Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Instruments and Controls 113
or OFF, or the on or off symbol, to
let you know the status of the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag is
allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is
lit on the airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there
are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the
passenger sensing system. See
your dealer for service.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light 0112 for more information,
including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running, as
a check to show the light is working.
The light turns off when the engine
is started. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) also
displays a message.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is in
Service Mode. See
Ignition
Positions 0180.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
114 Instruments and Controls
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications
0220.
If the light is flashing : A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service
may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades. If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle
off and wait at least 10 seconds
before restarting the engine. If the
light is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.
If the light is on steady :
A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
. If fuel has been added to the
vehicle using the capless funnel
adapter, make sure that it has
been removed. See “Filling the
Tank with a Portable Gas Can”
under Filling the Tank 0214.
The diagnostic system can
detect if the adapter has been
left installed in the vehicle,
allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the adapter removed
may turn off the light.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Instruments and Controls 119
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
tire pressure message may also
display. Stop as soon as possible,
and inflate the tires to the pressure
value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire
Pressure 0274.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0276.Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check
the oil level as soon as possible.
Add oil if required, but if the oil
level is within the operating range
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and might have
some other system problem. See
your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is near the fuel gauge and
comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is
working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank
is low on fuel. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
120 Instruments and Controls
Security Light
The security light should come on
briefly as the engine is started. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine
does not start, there could be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. SeeImmobilizer Operation
0 43.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the
high-beam headlamps are in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer 0140.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the
exterior lamps are in use. See
Exterior Lamp Controls 0139.
Cruise Control Light
For vehicles with cruise control, the
cruise control light is white when the
cruise control is on and ready, and
turns green when the cruise control
is set and active.
The light turns off when the cruise
control is turned off. See Cruise
Control 0207.
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is
open or not securely latched. Before
driving, check that all doors are
properly closed.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Climate Controls 155
Air Vents
Use the tab on the air outlets to
change the direction of the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
may block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
. Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn into
the vehicle.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors may adversely affect
the performance of the system.
. Keep the area around the base
of the instrument panel console
and air path under the seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The passenger compartment air
filter reduces dust, pollen, and other
airborne irritants from outside air
that is pulled into the vehicle.
Reductions in airflow, which may
occur more often in dusty areas,
indicate that the filter may need to
be replaced. See Maintenance
Schedule 0312.
Caution
Driving without a passenger
compartment air filter in place can
cause water and small particles,
like paper and leaves, to be
pulled into your climate control
system which may cause damage
to it. Make sure you always
replace the old filter with a
new one. The passenger compartment air
filter is on the passenger side of the
engine compartment near the
coolant surge tank. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0225.
To check or replace the air filter:
1. Release the retainer clips from the passenger compartment air
filter cover. The PVC hoses
may need to be held out of the
way briefly to access the air
filter cover.
2. Remove the cover.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
162 Driving and Operating
vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving. SeeCompetitive
Driving Mode 0203.
A manual transmission is
recommended for extended track
usage at higher ambient
temperatures. Consult the Track
Preparation Guide for additional
information. See your dealer.
Be sure to follow all service
procedures before driving the
vehicle at track events or
competitively.
Prior to each track event and again
before re-entering the public road
system, tighten the wheel nuts with
a torque wrench to the proper
torque specification. See Capacities
and Specifications 0326.Engine Sound Management
Setting
Caution
Do not place the 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 Oil0232.
The engine is factory filled with
0W-40 dexos2 oil. For LT1 and LT4
engines only, 0W-40 dexos2 engine
oil is approved for both track and
street use. 15W-50 full synthetic engine oil may also be used for
track use, but after track use must
be changed back to 0W-40 dexos2
for street use. If 0W-40 dexos2 oil is
not available, 5W-30 dexos1 full
synthetic engine oil may be used for
street use. If 5W-30 dexos1 is used,
it must be changed to 0W-40
dexos2 or 15W-50 full synthetic
engine oil for track use.
For the LT5 engine, SAE 15W-50
full synthetic engine oil must be
used for track use, but after track
use must be changed back to
0W-40 dexos2 for street use.
Z51 Performance Package, Grand
Sport, Z06, and ZR1: 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 range on the
engine oil dipstick. After the
competitive driving, remove excess
oil so that the level on the dipstick is
not above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating range.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Driving and Operating 163
Stingray without Z51 Performance
Package: Additional oil fill above the
upper mark on the dipstick is not
recommended for track events or
other competitive driving. Check the
oil level often during racing or other
competitive driving and keep the
level at or near the upper mark that
shows the proper operating range
on the engine oil dipstick. After the
competitive driving, remove excess
oil so that the level on the dipstick is
not above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating range.
Fuel
LT1 Engine :93 octane (or higher)
unleaded gasoline is required.
LT4 Engine : 93 octane (or higher)
unleaded gasoline is required.
100 octane (or higher) unleaded
gasoline is recommended at the
track when temperatures are above
30 °C (86 °F) to maximize
powertrain performance and
improve longevity of components
within the powertrain. LT5 Engine :
93 octane (or higher)
unleaded gasoline is required.
100 octane (or higher) unleaded
gasoline is recommended to
maximize powertrain performance
and improve longevity of
components within the powertrain.
Caution
Some high octane fuels contain
additives and compounds that
may damage the vehicle and void
the vehicle warranty. See
Prohibited Fuels 0213.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid should be
changed after every 15 hours of
track usage. Any transmission level
set or change should be performed
at your dealer.
Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual transmission fluid should be
changed after every 15 hours of
track usage.
Load Limit
Z51 Performance Package Only:
Limit vehicle load to the driver only,
with no other cargo. Inflate tires to
180 kPa (26 psi) and drive at a
maximum speed of 280 km/h
(174 mph).
Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1 Only:
Limit vehicle load to the driver only,
with no other cargo. Inflate tires to
180 kPa (26 psi) and drive at a
maximum speed of 296 km/h
(184 mph).
Wheel Alignment
Caution
Using these wheel alignment
settings may cause excessive tire
wear. Only use these wheel
alignment settings for racing or
competitive driving. Excessive tire
wear is not covered under the
vehicle warranty.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Driving and Operating 173
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 Tires0265.
. 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.
{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 assist. 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, crash).
. 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 0198.