2021 CHEVROLET CORVETTE oil level

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
2 Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means“Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u:
Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
z: Carbon Monoxide
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
R:Fuse Block Cover Lock Location
+:Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child Restraints

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 91
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. SeeTire 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. 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. See
Immobilizer
Operation 023.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 181
{Warning
Some of the adjustments and procedures
specified in this section may require
specialized skill, training, and equipment.
Failure to perform these procedures
properly could cause malfunction,
potentially resulting in death, personal
injury, or damage to the vehicle or
property. Do not attempt to perform
these adjustments or procedures unless
properly qualified.
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. See Capacities 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 Oil0237.
Check the oil level often during track events
and competitive driving. See “Checking the
Engine Oil" in Engine Oil0237.
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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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182 Driving and Operating
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
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.
{Warning
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

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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238 Vehicle Care
.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.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean lint-free paper towel or a cloth.
Re-insert the dipstick and push it all the
way in until it stops.
4. Remove the dipstick again and read the level on the cross-hatched area. Re-insert
the dipstick and push it all the way in
until it stops.
5. Turn the engine off.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 239
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil through the oil fill cap
opening in the oil tank fill tube and then
recheck the level. See“Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for the type
of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, see Capacities and Specifications
0 305.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above
or below the acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful to the
engine. If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range), the engine could be
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damaged. Drain the excess oil or limit
driving of the vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0235 for
the location of the external engine oil tank
dipstick and fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range. Push the
dipstick all the way back into the oil tank
tube when finished.
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
The vehicle requires a special procedure
when changing the engine oil and filter.
Follow this procedure closely.
1. Engine Oil Drain Plug
2. O-ring Seal
3. Engine Oil Filter
To change the engine oil and filter:
1. Run the engine at idle for about 20 seconds to return all of the oil back
into the dry sump oil tank.
2. Turn the engine off prior to draining the oil.
3. Remove the engine oil drain plug from the bottom of the engine oil pan. Drain
plug removal will let the oil drain from
the external oil tank and residual oil
from the crankcase sump. Allow the oil
to drain.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
240 Vehicle Care
4. Remove the engine oil filter and allowthe oil to drain.
5. Inspect the drain plug O-ring seal and replace if it is damaged. Reinstall the
drain plug into the oil pan and tighten it
to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
6. Replace the oil filter and tighten it three-quarters to one turn after the
gasket makes contact. See Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0302 for the correct
filter.
7. Remove the oil fill cap from the external engine oil tank.
Add oil to the oil tank through the
opening in the fill tube. See Capacities
and Specifications 0305.
8. Install the oil fill cap and insert the dipstick, if removed.
{Warning
To help avoid personal injury and/or
engine damage, always install the engine
oil dipstick and oil fill cap until fully
seated to a stop. If not fully seated, oil
could escape on to hot exhaust parts and
cause a fire. 9. Start the engine and check the oil level
as described under "Checking the Engine
Oil." previously in this section.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on
both the proper oil specification and the
viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0301.
Specification
Use engine oils that meet the dexos2
specification.
Engine oils that have been approved by GM
as meeting the dexos2 specification are
marked with the dexos2 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
GM recommends Mobil 1 engine oils that
show the dexos2 approved logo.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-40 viscosity grade engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification” previously in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos2
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 241
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never dispose
of oil by putting it in the trash or pouring it
on the ground, into sewers, or into streams
or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to
a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer that indicates
when to change the engine oil and filter.
This is based on a combination of factors
which include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven. Based on
driving conditions, the mileage at which an
oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
This vehicle has a racetrack-ready dry sump
engine lubrication system. This high
performance system operates differentlythan a standard engine lubrication system
and requires a special procedure when
changing the engine oil and filter. See
Engine Oil
0237.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system may
not indicate that an oil change is necessary
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and,
at this time, the system must be reset. Your
dealer has trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. To reset the
system: 1. Scroll through the DIC Info Pages menu until the remaining Engine Oil
percentage is displayed. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 092.
2. Press and hold the thumbwheel on the DIC while the Oil Life display is active.
The oil life will change to 100%.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not reset.
Repeat the procedure.
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid
How to Check Dual Clutch Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to the dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.