Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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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-
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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.
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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.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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196 Driving and Operating
Driver Mode Selector Attributes
Affected
Instrument Cluster Display
Configures the gauge cluster
display 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 quickly or slowly 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.
Stability Control
. Competitive Driving Mode allows
less computer control to permit
some slide and drift and is
selected with
g–only available
in Sport or Track Mode.
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Driving and Operating 197
.StabiliTrak can be turned off by
pressing and holding
gfor
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 System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak system 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
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.
Launch Control is available if in
Track Mode. Adjust your driving
style to account for the available
engine power. See
“Launch Control”
later in this section.
These lights are on when the
vehicle is in the Competitive
Driving Mode.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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200 Driving and Operating
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 0186.
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
more firmly, and re-apply the
accelerator 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
brake pedal, while maintaining the
fully pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Driving Mode or Performance
Traction Management.
Competitive Driving Mode, PTM,
and Launch Control are systems
designed for a closed course race
track and not intended for use on
public roads. The systems are not
intended to compensate for lack of
driver experience or familiarity with
the race track.Limited-Slip Differential
(Stingray without
Z51 Only)
If equipped, the mechanical
limited-slip differential can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard
axle most of the time, but when
traction is low, this feature allows
the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle. For
vehicles with limited-slip differential,
driven under severe conditions, the
rear axle fluid should be changed.
See Competitive Driving Mode
0 197 andMaintenance Schedule
0 299.
Limited-Slip Differential
(Z06, Grand Sport, and
Stingray with Z51)
If equipped, the Electronic
Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD) is
automatically activated. eLSD
actively monitors vehicle sensors
and driver inputs to determine the
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amount of change for the
conditions. With eLSD, the
vehicle has:
.Enhanced high-speed control
. Improved traction through
corners, allowing more
acceleration
. More precise steering
. Increased vehicle agility
. Integration with StabiliTrak
For vehicles with eLSD, driven
under severe conditions, the rear
axle fluid should be changed.
See Competitive Driving Mode
0 197 andMaintenance Schedule
0 299.Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
can be maintained without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
If equipped with a manual
transmission, the cruise control will
remain active when the gears are
shifted. The cruise is disengaged if
the clutch is pressed for several
seconds. If the Traction Control System (TCS)
begins to limit wheel spin while you
are using cruise control, the cruise
control automatically disengages.
See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0192. When road
conditions allow for using safely
again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.
Cruise control will disengage if
either TCS or StabiliTrak is
turned off.