/h
(51 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 7 (Seventh) are:
.Into 7 (Seventh) gear over
321 km/h (199 mph).
.Into 6 (Sixth) gear over 272 km/h
(169 mph).
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Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
9-32 Driving and Operating
.Into 5 (Fifth) gear over 214 km/h
(133 mph).
.Into 4 (Fourth) gear over
161 km/h (100 mph).
.Into 3 (Third) gear over 131 km/h
(93 mph).
.Into 2 (Second) gear over
88 km/h (62 mph).
.Into 1 (First) gear over 55 km/h
(39 mph).
If an upshift is not requested 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.
Manual Transmission
To operate:
1 (First): Press the clutch pedal
and shift into 1 (First). Then slowly
let up on the clutch pedal as the
accelerator pedal is pressed.
This can be done if the vehicle is
going less than 64 km/h (40 mph).
If the vehicle is at a complete stop
and it is hard to shift into 1 (First),
put the shift lever in Neutral and let
up on the clutch. Then press the
clutch pedal back down and shift
into 1 (First). 2 (Second):
Press the clutch pedal
while letting up on the accelerator
pedal and shift into 2 (Second).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth),
6 (Sixth), and 7 (Seventh): Shift
into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth),
6 (Sixth), and 7 (Seventh) the same
way as for 2 (Second).
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.
Neutral: Use to start or idle the
engine. Neutral is the center
position of the shift pattern.
R (Reverse): To back up, push the
clutch pedal and shift into
R (Reverse). Additional pressure
may be needed to move the lever
past 5 (Fifth) and 6 (Sixth) into
R (Reverse). Let up on the clutch
pedal slowly while pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Page 214 of 393

Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-33
The vehicle can be safely shifted
into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph).
If the vehicle is going faster than
that, R (Reverse) is locked out.
Shift Speeds
Use the following shift speeds,
shown in km/h (mph), for the best
fuel economy.1 to 4 27 (17)
4 to 5 40 (25)
5 to 6 64 (40)
6 to 7 72 (45)
{Caution
When shifting gears, do not move
the shift lever around
unnecessarily. This may damage
the transmission. Shift directly
into the next gear.
1–4 Shift Message
When the DIC displays this
message, the vehicle can only be
shifted from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth).
SeeTransmission Messages on
page 5-44.
Downshifting
Do not downshift into the gear at a
speed greater than shown:
1 (First) 72 km/h (45 mph)
2 (Second) 107 km/h (67 mph) 3 (Third) 160 km/h (100 mph)
4 (Fourth) 233 km/h (145 mph)
{Caution
When downshifting, if more than
one gear is skipped, or the engine
is racing when the clutch pedal is
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
released, the engine, clutch,
driveshaft or transmission could
be damaged.
If the engine speed drops below
900 rpm, or if the engine is not
running smoothly, downshift to the
next lower gear. It may be
necessary to downshift two or more
gears.
The transmission has a spring that
centers the shift lever near 3 (Third)
and 4 (Fourth). This spring helps to
know what gear the shift lever is in
when shifting. Be careful when
shifting from 1 (First) to 2 (Second)
or downshifting from 7 (Seventh) to
6 (Sixth). The spring will try to pull
the shift lever toward 4 (Fourth) and
3 (Third). Move the lever into
2 (Second) or 6 (Sixth) and do not
let the shift lever move in the
direction of the pulling, or it could
shift from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) or
from 7 (Seventh) to 4 (Fourth).
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Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
9-34 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle is not upshifted 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.
Active Rev Match
Vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission have Active Rev Match
(ARM). ARM aids in smoother
shifting by matching the engine
speed to the next selected gear. By
monitoring shift lever and clutch
operation, ARM adjusts engine
speed to match a calibrated value
based on gear selection. On
upshifts and downshifts, engine
speed will be increased and
decreased to match vehicle road
speed and transmission gear
position. ARM is maintained for a
few seconds between shifts, then
deactivates if the shift is not
completed.
The system is activated and
deactivated by pressing either of the
paddles marked REV MATCH on
the steering wheel. The system
must be activated with each new
ignition cycle.
A gear indicator in the instrument
cluster displays the current gear
selected:
.When ARM is activated, the
gear number is amber.
.When ARM is deactivated, the
gear number is white.
.A white dash indicates that
service is required. ARM will be
disabled, and the malfunction
indicator lamp will be on. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5-18. The clutch and
manual transmission will
continue to operate normally.
ARM will also:
.Be active above 32 km/h
(20 mph).
.Match engine speed up to
5400 rpm.
.Not operate when the
accelerator pedal is applied.
.Be disabled when the coolant
temperature is below 0°C (32°F).
Page 216 of 393

Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7576293) - 2015 - crc - 10/31/14
Driving and Operating 9-35
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
might be heard while this test is
going on, and it might even be
noticed that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5-22. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses the wheels are
slowing down. If one of the wheels
is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at
each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. This is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.