Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
180 Driving and Operating
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) :This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off, and
the brake pedal applied, pressing
the button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START.
Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking
will continue until the engine starts.
See Starting the Engine 0180. The
ignition will then remain in ON/RUN.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding ENGINE
START/STOP for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in
Service Mode. The instruments and
audio systems will operate as they
do in ON/RUN, but the vehicle will
not be able to be driven. The engine
will not start in Service Mode. Press
ENGINE START/STOP again to turn
the vehicle off.Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the
proper gear.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 214.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the vehicle
when it is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped. Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutral
and the parking brake engaged.
Hold the clutch pedal down to the
floor and start the engine.
Starting the Vehicle
The RKE transmitter must be inside
the vehicle for the ignition to work.
Cell phone chargers can interfere
with the operation of the Keyless
Access system. Battery chargers
should not be plugged in when
starting or turning off the engine.
1. For vehicles with an automatic transmission, press the brake
pedal, then press ENGINE
START/STOP on the
instrument panel. For vehicles
with a manual transmission,
press the clutch pedal first,
then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
If there is no RKE transmitter in
the vehicle or if there is
something causing interference
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 183
transmission. You may find it difficult
to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
This is called“torque lock.”To
prevent torque lock, set the parking
brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before leaving the driver
seat. To find out how, see “Shifting
Into P (Park)” previously in this
section.
When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
releasing the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the transmission
parking pawl, so you can pull the
shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock control system.
The shift lock release is designed to
prevent movement of the shift lever
out of P (Park), unless the ignition is
on and the brake pedal is applied. The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery. See
Jump Starting -
North America 0287.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Release the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 193.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button, and let go of the shift
lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift lever
button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position. If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), consult your
dealer or a professional towing
service.
Parking (Manual
Transmission)
Before exiting the vehicle, move the
shift lever into 1 (First) or
R (Reverse), and apply the parking
brake. Once the shift lever has been
placed into 1 (First) or R (Reverse)
with the clutch pedal pressed in,
turn the ignition off and release the
clutch.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
190 Driving and Operating
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. 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.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 191
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. 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
Tachometer
0106.
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
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
192 Driving and Operating
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
N (Neutral).
The system is activated and
deactivated by pressing either of the
paddles marked REV MATCH on
the steering wheel. The systemmust 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
0111. The clutch and manual
transmission will continue to
operate normally. 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).
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 195
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
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.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
If equipped, Hill Start Assist (HSA)
may automatically activate when the
vehicle is stopped on a grade. This
feature is designed to prevent the
vehicle from rolling, either forward or
rearward, during vehicle drive off.
During the transition from releasing
the brake pedal to accelerating to
drive off on a grade, HSA holds the
braking pressure to prevent rolling.
HSA will not activate if the vehicle is
in a drive gear and facing downhill
or if the vehicle is facing uphill and
in R (Reverse).
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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204 Driving and Operating
during closed course race events
where consistent zero to
60 and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
.Competitive Driving Mode is
selected or any of the
Performance Traction
Management modes are
selected. The TCS light comes
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 0190.
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.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
Driving and Operating 205
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.
SeeCompetitive Driving Mode
0 201 andMaintenance Schedule
0 304.
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
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
0 201 andMaintenance Schedule
0 304.
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.