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Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power steering.
It does not have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can be
steered, but may require increased effort.
If the steering assist is used for an extended
period of time while the vehicle is not
moving, power assist may be reduced.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the maximum rotation and is held
at that position for an extended period of
time, power steering assist may be reduced.Normal use of the power steering assist
should return when the system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Dynamic Rack Travel
If equipped with Magnetic Ride Control,
Dynamic Rack Travel (DRT) is a steering
system feature which enhances driving by
providing additional maximum steering
wheel rotation to allow a tighter turning
radius during low speed driving conditions.
If the vehicle speed increases or if the
suspension encounters significant wheel
travel, such as a driveway, while at
maximum steering rotation, DRT may gently
push the steering back a small amount to
prevent the front tires from contacting the
vehicle. This is normal operation. There is no
customer interface or display for this
feature. DRT is not available when in
Track Mode.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable and steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
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The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues
—such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Track Events and Competitive
Driving
Vehicles without Z51 package should not be
used for track events and competitive
driving.
{Danger
High-performance features are intended
for use only on closed tracks by
experienced and qualified drivers and
should not be used on public roads.
High-speed driving, aggressive cornering,
hard braking, and other high-performance
driving can be dangerous. Improper driver
inputs for the conditions may result in
loss of control of the vehicle, which could
injure or kill you or others. Always drive
safely.
Participating in track events or other
competitive driving without following the
instructions provided may affect the vehicle
warranty. See the warranty manual before
using the vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving. See Competitive Driving
Mode 0213.
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{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. See New Vehicle Break-In
0 189.
{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
0 304 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 Oil0235.
Check the oil level often during track events
and competitive driving. See “Checking the
Engine Oil" in Engine Oil0235.
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
0224.
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.
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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
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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.
The driver should immediately start a cool
down lap if on the track. If this message
displays, take the vehicle to be serviced at
your dealer.
Brake Burnishing
New brake pads must be burnished before
racing or other competitive driving.
Caution
Performing the brake burnish procedure
on a base brake system can result in
brake damage.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period should be
completed before performing the brake
burnish procedure, otherwise damage
may occur to the powertrain/engine. See
New Vehicle Break-In 0189.
Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during any
track burnish procedure and can cause
brake pedal travel and force to increase.
This could extend stopping distance until
the brakes are fully burnished.
When this procedure is performed as
instructed, it will not damage the brakes.
The brake pads will smoke and produce an
odor. The braking force and pedal travel
may increase. After the procedure, the brake
pads may appear white at the rotor contact.
Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor vehicle
operation. Brake Burnishing Procedure
This brake burnish procedure should only be
run on vehicles with the J55 Z51 factory
equipped brake system.
1. Using the G-Force Gauge in the HUD display, apply the brakes 25 times
starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to
50 km/h (30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. See Head-Up Display (HUD) 094.
This is a medium brake application. Drive
for at least 1 km (0.6 mi) between
applying the brakes. This first step may
be skipped if there are more than
320 km (200 mi) on the brake pads.
2. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to 25 km/h (15 mph)
while decelerating at 0.8 g. This is a hard
brake application without activating the
Antilock Brake System (ABS). Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between applications.
Depending on conditions, some increase
in brake pedal travel and brake pedal
force may be experienced.
3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph) for approximately 15 km (10 mi) without
using the brakes.
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4. Apply the brakes 25 times from100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h (30 mph)
while decelerating at 0.4 g. This is a
medium brake application. Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between applications.
As with all high performance brake systems,
some amount of brake squeal is normal.
Alternative Closed Course Brake Burnishing
Procedure
This brake burnish procedure should only be
run on vehicles with the J55 Z51 factory
equipped brake system.
This procedure should only be run on a
track and only on dry pavement. Brake
pedal fade will occur during this track
burnish procedure and can cause brake pedal
travel and force to increase. This could
extend stopping distance until the brakes
are fully burnished. 1. Start track lapping at lower speeds and lower braking efforts for three minutes
of driving. Allow for increased braking
distances due to reduced brake output. 2. After Step 1, increase speed and braking
effort for the next six minutes of
lapping, gradually ending up at 90%
effort. Continue to allow for increased
braking distance due to reduced brake
output.
3. Cool the brakes by lapping with minimal light braking for six minutes.
Brake Cooling Kit
Prior to any track event, high speed driving
event, or competitive driving, the following
should be completed:
.Ensure all brake cooling parts are
correctly and securely installed.
.Install the rear lower control arm cooling
ducts per the instructions below also
included with the kit. After any track
event or competitive driving, remove the
rear lower control arm cooling ducts.
These parts are for track use only.
Removing the ducts helps prevent debris
from being channeled into the rear brakes
during regular use of the vehicle.
.Inspect for and remove any blockage in
the ducts.
.Inspect and replace any duct that has
damage.
Right Side Front Shown, Left Side Front Similar
1. Front Brake Cooling Duct
2. Front Lower Control Arm Deflector
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Right Side Rear Shown, Left Side Rear Similar3. Rear Knuckle Mounted Cooling Duct
4. Rear Lower Control Arm Cooling Duct
Shock Spring Seat Adjustment
The front shocks, on vehicles without
hydraulic front lift and rear shocks, have
threaded spring seats that allow adjustment
of the preload on the coil springs. The
vehicle corner weights can be adjusted for
track use. If the vehicle trim height is
modified, it should be returned to normal
trim height before street use. The spring seat can be adjusted
approximately 20 mm (0.8 in) up or down
from the nominal position. Each complete
turn of the spring seat will change the
vehicle height approximately 1.5 mm
(0.06 in). When adjusting the seat to the
upper limit, lift the dust boot and ensure
the seat does not thread off the center
support tube (stop adjustment when threads
no longer visible). When adjusting the seat
to the lower limit, leave approximately
10 mm (0.4 in) of thread visible for the
lower lock nut to have full thread
engagement.
The following procedure can be complex and
should only be performed by trained
personnel. See your dealer.
To adjust the lower spring seat:
1. Raise the vehicle so the tires are completely off the ground.
Front Shown, Rear Similar
2. Loosen the lower spring seat lock nut (2).
3. Thread the lower spring seat lock nut (2) downward off of the threads to its
resting location on the shoulder of the
center support tube.
4. While holding the center support tube holes, turn the spring seat (1) upward to
increase spring preload, or downward to
decrease spring preload.
5. Thread the lower lock nut (2) back on to the center support tube and torque it
against the spring seat (1) to 25 Y
(18.4 lb ft).
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Load Limit
Limit vehicle load to the driver only, with no
other cargo. Inflate the front tires to 159 kPa
(23 psi) and the rear tires to 165 kPa (24 psi).
Drive at a maximum speed of 296 km/h
(184 mph).
Road Course target hot pressures of
220–240 kPa (32–35 psi). Value will vary
based on driving style, track, temperature,
and weather conditions.
Wheel AlignmentCaution
Using these wheel alignment settings
may cause excessive tire wear. Only use
these wheel alignment settings for racing
or competitive driving. Excessive tire wear
is not covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Caution
Do not use power tools when removing
or installing the fasteners. Damage to the
threads may occur. Use hand tools only,
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
and do not overtighten. Hand start the
fasteners to ensure that the threads do
not bind or cross thread.
The racing and competitive driving wheel
alignment settings should be set as
described here.
To achieve the track alignment specified
settings: 1. The upper control arm to body washers on all four corners will need to be
moved from between the body and the
control arm and relocated between the
head of the bolt and the control arm.
2. Adjust the lower control arm cam bolt position to achieve the following
specifications.
Front (per corner)
.Caster: +8.0 degrees
.Camber: -3.0 degrees
.Toe (total): 0.1 degrees toe in
Rear (per corner)
.Caster: 0 degrees
.Camber: -2.5 degrees
.Toe (total): 0.1 degrees toe in
.Thrust Angle: 0 degrees
After track use, reinstall washers between
the body and the control arms. Reset to
factory alignment settings. See your dealer.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other (Continued)