2021 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8 check oil

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Instruments and Controls 73
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 83
Transmission Temperature Gauge . . . . . . 83
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 85 Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Front Lift System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . 88
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Performance Shifting Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Traction Control System (TCS)/Electronic Stability Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . 92
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Universal Remote System Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Universal Remote System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
90 Instruments and Controls
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Off Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
This light comes on when the ESC system is
turned off. If ESC is off, the Traction Control
System (TCS) is also off.
If the ESC and TCS are off, the system does
not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on
the TCS and the ESC systems and the
warning light turns off.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0205.
Tire Pressure Light
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. See Tire Pressure
0 267.
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
0 270.
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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Instruments and Controls 91
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 may have some other system problem.
See your dealer.
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 024.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
0 105.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps
are in use. See Exterior Lamp Controls 0105.
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 Control0218.
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-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
180 Driving and Operating
Be sure to follow all service procedures
before driving the vehicle at track events or
competitively.
{Warning
Prior to each track event and again
before returning to public roads, tighten
the wheel nuts with a torque wrench to
the proper torque specification. Wheel
nuts that are improperly or incorrectly
tightened can cause the wheels to
become loose or come off, resulting in a
crash. SeeCapacities and Specifications
0 305 for wheel nut torque specifications.
If equipped, the front license plate bracket
should be removed and replaced with the
aero cover for track use.
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 Oil0238.
Check the oil level often during track events
and competitive driving. See “Checking the
Engine Oil" in Engine Oil0238.
Engine Cooling
If reduced performance is experienced during
track events or competitive driving, turning
off the A/C will help to improve engine
performance.
Maintain a mixture of 40% DEX-COOL
coolant and 60% clean, drinkable water to
optimize engine performance.
Fuel
Unleaded gasoline, rated at 93 octane or
higher, is required.
Caution
Some high octane fuels contain additives
and compounds that may damage the
vehicle and void the vehicle warranty. See
Prohibited Fuels 0226.
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid and external filter
should be changed after every 24 hours of
track usage. If prompted by the transmission
fluid life monitor that remaining fluid life is
low, the fluid and external filter should be
changed as soon as possible.
Add an additional 2 L (2 qt) of DCT
transmission fluid prior to track usage. It is
not required to remove the additional 2 L
(2 qt) of DCT fluid.
Any transmission level set or change should
be performed at your dealer.
Brakes
Battery Disconnect
Disconnect the battery before servicing the
hydraulic brake system. It is critical to
disconnect the battery before bleeding the
system, replacing the pads, or any other
work. The battery must be disconnected to

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 181
prevent the brake master cylinder from
pressurizing the hydraulic system during its
automated self diagnostic tests that can
possibly occur when a door is opened or the
remote key is present.
{Caution
To avoid personal injury and/or vehicle
damage, always disconnect the battery
before performing service work on the
hydraulic brake system. Bleeding the
brake system with the battery connected
can lead to excessive pressurization of
the system during automatic diagnostic
tests or diagnosis of a leak or air in the
braking system. A Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC) may set and vehicle speed
may be limited.
Brake Fluid
Replace existing brake fluid with a qualified
high performance DOT 4 brake fluid from a
sealed container. Brake fluid with a dry
boiling point >310 °C (590 °F) is qualified.
If high performance brake fluid is used,
replace it with GM approved brake fluid
before driving on public roads. If high
performance brake fluid is in the vehicle and
the age of the brake fluid is over a month old or unknown, replace the brake fluid
before track events and competitive driving.
Do not use silicone or DOT-5 brake fluids.
Check the fluid level before each competitive
driving event.
Brake System Flushing & Bleeding
The J55 brake system requires specific
processes for bleeding and fluid flushing.
These can be found in the service manual.
Properly bleeding the brake system is
required for proper operation of the
hydraulic brake system.
Brake Leak Detection
The hydraulic braking system has advanced
diagnostic capability to help detect hydraulic
leaks, trapped air, and other performance
issues. These diagnostics are active when
the hydraulic system is powered. In order to
avoid inadvertently setting a leak Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC), disconnect the battery
before servicing the brake system.
If the vehicle sets a DTC related to a brake
system leak, the Brake System Warning
Light will come on and vehicle speed may
be limited to 100 kph (62 mph). Any time a
leak DTC is set, the vehicle should be
inspected carefully for evidence of a leak
and should be repaired immediately. See
your dealer.
Brake Fade Warning Assist
The Brake Fade Warning Assist system
monitors the performance of the brake
system. If the system detects brake fade,
or if the brake fluid is near the boiling point,
the driver will be alerted.
The Brake Fade Warning Assist system is
designed for use with the factory-installed
brake pads or GM-approved replacement
pads. If the brake pads on the vehicle need
to be replaced, use GM-approved brake pads.
If this is not done, the brake fade warning
system may not function properly.
Stage 1 :
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a “Reduce Braking to Avoid
Overheating” message and brake pedal
effort and travel is increased. When the
message displays, the driver should decrease
brake pedal pressure.
Stage 2 : The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays a “Brakes Overheated Service
Now” message that the brake fluid
temperature is excessive and is about to
boil. The system increases brake pedal effort
and travel, and will also limit vehicle speed.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 191
During the first 800 km (500 mi), engine
torque will be limited in low gears.
For the first 322 km (200 mi):
.To break in new tires, drive at moderate
speeds and avoid hard cornering.
.New brake linings also need a break-in
period. Avoid making hard stops. This is
recommended every time brake linings
are replaced.
For the first 800 km (500 mi):
.Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops.
.Do not exceed 4000 rpm.
.Avoid driving at any one constant speed,
fast or slow, including the use of cruise
control.
.Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the
vehicle when the engine speed will
exceed 4000 rpm.
.Do not let the engine labor. Never lug the
engine. This rule applies at all times, not
just during the break-in period.
For the first 2 414 km (1,500 mi):
.Do not participate in track events, sport
driving schools, or similar activities.
.Check engine oil with every refueling and
add if necessary. Oil and fuel
consumption may be higher than normal.
Front Air Dam (and Splitter)
If equipped, the front air dam and splitter
have minimal ground clearance.
Under normal operation, the components
will occasionally contact some road surfaces
(speed bumps, driveway ramps, etc.). This
can be heard inside the vehicle as a scraping
noise. This is normal and does not indicate a
problem.
Use care when approaching bumps or
objects on road surfaces and avoid them
when possible.
If equipped, the Front Lift System may be
used to increase front air dam or splitter
clearance. See Front Lift System 0213.
Composite Materials
This vehicle may be equipped with parts
containing carbon fiber, sheet-molding
compound, or other composite materials.
Dealer-installed accessories may also contain
composite materials. These parts and
accessories may include the splitter or rocker
extensions.
{Warning
Exposed edges of parts containing carbon
fiber and other composite materials can
be sharp. Contact with these parts could
result in injury. Use caution to avoid
contacting these parts, including when
washing the vehicle. If the parts are
damaged, replace the parts promptly
with replacements from your dealer.
{Warning
Rocker extensions may break under
pressure, resulting in property damage or
injury. Do not stand on the rocker
extension or use it as a step.

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-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
238 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). SeeCooling System 0245.
2. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter (Under Access Panel). See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 243.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0245.
4. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank and Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0238.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0238.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, pay careful attention to engine oil.
Follow these important steps:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” later in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” later in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0241.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking the Engine Oil
1. Engine Oil Dipstick
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. To get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be parked on a level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview 0235 for the
location.
The vehicle has a racetrack-ready dry sump
engine lubrication system. This high
performance system operates differently
than a standard engine lubrication system
and requires a special procedure when
checking the engine oil level. Follow this
procedure closely. The engine oil level must be checked when
the engine is warm. Cold oil level in the dry
sump tank may not indicate the actual
amount of oil in the system. Engine oil is
contained in an external tank, separate from
the engine. Under normal operating
conditions, the oil pan under the engine
does not store any oil. If the vehicle has
been parked for an extended period without
the engine being started, some oil will seep
back into the oil pan. This will reduce the
amount of oil held in the dry sump tank
and there could be no engine oil on the
dipstick. This is normal since the dipstick is
designed to read the engine oil level only
after the engine has run long enough to
reach normal operating temperature. Do not
add engine oil based on cold engine dipstick
readings. The engine oil level on the dipstick
must be checked while the engine is running
at idle.
To check the engine oil:
1. Turn the engine on and let it warm up to at least 80 °C (175 °F).
2. Once the engine is warm, check the oil while the engine is running at idle.