2020 CHEVROLET CORVETTE traction control

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
182 Driving and Operating
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and a StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system. These systems help limit
wheel spin and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on
slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that the
rear wheels are spinning too much
or are beginning to lose traction.
When this happens, TCS applies
the brakes to the spinning wheel
and reduces engine power (by
closing the throttle and managing
engine spark) to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of thevehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
If cruise control is being used when
TCS begins to limit wheel spin, the
cruise control will automatically
disengage. Cruise control may be
reengaged when road conditions
allow. See
Cruise Control 0196.
If the driver disables TCS, cruise
control will disengage. Cruise
control will also be disabled if
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) is selected, or if StabiliTrak is
turned off.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0159
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.
Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin
. Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated
. Flash when ABS is active
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Driving and Operating 183
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and
stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
The TCS/StabiliTrak/ESC button is
on the center console.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
g. The Traction Off lighti
illuminates in the instrument cluster. To turn TCS on again, press and
release
g. The Traction Off lighti
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
g
is pressed, the system will not turn
off until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC, press and hold
guntil the
Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gilluminate and stay
on in the instrument cluster.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on
again, press and release
g. The
Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gin the instrument
cluster turn off.
If the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) system is malfunctioning
and the DIC displays SERVICE
TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM,
StabiliTrak/ESC will be affected as
follows:
. StabiliTrak/ESC cannot be
turned off by the driver.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
184 Driving and Operating
.If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, it will be
turned on automatically.
. Competitive Driving Mode or
Performance Traction
Management is unavailable.
. StabiliTrak/ESC will feel different
in aiding and maintaining
directional control.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 211.
Hill Rollback Control
If the vehicle is in gear and
inadvertently rolls backwards, Hill
Rollback Control helps limit the
rollback to a very low speed.
A noise may be heard while the
vehicle speed is actively being
controlled. A Driver Information
Center (DIC) message displays
when active.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) adds a
sportier feel, provides a more
comfortable ride, or assists in different weather conditions or
terrain. This system simultaneously
changes the software settings of
various sub-systems to optimize
driving performance. Depending on
the option package, available
features, and mode selection; the
Exhaust, Suspension, Steering,
Brakes, and Powertrain will change
settings to achieve the desired
mode characteristics. If the vehicle
is equipped with Magnetic Ride
Control, selecting the various driver
modes adjusts the ride of the
vehicle to enhance the ride
performance for the road conditions
and the selected mode.
Driver Mode Control has multiple
modes: My Mode, Weather, Tour,
Sport, Track, and Z-Mode.
Weather, Tour, Sport, and Track are
four modes that have preset vehicle
setting for use in different driving
conditions. My Mode and Z-Mode
are two modes which can be
customized by the driver. In these
two modes, vehicle settings are
configured to enhance and
personalize the driving experience.
See
“Mode Description,” later in this
section.
Mode Activation
To activate My Mode, Weather, Tour,
Sport and Track Mode, turn the
Driver Mode Control (DMC) knob on
the center console to make a mode
selection. When a mode is selected,
an indicator will be displayed in the
Driver Information Center (DIC)i.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
188 Driving and Operating
PowertrainNormal Weather Normal Sport Track Normal,
Sport, Track(Default),Weather
Throttle Progression Normal Weather Normal Normal Track Normal,
Sport, Track(Default),Weather
Trans Shift Mode (if
equipped) Normal Weather Normal Sport Track Normal,
Sport, Track(Default),Weather
Active Fuel Management Enabled (In 4th–8th
gear for mLSD
vehicles) Enabled (In
4th –8th
gear for mLSD
vehicles) Enabled (In
4th –
8th gear) Enabled (In
5th –
8th gear) Disable Tour, Sport,
Track
(Default), Weather
Traction and Stability Control Normal Weather Normal Normal Track Normal
Performance Traction or
Competitive Driving Mode
Availability Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Comp Mode
(available)PTM
(available) PTM
(unavailable)
Engine Sound Stealth,
Tour
(Default),
Sport, Track Stealth Tour Sport Track Stealth, Tour,
Sport, Track(Default)

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
192 Driving and Operating
controls, seeSteering Wheel
Controls 087. The driver can also
delete stored locations for the
automatic lift. If the vehicle is raised
automatically using GPS, it will
automatically lower once the vehicle
is located about 60 meters (197 feet)
from the programmed location.
Drivers can disable this function by
turning off GPS location through
their vehicle Front Lift System will
still operate, but only by using the
pushbutton command, and the “Auto
Lift Location Remembered”
confirmation message will not
display.
The Front Lift System can also be
used in accessory mode. Put the
vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY mode,
then press and hold the button on
the center console for 10
consecutive seconds to
automatically raise the vehicle.
The DIC may display the message
“Lift System Unavailable” if the
following occur:
. Any doors are ajar.
. The hood is open. .
The vehicle is moving over
38 km/h (24 mph).
. Too many lift requests within a
short period.
The Front Lift System should not be
used to service the vehicle. Do not
place anything or body parts under
the vehicle while lifted. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0295.
Competitive Driving Mode
If equipped, Competitive Driving
Mode, PTM, 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, brakes, and suspension are advised to turn
the normal traction control and
StabiliTrak/ESC systems on.
Competitive Driving Mode
Competitive Driving Mode allows full
engine power while StabiliTrak/ESC
helps maintain directional control of
the vehicle by selective brake
application. In this mode, the TCS is
off and Launch Control is available.
Adjust your driving style to account
for the available engine power. See
“Launch Control”
later in this
section.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Driving and Operating 193
These lights are on when the
vehicle is in the Competitive
Driving Mode.
In order to select this optional
handling mode, the vehicle mode
must be Sport or Track (if equipped
with Performance Traction
Management (PTM), then
Competitive Driving Mode is only
available in Sport). Then quickly
press
gon the center console two
times. ESC COMPETITIVE MODE
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
When
gis pressed again, the
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gwill go out.
Performance Traction
Management (PTM) (if
equipped)
PTM integrates the TCS,
StabiliTrak/ESC, and Magnetic Ride
Control systems to provide
improved and consistent
performance when cornering. The
amount of available engine power is based on the mode selected, track
conditions, driver skill, and the
radius of each corner.
This light is on when the vehicle is
in the PTM Mode. To select this
optional handling mode, the vehicle
mode must be in Track. Then
quickly press
gon the center
console two times. Performance
Traction Wet —ESC On displays in
the DIC.
To experience the performance
benefit of this system, after entering
a curve and at the point where
normal acceleration occurs, fully
press the accelerator pedal. The
PTM system will modify the level of
engine power for a smooth and
consistent corner exit.
The PTM system contains five
modes. These modes are selected
by turning the MODE switch on the center console. Scroll through
modes 1–5 by turning the mode
control dial.
The following is a DIC display
description and the recommended
usage of each mode:
PTM Mode 1
–Wet
. Intended for all driver skill levels.
. Wet or damp conditions only —
not intended for use in heavy
rain or standing water.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is on and
engine power is reduced based
on conditions.
PTM Mode 2 –Dry
. For use by less experienced
drivers or while learning a new
track.
. Dry conditions only.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is on and
engine power is slightly reduced.
PTM Mode 3 –Sport 1
. For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
194 Driving and Operating
.Requires more driving skill than
mode 2.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is on and more
engine power is available than in
mode 2.
PTM Mode 4 –Sport 2
. For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
modes 2 or 3.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is off and
available engine power is the
same as mode 3.
PTM Mode 5 –Race
. For use by experienced drivers
who are familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
in other modes.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is off and
engine power is available for
maximum cornering speed. Press and releasegto turn off PTM
and return to the TCS and
StabiliTrak/ESC systems. The
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak
Off light
gwill go out.
Launch Control (Sport and
Track Mode Only)
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode or PTM, on all vehicles to
allow the driver to achieve high
levels of vehicle acceleration in a
straight line. Launch Control is a
form of TCS that manages tire spin,
and transmissions clutch, while
launching the vehicle. This feature
is intended for use 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 or any
of the PTM Modes are selected
(if equipped).
. The vehicle is not moving. .
The wheels and steering wheel
are pointing straight.
Launching the Vehicle
. Ensure the vehicle is in
Competitive Driving Mode or any
of the PTM modes.
. The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent
to a panic brake event.
. While maintaining the brake
pedal, 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’ s to stabilize.
A smooth, quick release of the
brake pedal, while maintaining the
fully pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage tire slip and transmissions

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Driving and Operating 195
clutch. After the vehicle is launched,
the system continues in Competitive
Driving Mode or PTM.
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.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before using
the launch control feature,
otherwise performance will be
limited and damage may occur to
the powertrain/engine. SeeNew
Vehicle Break-In 0163.
Limited-Slip Differential
(without Z51)
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. See
Competitive Driving
Mode 0192 and
Maintenance Schedule 0286.
Limited-Slip Differential
(with Z51)
The Electronic Limited-Slip
Differential (eLSD) is a hydraulically
actuated clutch system inside the
transaxle. It can infinitely vary the
clutch engagement between 0 and
2250 N*m (1659 lb-ft) of breakaway
torque between the rear wheels.
When necessary it responds from
open to full engagement in fractions
of a second. Smaller clutch
adjustments happen even faster.
The eLSD:
.
Uses the vehicle sensors and
driver inputs to determine the
optimum amount of clutch
engagement for the conditions. .
Improves traction while
cornering by changing the
engagement to achieve a
balance between directional
control and acceleration.
. Provides optimal engagement
for high-speed control and
stability without affecting precise
steering and turn-in.
. Improves vehicle stability during
spirited driving and evasive
maneuvers. It is fully integrated
with the Active Handling and
Performance Traction
Management (PTM) systems (if
equipped).
There are unique calibrations based
on the Traction Control System
(TCS) setting. eLSD modes change
automatically when the traction
control button is pressed. No unique
input from the driver is required.
. Mode 1 is the standard mode
when the vehicle is started.
It provides a touring calibration
with an emphasis on vehicle
stability. Mode 1 is also used in
PTM Wet mode.