Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
Introduction 3
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner ’s
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information.
9: Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I: Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
_: Flame/Fire Prohibited
.:Fuel Gauge
+: Fuses
3:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j: LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
O:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Seat Belt Reminders
7: Tire Pressure Monitor
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
42 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Immobilizer Operation
The vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The security light comes on in the
instrument cluster if there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system. This light
also comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
The system is automatically armed
when the ignition is turned off.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when the ignition is turned
on or placed in ACC/ACCESSORY
and a valid transmitter is found in
the vehicle.
You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.The system has one or more RKE
transmitters that are matched to an
immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle. Only a correctly matched
RKE transmitter starts the vehicle.
The vehicle may not start if the RKE
transmitter is damaged.
If the engine does not start and the
security light comes on, there may
be a problem with the immobilizer
system. Press ENGINE START/
STOP again.
If the vehicle does not start and the
RKE transmitter appears to be
undamaged, try another RKE
transmitter. Or, place the transmitter
in the transmitter pocket. Check the
fuse. See
Fuses0247. If the engine
still does not start with the other
transmitter, the vehicle needs
service. If the engine does start, the
first transmitter may be faulty. See
your dealer or have a new RKE
transmitter programmed to the
vehicle. The immobilizer system can learn
new or replacement RKE
transmitters. Up to eight RKE
transmitters can be programmed for
the vehicle. To program additional
transmitters, see
“Programming
Transmitters to the Vehicle” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 027.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
54 Keys, Doors, and Windows
.Do not try to start the vehicle
while opening the top with the
RKE transmitter. A DIC message
may display. Release both
buttons and wait a few seconds
before starting the vehicle
normally.
. The passive door unlock feature
may not operate properly while
using the RKE transmitter to
open the convertible top.
. The windows cannot close while
the top is moving.
. When driving with the top not
fully secured, chimes can be
heard above 80 km/h (50 mph).
If the vehicle battery has been
disconnected and reconnected, the
fuses were pulled or replaced, or a
jump start was performed, the TOP
NOT SECURE message may
display. Press and hold
Mon the
RKE transmitter or on the overhead
console to open/close the top until
this message is cleared. Partial Top Cycling
If the convertible top operation is
stopped before completion, the top
will temporarily hold its position.
If the ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, the top will be held
for up to five minutes. If the vehicle
is moving or off, the amount of time
will vary from a few seconds to
about a minute.
Beeps and DIC messages will be
displayed before the top will move.
When this occurs, immediately finish
the convertible top operation by
pressing
Mon the RKE
transmitter or on the instrument
panel switch again until it
completes.
If the top cannot be secured, keep
clear of the top components. In
some conditions the top may move
quickly.
Do not drive with the convertible top
in an unsecured position. The top
components may move
unexpectedly. In some cases the
top may not be able to be power
operated. If this occurs, follow the
DIC messages displayed. If the tonneau cover is not secured
and latched, and the vehicle is
moving above 10 km/h (6 mph), the
tonneau cover may automatically
move to a stable position.
Manual Movement of Top
If the DIC displays the ONLY
MANUAL OPERATION OF TOP
POSSIBLE message:
1. Press
Mto either open or
close the top. Press the switch
in the opposite direction if one
does not work.
2. If the top moves, continue pressing the switch in that
direction for at least
five seconds. The top should
then work normally.
If the top does not respond in either
direction, use the following
procedure to manually adjust the
convertible top and tonneau cover if
they are retracted but not latched.
This requires more than one person.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
98 Instruments and Controls
Caution
Leaving electrical equipment
plugged in for an extended period
of time while the vehicle is off will
drain the battery. Always unplug
electrical equipment when not in
use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum
20 amp rating.
Certain electrical accessories may
not be compatible with the
accessory power outlet and could
overload vehicle or adapter fuses.
If a problem is experienced, see
your dealer.
When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
the equipment. See Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0210. It is recommended that a qualified
technician or dealer be seen for the
proper installation of your
equipment.
Caution
Hanging heavy equipment from
the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. The power
outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such
as cell phone charge cords.
Warning Lights,
Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can
signal that something is wrong
before it becomes serious enough
to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could
prevent injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly
when the engine is started to
indicate they are working. When
one of the warning lights comes on
and stays on while driving, or when
one of the gauges shows there may
be a problem, check the section that
explains what to do. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even
dangerous.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
Vehicle Care 211
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 212
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 213
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 227
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 229
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 229
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 232
Cooling System (Aero Panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 236
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Battery - North America . . . . . . 240
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 242
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 243
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 243
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 244
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 246
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 247
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Competition Oriented Tires . . . 257
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
218 Vehicle Care
1.Passenger Compartment Air
Filter 0151 (Out of View).
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235.
3. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0247.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0229.
5. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View).
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0222.
7. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0222.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0239.
9. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch 0229. 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 237.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
220 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0222.
2. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank Fill Cap. See “Changing Engine Oil
and Filter” Engine Oil 0222.
3. Passenger Compartment Air
Filter 0151 (Out of View).
4. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0247.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0229.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View).
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0239.
9. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch 0229. 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 237.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
222 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0222.
2. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank Fill Cap. See “Changing Engine Oil
and Filter” Engine Oil 0222.
3. Passenger Compartment Air
Filter 0151 (Out of View).
4. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0247.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0229.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View).
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0239.
9. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch 0229. 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 237.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0227.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil (Except
Z06, Grand Sport, and Stingray
with Z51)
If the ENGINE OIL LOW–ADD OIL
message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), check the
engine oil level right away.
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0217 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades