2021 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8 cooling

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Vehicle Care 247
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can
burn you. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If coolant is needed, be sure the cooling
system is cool, then add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture directly to the
surge tank. 1. Open the Hatch/Trunk. See Hatch (Trunk)
0 19.
2. When the cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap and
engine, is no longer hot, remove the
pressure cap.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one-quarter turn
and then stop.
If a hiss is heard, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
3. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.
4. Fill the coolant surge tank with theproper mixture until the level inside
stabilizes at the COLD FILL indicator in
the surge tank.
5. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until
the engine is hot.
By this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until
the level stabilizes at the COLD FILL
indicator in the coolant surge tank.
6. Replace the pressure cap tightly.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
248 Vehicle Care
7. Verify coolant level after the engine isshut off and the coolant is cold.
If necessary, repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 3−7.
If the coolant still is not at the proper
level when the system cools down again,
see your dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of
engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant temperature
gauge on the instrument cluster. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 083. The
vehicle may also display a message on the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the hatch
but to get service help right away, see
Roadside Assistance Program 0311.
If the decision is made to lift the hatch,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface. Then check to see if the engine cooling fans
are running. There are two cooling fans
located in the front (one at each corner) and
two cooling fans in the rear (one on each
side of the engine). If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be running.
If they are not, do not continue to run the
engine, and have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak
in the engine cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant and can
damage the system and vehicle. Have
any leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment with no Overheat Warning
Water from rain and car washes could enter
the engine compartment and contact hot
surfaces. If steam is coming from the engine
compartment with no accompanying
overheat warning, no service is needed.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine
If an engine overheat warning is displayed
but no steam can be seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no
sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and
let the engine idle.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Vehicle Care 249
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the shaded area or an overheat
warning no longer displays, the vehicle can
be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back on,
continue to drive normally and have the
cooling system checked for proper fill and
function.
If the warning continues, pull over safely,
and park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still displayed, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer
fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer
instructions before use. If the vehicle will be
operating in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
1. Open the hood. SeeHood017.
2. Open the cap with the washer symbol
on it. Add washer fluid until the tank
is full.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and
new linings are needed. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the time when
the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
256 Vehicle Care
To Access:1. Open the top cover.
2. Remove the top cover by pushing inward on the latch.
3. Pull the cover upward.
To Install: 1. Insert the tabs on the back of the cover into the slots in the instrument panel.
2. Align the clip with the slots in the instrument panel.
3. Press the cover into place.
See your dealer if additional assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not be equipped with all of
the fuses and relays shown. Fuses Usage
F1 –
F2 Front wiper
F3 Cooling fan 1
F4 –
F5 Cooling fan 2
F6 Front blower Fuses Usage
F7 Automatic level control
F8 Shifter interface board module
F9 –
F10 Display IP cluster/HVAC/ Center stack module
F11 USB
F12 –

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
260 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
23 Tonneau left
24 Tonneau right 25 Convertible top right
26 Convertible top left 27 Electronic suspension control
28 –
29 CGM
30 O2 sensor 31 O2 sensor/Engine oil/ Canister purge/Active
fuel management
32 Ignition even
33 Ignition odd
34 Engine control module 1 35 Engine control module/ Mass air flow sensor/O2
sensor/Air conditioning
36 –
37 Canister vent
38 Latch control module Fuses
Usage
39 Right window switch/ Door lock
40 Left window switch/ Door lock
41 –
42 Engine control module 2
43 –
44 Air conditioning clutch 45 –
46 –
47 –
48 –
49 Auxiliary cooling fan right
50 –
51 –
52 –
53 Starter solenoid
54 Auxiliary cooling fan left Fuses
Usage
55 Automatic leveling control
56 –
57 Rear window defogger
58 –
59 Left/right window
60 Passenger power seat 61 Driver power seat
Relays Usage
1 –
2 Powertrain relay
3 Run/crank relay
4 Rear defogger relay 5 Air conditioning clutch relay
6 –
7 –
8 –
9 –
10 –

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Vehicle Care 277
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider an
alignment check if there is unusual tire wear
or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to the
left or right, depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal. If the
vehicle is vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels may
need to be rebalanced. See your dealer for
proper diagnosis.
Road Imperfections/Crown Effects
The vehicle's precise steering and handling
make it very responsive to road surface
feedback. A slight pull may be felt in the
steering depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts. This is normal and
the vehicle does not require service.Tire Chatter/Hop
When driving at slow speeds and in very
tight turns, the vehicle may have tire
chatter/hop. This is normal and the vehicle
does not require service.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum
wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air
and cause loss of control, resulting in a
crash. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Vehicle Care 287
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and
water to clean the wheels. After rinsing
thoroughly with clean water, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM approved
cleaners. Do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash that uses silicon
carbide tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
Damage could occur and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear
and rotors for surface condition. Inspect
drum brake linings/shoes for wear or cracks.
Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake,
master cylinder, brake fluid reservoir,
vacuum pipes, electric vacuum pump
including bracket and vent hose, if equipped.
If equipped with Z51, inspect brake cooling
components. SeeTrack Events and
Competitive Driving (Z51 Only) 0179.
Steering, Suspension, and Chassis
Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at least
once a year. Inspect power steering for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges,
and liftgate hinges, unless the components
are plastic. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make
them last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall, use
plain water to flush any corrosive materials
from the underbody. Take care to
thoroughly clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or axles and should be replaced.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
294 Service and Maintenance
transmission performance. The transmission
fluid must be changed at least every three
years and the Fluid Life System must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service
technicians who will change the fluid and
reset the system. If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the fluid must be changed at
72 000 km (45,000 mi) since the last fluid
change. SeeDual Clutch Transmission Fluid
Life System 0242.
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Required Services Every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi)
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0238 and
Engine Oil Life System 0241.
.Check the air filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine air filter
and reset the engine air filter life system.
See Engine Air Filter Life System 0242.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0245.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0249.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0267.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 272.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 283.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0283.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and driveshafts
for excessive wear, lubricant leaks, and/or
damage including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or universal joint
looseness, cracked or missing boots, loose or missing boot clamps, center bearing
excessive looseness, loose or missing
fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check
051.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0283.
.Check parking brake and dual clutch
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 252.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0253.