2018 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C7 Owners Manual

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
184 Driving and Operating
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) 0118.
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 next to 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 vehicle 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 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 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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
Driving and Operating 185
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 instrument cluster
and HUD.
Manual Paddle Shift operation is
available for use with cruise control.
SeeCruise Control 0201.
The vehicle speeds required for
Manual Paddle Shift upshifts
depend on several vehicle inputs,
which will vary the allowed upshift
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 7 (Seventh) are:
. Into 7 (Seventh) gear over
365 km/h (227 mph).
. 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).

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
186 Driving and Operating
.Into 6 (Sixth) gear over 272 km/h
(169 mph).
. 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
shutoff rpm, the engine speed will
be limited to protect the engine. See
Tachometer 0104.Manual Transmission
To operate:
1 : 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 :
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, 4, 5, 6, and 7 : 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 : 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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
Driving and Operating 187
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.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the manual transmission
fluid is too hot. Driving at high
speed under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Drive at a
slower speed, or stop and idle the
engine to cool the manual
transmission fluid. The message
clears when the vehicle has
slowed and the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
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).
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
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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
188 Driving and Operating
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).
If the vehicle is not upshifted as the
engine speed approaches fuel
shutoff rpm, the engine speed will
be limited to protect the engine. See
Tachometer0104.
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 while
the clutch pedal is pressed, but will
deactivate if the shift lever is left in
the N (Neutral) position.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. The system is
normally off.
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
0109. The clutch and manual
transmission will continue to
operate normally.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
Driving and Operating 189
ARM will also:
.Be active above 25 km/h
(16 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).Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (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
may be heard while this test is going
on, and it may 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. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 112. 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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
190 Driving and Operating
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.
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The EPB can always
be activated, even if the ignition is
off. To prevent draining the battery,
avoid repeated cycles of the EPB
system when the engine is not
running.
The system has a
Yor PARK
Electric Parking Brake light, and a
8
Service Parking Brake light.
See Electric Parking Brake Light
0 112 and Service Electric Parking
Brake Light 0112.
Before leaving the vehicle, check for
the
Yor PARK light to ensure that
the EPB 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
Yor PARK light will flash and
then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the
Yor PARK light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only partially applied or there is a
problem with the EPB. A Driver
Information Center (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
Yor PARK
light is flashing. See your dealer.
See Electric Parking Brake Light
0 112.
If the
8light is on, press the EPB
switch and hold it. Continue to hold
the switch until the
Yor PARK
light remains on. If the
8light
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
pressed. If the switch is pressed
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
normal, and is done to periodically
check the correct operation of the
EPB system.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/4/17
Driving and Operating 191
If the EPB fails to apply, block the
rear wheels to prevent vehicle
movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
Y
or PARK light is off.
If the
8light is on, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the
Yor PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
The EPB can also be used to
prevent roll back for vehicles with a
manual transmission taking off on a
hill. When no roll back is desired, an
applied EPB will allow both feet to
be used for the clutch and
accelerator pedals in preparation for
starting the vehicle moving in the
intended direction. In this case,
there is no need to press the switch
to release the EPB.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.