2016 CHEVROLET CORVETTE traction control

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
Instruments and Controls 127
aggressive driving, and sharp
cornering. The system could be
overheated. Allow the system to
cool. If this message remains on,
see your dealer for service. The
vehicle is safe to drive, however,
continue to drive with caution.
When this message is displayed,
the vehicle’s handling capabilities
will be reduced during severe
maneuvers. Stability Control will be
affected. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0192.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Stability Control
system and the vehicle needs
service. The Stability Control
system light on the instrument
cluster also turns on and a sound
will be heard. See your dealer.
When this message is displayed,
the system is not working. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0192.
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
If this message displays when you
are driving, there is a problem with
the Traction Control System (TCS)
and the vehicle needs service. See
your dealer. When this message is
displayed, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
The TCS light on the instrument
cluster will also turn on and a sound
will be heard.
When this message is displayed,
the computer controlled systems will
not assist the driver in controlling
the vehicle. Have the system
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0192.
To acknowledge the message, press
the SEL button.
SHOCKS INOPERATIVE
This message displays when a
malfunction is present in the
Magnetic Ride Control system,
which is causing the shocks to be in
their full soft mode. This is a warning to the driver that the vehicle
handling may be affected. Have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer as
soon as possible.
To acknowledge the message, press
the SEL button. The message
reappears every 10 minutes until
this condition changes.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIRBAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system. See
your dealer for service.
Security Messages
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the vehicle
detects a tamper condition.
Service Vehicle Messages
PROGRAM CLUSTER
This message is displayed if there is
a problem with the instrument
cluster. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
128 Instruments and Controls
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays and a chime
may sound when there may be a
problem with the power steering
system. If this message displays
and a reduction in steering
performance or loss of power
steering assistance is noticed, see
your dealer.
SERVICE REAR AXLE
If there is a problem detected with
the Electronic Limited-Slip
Differential, this message displays.
When displayed, the system is not
operational and driving should be
adjusted accordingly. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
When this message is displayed,
the vehicle’s handling capabilities
will be reduced during severe
maneuvers. Stability Control will be
affected. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0192.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message is displayed if there is
a problem with the vehicle. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
Starting the Vehicle
Messages
PRESS BRAKE TO START
This message is displayed when
attempting to start an automatic
transmission equipped vehicle
without first pressing the brake
pedal.
PRESS CLUTCH TO START
This message is displayed when
attempting to start a manual
transmission equipped vehicle
without first pressing the clutch
pedal.
SERVICE KEYLESS START
SYSTEM
This message is displayed if there is
a problem with the pushbutton start
system. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service.
Tire Messages
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). See Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation 0266.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the
system is learning new tires. See
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0266.
TIRE PRESSURE LOW ADD
AIR TO TIRE
This message displays when the
pressure in one or more of the tires
is low.
This message also displays LEFT
FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT
REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate
the location of the low tire.
The low tire pressure warning light
will also come on. See Tire
Pressure Light 0111.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
158 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Track Events and CompetitiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 168
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 168
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 170
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 174
Front Air Dam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Carbon Fiber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Parking (Manual
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Active Fuel Management
®. . . . 181
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 182
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 187
Active Rev Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 190
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 192
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . 194
Competitive Driving Mode . . . . 198 Limited-Slip Differential
(Except Z51 and Z06) . . . . . . . 201
Limited-Slip Differential (Z51 and Z06 Only) . . . . . . . . . 202
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Driver Assistance Systems
Assistance Systems forParking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 205
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 208
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 159
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
.Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
. Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions. .
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving. Refer to the infotainment manual for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means
“always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the safety belt. See Safety
Belts 061.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
. Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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162 Driving and Operating
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.Track Events and
Competitive Driving
Participating in track events or other
competitive driving without following
the instructions provided may affect
the vehicle warranty. See the
warranty manual before using the
vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving.
Refer to Competitive Driving
Mode 0198.
Be sure to follow all service
procedures before driving the
vehicle at track events or
competitively.
Engine Sound Management
Setting
Caution
Do not place vehicle in Engine
Sound Management –Stealth
mode. Damage could result to
exhaust valve actuators. Engine Oil
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
maintain the proper level. See
Engine Oil
0223.
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 0312.
Z51 Performance Package and Z06
Only: Check the oil level often
during track events and competitive
driving and keep the level at or near
0.5 L (0.5 qt) above the upper mark
that shows the proper operating

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
166 Driving and Operating
When this procedure is performed
as instructed, it will not damage the
brakes. The brake pads will smoke
and produce an odor. The braking
force and pedal travel may increase.
After the procedure, the brake pads
may appear white at the rotor
contact.
Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor
vehicle operation.
Brake Burnish Procedure (Z51
Performance Package and Z06
without Z07 Performance Package
or Z06 without J57 Ceramic
Brakes)1. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to
50 km/h (30 mph) while
decelerating at 0.4 g. This is a
medium brake application.
Drive for at least 1 km (0.6 mi)
between applying the brakes.
This first step may be skipped
if there are more than 320 km
(200 mi) on the brake pads. 2. Repeatedly apply the brakes
from 100 km/h (60 mph) to
25 km/h (15 mph) while
decelerating at 0.8 g. This is a
hard brake application, without
activating the Antilock Brake
System (ABS). Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between
stops. Repeat until the brake
pedal travel starts to increase.
Depending on conditions, this
should take no longer than 25
brake applications.
3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph) for approximately
15 km (10 mi) without using the
brakes.
4. Apply the brakes 25 times from 100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h
(30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. This is a medium brake
application. Drive for at least
1 km (0.6 mi) between
applications. Street High Performance Brake
Burnishing Procedure (Z06 with
Z07 Performance Package or Z06
with J57 Ceramic Brakes)
1. From a stop, accelerate as rapidly as possible without
activating traction control to a
speed of 100 km/h (60 mph).
2. Use enough pedal force to completely stop the vehicle in
four to five seconds. If ABS
activates, braking is too hard.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 –50
times. This should take about
10 minutes.
4. After completing the 50 stops, cool the brakes by driving for
8 km (5 mi) at 100 km/h
(60 mph).
As with all high performance brake
systems, some amount of brake
squeal is normal.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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168 Driving and Operating
spoiler is delivered but not installed.
This is intended to be installed for
track use only.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0254.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips 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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 169
{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.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line. .
Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0192. .
The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0189.
. Allow greater following distance
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.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0319. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe: