2021 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8 transmission

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 201
When in Manual Paddle Shift mode,
if upshifting does not occur when needed,
vehicle speed will be limited to protect the
engine. When in Temporary Manual Paddle
Shift mode, the transmission will
automatically upshift if the accelerator pedal
is pressed all the way to the floor.
Manual Paddle Shift can be used with cruise
control. SeeCruise Control 0218.
The vehicle speeds required for Manual
Paddle Shift upshifts depend on several
vehicle inputs, which will vary the allowed
upshift speed by a few km/h (mph).
To prevent damage to the powertrain,
Manual Paddle downshifts to a lower gear
cannot be done above certain speeds. For vehicles with an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (Z51)
Upshift Allowed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
2nd 15 9 3rd 25 16
4th 36 22 5th 47 29
6th 60 37 7th 76 47
8th 92 57
Maximum Downshift Inhibit Speed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
1st 30 19
2nd 63 39 3rd 104 65
4th 164 102 5th 232 144
6th 304 189 7th 380 236

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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208 Driving and Operating
To activate Z-Mode, press the Z-Mode button
on the steering wheel. To deactivate, the
driver can either select a different mode
through the DMC knob or press the Z-Mode
button on the steering wheel. When Z-Mode
is deactivated through the Z-Mode button,
DMC is always set back to Tour Mode.
Mode Description
uWeather :Weather Mode is used for
slippery surfaces to help control wheel
speed. This can compromise the acceleration
on dry asphalt. This feature is not intended for use when
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow,
or gravel. If the vehicle becomes stuck, see
If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0187. See “Driver Mode
Attributes,” later in this section.
sTour :Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft ride. This
setting provides a balanced setting between
comfort and handling. This is the standard
mode. See “Driver Mode Attributes,” later in
this section.
rSport : Use when road conditions or
personal preference demand a more
controlled response. When this mode is
selected, a down shift will be immediately
felt. In this mode the vehicle also monitors
driving behaviors and automatically enables
Performance Shift Features when spirited
driving is detected. These features maintain
lower transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and improve
acceleration response. The vehicle will exit
this feature and return to normal operation
after a short time when spirited driving is
no longer detected. The steering will change
to provide more precise control. If the
vehicle has Magnetic Ride Control, the
suspension will change to provide better cornering performance. When in Sport
Mode, the displays will change to sport
theme.
Competitive Mode can be accessed through
this mode. See
Competitive Driving Mode
0 214.
tTrack : Track Mode is used for closed
race tracks. Use when maximum vehicle
handling is desired. When in Track Mode,
the dual clutch transmission and steering
will adjust to track settings. The accelerator
pedal is adjusted to give maximum control
during the highest level of spirited driving.
This mode also modifies real time damping,
exhaust valve tuning, engine sound, brake
pedal feel, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
performance and Traction Control System
(TCS) performance. When in Track Mode the
displays will change to track theme.
Performance Traction Management (PTM)
can be accessed through this mode. See
“Performance Traction Management,” later
in this section.
qMy Mode : My Mode is used to
personalize everyday driving. This mode
allows the driver to configure the driver
systems to their driving preferences. This
mode modifies the suspension, steering,

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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212 Driving and Operating
Cluster Display
Configures the gauge cluster display for
each mode when linked (default).
The Layout Display (Theme) is a preset of
Cluster Display and cannot be modified or
changed independently.
Throttle Progression
Adjusts throttle sensitivity by selecting how
quickly or slowly the throttle reacts to
input.
Throttle Progression is a preset of
Powertrain and cannot be modified or
changed independently.
Transmission Shift Operation
Basic:
.Transmission upshifts and downshifts are
selected based on vehicle speed and
accelerator position to optimize comfort
and fuel economy during mild driving
conditions.
Driver Influenced Gear Selection:
.Aggressive driving will influence both the
upshift and downshift points in all modes.
.Criteria which have influence are: driving
mode, accelerator, brakes, lateral and
longitudinal loading.
.Changes in gear selection behavior due to
aggressive driving can include:
‐ Downshifting early with higher rpm’s
during aggressive braking (i.e. entering
a corner)
‐ Altering upshifts while experiencing
lateral acceleration
‐ Not upshifting when the accelerator is
released to avoid unnecessary shifts if
the accelerator is re-applied
‐ Recognizing sporty driving and
anticipate upcoming corners with the
appropriate gear selection entering and
exiting
.Driver Modes
‐Driver influenced changes are effective
in all driving modes, however the
aggressiveness of the transmission
response will increase between Tour,
Sport, and Track Modes respectively.
Active Fuel Management (engine cylinder
shuts off)
.Normal with Dual Clutch Transmission:
The engine uses 8-cylinder mode when
accelerating, but changes to 4-cylinder
mode when coasting. Active Fuel Management is a preset of
Powertrain and cannot be modified or
changed independently.
Engine Sound
Caution
Using a stealth engine sound setting
during spirited driving will cause the
exhaust system to overheat and damage
the variable exhaust valves. Do not use
this setting when auto-crossing or driving
on high speed tracks.
If available, engine sound settings change
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.
Drive Mode Customization
The vehicle is equipped to modify the
following vehicle settings base on vehicle
content. Through the center stack, under

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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216 Driving and Operating
The following is a DIC display description
and the recommended usage of each mode:
Performance Traction–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.
Performance Traction –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.
Performance Traction –Sport
.For use by drivers who are familiar with
the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than mode 2.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is on and more engine
power is available than in mode 2.
Performance Traction –Race 1
.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.
Performance Traction –Race 2
.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 release
@to turn off PTM and
return to the TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC
systems. The traction off light
iand
StabiliTrak Off light
@will 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,

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 217
while maintaining the fully pressed
accelerator pedal, will manage tire slip and
transmissions 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 0190.
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
0214 and
Maintenance Schedule 0293.
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.
.Mode 2 is engaged when both TCS and
StabiliTrak are turned off. This calibration
provides more nimble corner turn-in, and
is biased for better traction out of
corners.
.Mode 3 is engaged when PTM is engaged
in Dry, Sport 1 & 2, and Race modes. This
is a nimble calibration with similar
functionality as eLSD Mode 2, however, it
is integrated to work with PTM.
.Mode 4 is engaged when TCS is selected
off, but StabiliTrak remains on. Vehicle
stability is still the priority, while allowing
for optimized traction out of corners.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 219
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied or
*is
pressed, the cruise control is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle reaches about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more, briefly press +RES. The
vehicle returns to the previous set speed.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
Do one of the following:
.Press and hold +RES until the desired
speed is reached, then release it.
.To increase vehicle speed in small
increments, briefly press +RES. For each
press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
Do one of the following:
.Press and hold SET– until the desired
lower speed is reached, then release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in small
increments, briefly press SET–. For each
press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) slower. Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previously set cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to override
cruise control, briefly pressing SET–
will
result in cruise set to the current vehicle
speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills
depends upon the vehicle speed, load, and
the steepness of the hills. When going up
steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.
When going downhill, you may have to
brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your
speed down. If the brake pedal is applied,
cruise control will disengage.
Cruise Control in Manual Paddle Shift Gear
Selection
When the vehicle is in M (Manual Mode)
and the manual paddle shift controls are not
being used, cruise control operates in the
same manner as D (Drive). When the vehicle is in M (Manual Mode)
and the manual paddle shift controls are
being used, cruise control operates as
follows:
.If cruise control is active and a gear is
selected with the manual paddle shift
controls, the vehicle speed is maintained
in the driver selected gear and will not
automatically upshift or downshift the
transmission while the driver’s gear
selection is active.
.If driving in hilly terrain, cruise control
may not be able to maintain vehicle
speed if an upshift or downshift is not
selected by the driver. While driving on
hilly terrain and cruise control is active
with a manual paddle shift gear selection,
the driver must select the proper gear for
the terrain or select D (Drive) on the
shifter for full automatic transmission
operation.
Ending Cruise Control
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.Press*.
.To turn off cruise control, press1.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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230 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 231
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 231
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 233
Underhood Compartment Overview . . . 234
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . 241
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Bulb Replacement
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 258
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 265 Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 270
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 273
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 275
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 275
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 277
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 278
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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232 Vehicle Care
Damage to vehicle components resulting
from modifications or the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is not
covered under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 060.
Lifting the Vehicle
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle can cause an injury. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
you or other people. You and they could
be badly injured. Find a level place to lift
your vehicle. To help prevent the vehicle
from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the transmission in P (Park). (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle will
not move, put blocks in front of and
behind the wheels.
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is lifted
on a jack is dangerous. If the vehicle slips
off the jack, you could be badly injured
or killed. Never get under a vehicle when
it is supported only by a jack.
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can damage the
vehicle or the vehicle may fall and cause
injury to you or others.
If a jack is used to lift the vehicle, follow the
instructions that came with the jack, and be
sure to use the correct lifting points to
avoid damaging the vehicle.
Caution
Lifting the vehicle improperly can damage
it and result in costly repairs not covered
by the vehicle warranty. To lift the
vehicle properly and prevent vehicle
damage:
.Be sure to place a block or pad
between the jack and the vehicle.
.Lift only in the areas shown in the
following illustrations.
For additional information, see your
dealer and the service manual.
Caution
The front jack pads must not contact the
rocker panels, the front fenders, or the
floor pan. If they do, damage may occur.