Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
242 Vehicle Care
The vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick. There is a
special procedure for checking and changing
the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be done at
the dealer. Contact the dealer for additional
information or the procedure can be found
in the service manual. To purchase a service
manual, seePublication Ordering
Information 0315.
Caution
Use of the incorrect transmission fluid
may damage the vehicle, and the
damage may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use the correct
transmission fluid. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0301.
Change the fluid and filter at the proper
intervals. See Maintenance Schedule 0293.
Be sure to use the correct fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0301.
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid Life
System
When to Change the Dual Clutch
Transmission Fluid
This vehicle has a computer that indicates
when to change the transmission fluid. This
is based on a combination of factors which
include temperature and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
a fluid change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the fluid life system to
work properly, the system must be reset
every time the fluid is changed. When the
system has calculated that fluid life has
been diminished, it indicates that a fluid
change is necessary. A CHANGE
TRANSMISSION FLUID SOON message comes
on. Change the fluid as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi). Failure
to change transmission fluid at required
intervals could lead to suboptimal
transmission performance. 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.
How to Reset the Dual Clutch
Transmission Fluid Life System
Reset the system whenever the transmission
fluid is replaced so that the system can
calculate the next transmission fluid change.
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Select the Oil & Fluid Life page under the Maintenance DIC menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 092.
3. Press the thumbwheel under the Oil & Fluid Life page to move to the Reset/
Disable display area. Select Reset
Transmission Fluid with the thumbwheel
scroll then press the thumbwheel. Then
press Yes to confirm the reset.
4. When the Transmission Fluid Life System is successfully reset, 100% Transmission
Fluid Life will be displayed.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Vehicle Care 245
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which could
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/
filter in place when driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to
maintain the correct working temperature.
Convertible
1. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap
Coupe
1. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants0301.
The fluid requires changing at certain
intervals. See Maintenance Schedule 0293.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see Engine Overheating 0248.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
(Continued)
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
246 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a mixture of 40% DEX-COOL coolant and
60% clean, drinkable water. If using this
mixture, nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −28 °C
(−18 °F), outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by an authorized
service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
If ambient temperatures are anticipated
below
−28 °C (−18 °F), make sure a proper
mixture ratio of 50% DEX-COOL coolant and
50% clean, drinkable water is used.
Checking Coolant
Be sure the cooling system is cool and that
the vehicle is on a level surface.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the
coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down. If coolant
is visible but the coolant level is not at or
above the cold fill line, add a mixture of
40% DEX-COOL coolant and 60% clean,
drinkable water at the coolant recovery
tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done. See Engine Overheating
0 248. The surge tank is in the engine
compartment. See
Engine Compartment
Overview 0235.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level
should be at the COLD FILL indicator in the
coolant surge tank.
When the engine is hot, the level could be
higher than the COLD FILL indicator. If the
coolant is below the COLD FILL indicator
when the engine is hot, there could be a
leak in the cooling system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant or take
the vehicle to your dealer for service.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
284 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided. Recommend
water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14,000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Automatic Car Wash
Caution
Automatic car washes can cause damage
to the vehicle, wheels, ground effects,
and convertible top (if equipped).
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
Do not use automatic car washes due to
lack of clearance for the undercarriage,
wide rear tires, and wheels.
Hand Wash
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they dry on the surface
staining could occur.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle finish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon
as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for painted
surfaces to remove foreign matter. Occasional hand waxing or mild polishing
should be done to remove residue from the
paint finish. See your dealer for approved
cleaning products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to uncoated
plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals, simulated
wood, flat paint, or metal mesh grilles as
damage can occur.
Caution
Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes that are
made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
on the vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new, keep
the vehicle garaged or covered whenever
possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Moldings
Caution
Failure to clean and protect the bright
metal moldings can result in a hazy
white finish or pitting. This damage
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
330 Index
Electrical System (cont'd)Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 258
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 86
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Compartment Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .318
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . .110
F
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Fluid Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Dual Clutch Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Dual Clutch Transmission LifeSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Front Air Dam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Front Lift System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
Front Lift System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Front Seats
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Fuel
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 Fuel (cont'd)
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 228
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Fuses Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 258
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Transmission Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 79