Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Driving and Operating 201
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Manual Mode
Manual Paddle Shift
With the transmission in D (Drive), press the
M (Manual Mode) switch on the center
console to enter Manual Mode. Use thepaddles on the steering wheel to manually
upshift or downshift the transmission. The
right + (plus) paddle upshifts, and the left
−
(minus) paddle downshifts.
When using the Manual Paddle Shift
feature, the current gear will be displayed in
the instrument cluster or the Head-Up
Display (HUD), if equipped. See Head-Up
Display (HUD) 094.
When accelerating the vehicle from a stop in
snowy and icy conditions, shifting to
2 (Second) gear, when available, will allow
the vehicle to gain more traction.
The Manual Paddle Shift system can be
deactivated by pulling the D (Drive) switch
on the center console.
With the transmission in D (Drive), pull the
right + paddle or the left −paddle to place
the transmission in Temporary Manual
Paddle Shift mode.
To exit Temporary Manual Paddle Shift
mode do one of the following:
.Hold the + paddle for more than
one second.
.Drive at a steady speed without manual
shifts or aggressive cornering for more
than six seconds.
.Bring the vehicle to a stop.
While the Manual Paddle Shift feature is
active, the transmission will automatically
downshift through the gears as the vehicle
slows. The transmission will select 1 (First)
gear as the vehicle stops. From a stop, the
vehicle will start from and hold 1 (First) gear
unless Manual Paddle Shifts are used to
shift into a different gear, or D (Drive) is
selected.
To cause the transmission to downshift to
the lowest gear possible for the vehicle
speed, in Manual Paddle Shift or Temporary
Manual Paddle Shift mode:
.Pull and briefly hold the −paddle. If the
paddle continues to be held as the vehicle
slows, downshifts will continue as vehicle
speed allows.
The Manual Paddle Shift system will not
allow an upshift or a downshift if vehicle
speed is too fast or too slow, nor will it
allow a start from any gear other than
1 (First) gear.
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
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Driving and Operating 205
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. SeeElectric Parking Brake
Light 088 and Service Electric Parking Brake Light
089.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, press the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pressed. If the switch is
pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Driving and Operating 207
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. SeeCruise Control 0218.
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 0189 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
=comes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
=comes 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
=comes 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.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
208 Driving and Operating
To turn off only TCS, press and release@.
The Traction Off light
iilluminates in the
instrument cluster. To turn TCS on again,
press and release
@. The Traction Off light
idisplayed in the instrument cluster will
turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
@is
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
@until the Traction Off
light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light@
illuminate and stay on in the instrument
cluster.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
@. The Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light@in 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.
.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 0231.
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) allows the driver
to adjust the overall driving experience to
better suit preference by selecting different
modes.
Drive mode availability and affected driver
systems are dependent upon vehicle trim
level, region, and optional features. Driver
modes may include: Weather, Tour, Sport,
and Track, along with two customizable
modes: My Mode and Z-Mode. If the vehicle is in Tour or My Mode it will
stay in that mode through future ignition
cycles. If the vehicle is in any other mode, it
will return to Tour when the vehicle is
restarted. When each mode is selected, an
indicator will come on in the instrument
cluster and stay on.
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 come on in the
instrument cluster and stay on.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Driving and Operating 209
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 0189. 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
0 215.
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-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
210 Driving and Operating
pedal mapping, exhaust valve tuning, and
engine sound. My Mode will remain active
across ignition cycles.
Through the center display, the following
vehicle sub-systems may be available for
customization in this mode:
Engine Sound:Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track
Steering: Tour, Sport, Track
Suspension: Tour, Sport, Track
Brake Response: Tour, Sport, Track
For a more detailed description on how each
driver system is changed, see “Drive Mode
Customization,” later in this section.
Additionally the cluster theme can be set up
using the display menu in the cluster.vZ-Mode : Z-Mode is used to
personalize dynamic driving. This mode
allows the driver to configure the driver
systems to their own preference for
maximum handling. Z-Mode further
enhances the experience by adding
powertrain customization. This mode
modifies pedal mapping, ESC performance,
TCS performance, suspension, steering,
exhaust valve turning, and engine sound.
Through the center display, the driver can
customize multiple settings. The following
vehicle sub-systems may be available for
customization in this mode:
Engine Sound: Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track
Steering: Tour, Sport, Track Suspension:
Tour, Sport, Track
Powertrain: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather
Brake Response: Tour, Sport, Track
PTM: Off, Wet, Dry, Sport, Race 1, Race 2
For a more detailed description on how each
driver system is changed, see “Drive Mode
Customization,” later in this section. For
more information on PTM, see “Performance
Traction Management,” later in this section.
Additionally, the cluster theme can be set
up using the display menu in the cluster.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Driving and Operating 211
Driver Mode Attributes
Modes:MY MODE WEATHER TOUR
DefaultSPORT TRACK Z-MODE
Cluster Display Tour (Default),
Sport, Track,
Weather (with any info tile set up) Weather Tour Sport Track Tour, Sport,
Track, Weather(with any info tile set up)
Layout Display (Theme) Tour (Default),
Sport, Track,
Weather (with any info tile set up) Tour Tour Sport Track Tour, Sport,
Track, Weather(with any info tile set up)
Informational Titles (preset) Tour (Default),
Sport, Track,
Weather (with any info tile set up) Weather Tour Sport Track Tour, Sport,
Track, Weather(with any info tile set up)
Throttle Progression Tour Weather Tour Tour Track Tour, Sport,
Track (Default),Weather
Trans Shift Mode (if equipped) Tour Weather Tour Sport Track Tour, Sport,
Track (Default),Weather
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
212 Driving and Operating
Active Fuel ManagementEnabled (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 Tour Weather Tour Tour Track Tour
Performance Traction or Competitive
Driving Mode Availability Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Comp Mode
(available)PTM
(available) PTM (available)
Engine Sound Stealth, Tour
(Default),
Sport, Track Stealth Tour Sport Track Stealth, Tour,
Sport, Track(Default)
Steering Tour (Default),
Sport, Track Tour Tour Sport Track Tour, Sport
(Default), Track
Suspension (if equipped with
Magnetic Ride) Tour (Default),
Sport, Track Tour Tour Sport Track Tour, Sport
(Default), Track
Brake Response Tour (Default),
Sport, Track Tour Tour Sport Track Tour, Sport
(Default), Track
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.