1997 Chevrolet Corvette Owners Manual

(ZIP CODE)

DAYTIME

TELEPHONE

NO.

GM-CHE-ORD97 *(Prices are subject to

AREA CODE change without notice and without incurring

obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.)

CUSTOMER SIGNATURE

Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in US. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $11.50 plus the US. order processing.

f i NOTES

8-14

e Section 9 Index

Accessory Outlet .............................. 2-58 Accessory Power Plug ........................... 6-61 Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle . . . . . . 6-3 AirBag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19 How Does It Restrain .......................... 1-23 How It Works ................................ 1-2 1 Location .................................... 1-21 Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24 ......................... 1-22 What Makes It Inflate What Will You See After It Inflates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 When Should It Inflate ......................... 1-22 Air Bag Readiness Light 1-20, 2-72 AirBagSystem ................................ 1-19 Aircleaner .................................... 6-16 Air Conditioning ....................... 3-4,3-9, 3-11 Alignment and Balance, Tire ...................... 6-48 Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning ...................... 6-57 Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30 Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22 Anti-Lock Brakes ...................................... 4-7 Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-74, 4-7 Anti-Theft Radio ............................... 3-26 Appearancecare ............................... 6-51 ....................... 6-59 Appearance Care Materials

....................

Arbitration Program .............................. 8-9 Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57 Audio Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-29 Audio Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 Automatic

Electronic Dual Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Overdrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 Transmission Check ........................... 7-14 Transmission Fluid ............................ 6-18 ....................... 2-26 Transmission. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16 Transmission. Park Mechanism Check Transmission. Shifting ......................... 2-26 Transmission. Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Axle. Limited-Slip Rear ......................... 2-38 Axle. Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22

Back-up Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Replacement, Remote Function Actuation System ... 2-12 Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3, 5-5 BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-9 Belt, Engine Accessory .......................... 6-71 Better Business Bureau Mediation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Blizzard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28

Brake

Adjustment .................................. 6-31 Fluid ....................................... 6-29 Master Cylinder .............................. 6-29 Parking ..................................... 2-32 PedalTravel ................................. 6-31 Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-32 System Warning Light ......................... 2-73 Transmission Shift Interlock .................... 2-35 Wear ....................................... 6-31 Brakes.Anti -Lock ............................... 4-7 Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock Check ........... 7- 15 Braking ........................................ 4-6 Braking in Emergencies .......................... 4- 11 .......................... Break-In. New Vehicle 2- 19 BTSI ......................................... 2-35 BTSICheck ................................... 7-15 Bulb Replacement .........................

6.33. 6.69

8-7 6-69

2.15.2.37. 4.29

Canadian Roadside Assistance .................... Capacities and Specifications ...................... Carbon Monoxide .................... Cassette Deck Service ........................... 7- 13 Cassette Tape Player ............................ 3- 14 Careofyour ................................. 3-29 Center Console ................................. 2-55 Certification Label .............................. 4-30 Chains. Tire ................................... 6-51 Check Gages Light .............................. 2-79 Checking Your Restraint Systems .................. 1-33 Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-58 9-2

Child Restraints ......................

1.25. 1.26. 1-27 Securing in the Passenger Seat Position ........... 1-27 Top Strap ................................... 1-27 ................................ 1-27 Where to Put ............................... 2-57 Cigarette Lighter ....................... 6-63 Circuit Breakers and Fuses Cleaner. Air ................................... 6-16 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels ............................ 6-57 Coated Moldings ............................. 6-53 Convenience Net ............................. 6-53 Exterior LampsLenses ........................ 6-56 Fabric ...................................... 6-52 Glasssurfaces ............................... 6-54 Inside of Your Corvette ........................ 6-52 ............................. 6-53 Instrument Panel Leather ..................................... 6-53 Outside of Your Corvette ....................... 6-55 Removable Roof Panel ......................... 6-55 SecurityShade ............................... 6-53 Soft-Touch Paint Surfaces ...................... 6-53 Stains ...................................... 6-52 Tires ....................................... 6-57 Vinyl ....................................... 6-52 Weatherstrips ................................ 6-55 Wheels ..................................... 6-57 Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54 Climate Control ................................. 3-5 Automatic Electronic Dual ....................... 3-5 Manual ...................................... 3-2 Clock. Setting the ............................... 3-13 Clutch. Hydraulic ............................... 6-20

. . . . .

. . . . .

.........

3- 1 3-5 3-2

Compact Disc

Comfort Controls ................................ Automatic Electronic Dual ....................... Manual ...................................... Adapter Kit .................................. 3-18 Care ....................................... 3-30 Changer, Trunk Mounted ....................... 3-22 Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18 ............................ 2-24 Competitive Driving Console, Center ................................ 2-55 Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-6 Convenience Net ............................... 2-57 Convenience Net, Cleaning ....................... 6-53 Convex Outside Mirror .......................... 2-54 Coolant ............................. 5-13,5-18, 6-22 SurgeTank .................................. 5-18 Surge Tank Pressure Cap ....................... 6-26 .......................... Coolant Heater, Engine 2-24 Cooling System ................................ 5- 16 CourtesyLamps ................................ 2-52 Courtesy Transportation In Canada ..................................... 8-8 1ntheU.S. ................................... 8-8 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-47 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Customer Assistance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 1 Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-2

Damage. Finish ............................... Daytime Running Lamps ......................... ................................... Dead Battery

6-57 2-50 5-3

3.4. 3.10

3.3.3.9. 3.12

6-71 3-17

8-10 8-11 8-11 4-2

Defects. Reporting Safety

.....................

........................ InCanada ................................... To General Motors ............................ Defensive Driving ............................... Defogger. Rear Window Defogging ....................... 3.3.3.8.3.10. 3.12 Defrosting ............................ ............................ Dimensions. Vehicle Dolby B Noise Reduction ........................ Door Locks ....................................... 2-4 PowerLocks .................................. 2-5 Downshifting .................................. 2-31 Drive, Automatic Transmission .................... 2-28 Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-81 Controls and Displays ......................... 2-82 Warnings and Messages ........................ 2-90 ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) Active . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-91 Charge System Fault .......................... 2-92 Coolant Over Temp ........................... 2-94 Flat Tire - (If, lr, rf, rr) ......................... 2-96 High Oil Temperature Reduce Engine Rpm . . . . . . . . 2-94 High Tire Pressure - (If. Ir, rf. IT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-96 High Trans Temp ............................. 2-94 LowOilLevel ............................... 2-91 Low Oil Pressure ............................. 2-91 Low Tire Pressure - (If, lr. rf, rr) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-95 Maximum Speed 80 Mph (129 M h ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-93 Reduced Engine Power ........................ 2-92 Service ABS ................................. 2-91

Driver Information Center (DIC) Messages

9-3

Driver Information Center (DIC) Messages (Continued)

Service Column Lock .......................... 2-91 Service Ride Control .......................... 2-93 Service Tire Monitor (MON) System (SYS) ........ 2-97 ....................... 2-93 Service Traction System Shocks Inoperative ............................ 2-93 Traction System (SYS) Active ................... 2-92 DriverPosition ................................. 1-12 Driving ........................................ 4-1 City ........................................ 4-21 Defensive .................................... 4-2 Drunken ..................................... 4-2 Freeway .................................... 4-22 InaBlizzard ................................. 4-28 In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5 In the Rain .................................. 4- 18 Night ...................................... 4-16 OnCurves .................................. 4-11 On Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-24 On Snow and Ice ............................. 4-27 Through Deep Water .......................... 4-20 WetRoads .................................. 4-18 Winter ...................................... 4-26 Drunken Driving ................................ 4-2

Electrical Equipment. Adding .......... 2-23,3-29, 6-61 Electrical System ............................... 6-61 Electronic Dual Climate Control System .............. 3-5 EMT (Extented Mobility Tire) ..................... 6-41 Engine ....................................... 6-10 AccessoryBelt ............................... 6-71

2-24 7-13 13

5.13.5.18. 6.22

Coolant ........................... Coolant Heater ............................... Coolant Level Check .......................... Coolant Temperature Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.75. 5. Exhaust ........................... 2.15.2.37. 4.29 FuseBlock .................................. 6-66 Identification ................................ 6-60 Oil ........................................ 6-11 Oil, Adding ................................. 6-12 Oil, Additives ................................ 6-15 Oil. Checking ................................ 6-12 OilLevelCheck .............................. 7-13 Oil, Life Monitor ............................. 6-15 Oil, Pressure Gage ............................ 2-78 ................................... Oil, Used 6-16 Oil, When to Change .......................... 6-15 Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . 5-13 Overheating ................................. 5-13 Running While Parked ......................... 2-37 Specifications ................................ 6-69 StartingYour ................................ 2-22 EnglishMetric Button ........................... 2-71 Ethanol ........................................ 6-4 Exhaust, Engine ...................... 2-15,2-37, 4-29 Express-Down Window .......................... 2-39 ......................... Extended Mobility Tires 6-41 Exterior Lamps ................................. 2-50 Fabric Cleaning ............................... Fabric Protection ............................... Fan Control Buttons .......................... Feature, Theft-Deterrent .........................

6-52 6-52 3-2, 3-8 2-16

Fiberglass Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58 Fifth Gear. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Filling Your Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 16 Filter. Air Cleaner Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56 Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 First Gear. Automatic Transmission First Gear. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 Flashers. Hazard Warning Flat Tire. What to Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-60 Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-70 FobTraining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89 FogLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-51 Foreign Countries, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Fourth Gear. Manual Transmission .. French 11 Front Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 6-35 FrontTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 6-35 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 6-4 2-80 6-5 6-5 6-63

Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In Foreign Countries ........................... Fuel. Filling Your Tank ....................... Fuses and Circuit Breakers

...........................

Language

GAWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30. 4.31 Gear Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 Gross Axle Weight Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30. 4.31 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30. 4-31 .. Guide en Franpis 11 GVWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30. 4.31

HighLow Beamchanger Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33 Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 Headlamp Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44 Headlamp/Highbeams Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33 Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45 Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 Heritage Pages 111 ... High-Beam Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45 Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24 Hill and Mountain Roads Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8 6-8 2-40 6-20 . . . 4-20

Checking Things Under . . . . . . Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . .

G a g e s

Engine Coolant Temperature .................... Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-75 2-78 2-81 2-73

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20 Ignition Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inadvertent Load Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 Inflation. Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43 Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 9-5

Inspections .................................... 7-17 Brakesystem ................................ 7-17 Exhaust System .............................. 7-17 Radiator and Heater Hose ...................... 7-17 Steering .................................... 7-17 Suspension .................................. 7-17 Tire ........................................ 7-17 Wheel ...................................... 7-17 InstrumentPanel ............................... 2-68 Brightness Control ............................ 2-52 Cleaning .................................... 6-53 Cluster ..................................... 2-7 0 FuseBlock .................................. 6-63 Instrument Panel Cupholder ....................... 2-54 Interior Lamps ................................. 2-52 Jump Starting .................................. 5-3 K e y Fob Transmitter ............................ 2-6 Key Lock Cylinders Service ...................... 7-14 Keys .......................................... 2-2 Labels ....................................... 4-30 Certification ................................. 4-30 Service Parts Identification ..................... 6-60 Tire-Loading Information ...................... 4-30 Vehicle Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60 Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses ................. 6-56 Courtesy .................................... 2-52 Exterior .................................... 2-50 Interior ..................................... 2-52 OnReminder ................................ 2-44

Lamps

Latches. Seatback ................................ 1-5 Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-5 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running . . . . . . . 2-34 Lighter ....................................... 2-57 Lights

Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1-20, 2-72 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-74, 4-7 Brake System Warning ......................... 2-73 Check Engine ................................ 2-76 CheckGages ................................ 2-79 Safety Belt Reminder ...................... 1-7, 2-72 Security .................................... 2-79 Traction Control System (TCS) .................. 2-75 ........................... 4-30 Loading Your Vehicle Locks ......................................... 2-4 Cylinders ................................... 7-14 Door ........................................ 2-4 Ignition Transmission Lock Check ............... 7-16 Key Lock Cylinders Service .................... 7-14 PowerDoor .................................. 2-5 Using the Wheel Lock Key ..................... 6-50 Lubricants and Fluids ............................ 7-18 Lubrication Service, Body ........................ 7-14 Maintenance Record ........................... Maintenance Schedule ............................

7-20 7-1 Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................ 7-17 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18 Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 ................ 7-2 Your Vehicle and the Environment 6-57 2-76

Maintenance, Underbody ......................... Malfunction Indicator Lamp ......................

Manual

........................ 3-2 Comfort Control System Frontseat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Transmission Check ........................... 7- 14 Transmission Fluid ............................ 6- 19 Transmission. Shifting ......................... 2-29 Transmission. Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Methanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 4 Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 Convex Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54 Inside Daymight Rearview ..................... 2-53 Power Remote Control ......................... 2-54 Visor Vanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58 MMT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 4 Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24 Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-4 1

Neutral

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Automatic Transmission Manual Transmission .......................... New Vehicle Break-In ........................... Nightvision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-27 2-29 2-19 4-17

Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 13 Oil. Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11 OnetoFourLight ............................... 2-30 Outlet. Accessory ............................... 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 Overdrive. Automatic Transmission Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . 5- 13 Overheating Engine ............................. 5- 13

Owner Checks and Services ....................... Owner Publications. Ordering ..................... InCanada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-13 8-12 8-11

6-58

Parking

2-26 2-33 2-35

Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ Park ....................... Automatic Transmission Shifting Into ................................. Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AtNight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 Brake ...................................... 2-32 Lots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 Over Things That Burn ........................ 2-36 Your Vehicle. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 Parkmg Brake Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16 Passenger Position .............................. 1-19 ................................... Passing 4-13 Pass-Key -4D- . 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17 Power

DoorLocks ................................... 2-5 Remote Control Mirrors ........................ 2-54 Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 Steering Fluid ................................ 6-26 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39 Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61 Powerseat ..................................... 1-2 Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-18 Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1 9-7

Publications. Service and Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 12 8-11

InCanada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Racing or Other Competitive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24 RadioReception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28 Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 Rain. Driving In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 Reading Lamps Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22 7-17 2-56 5-11 . . . . . . . 6-35 3-4, 3-10 Rearview Mirror, Inside Daymight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 Reclining Seatbacks .............................. 1-3 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 18 Remote Function Actuation (RFA) System

Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... Axle Service Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turn Signal and Taillamp Bulb Replacement Window Defogger ........................

Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 12 Resynchronizing Your Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 1 1 Remote Hatch Release ........................... 2- 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-69 Replacement Bulbs Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 Replacement, Wheel Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . 8-11 . . . . . . . . . . 8-11 Resetting the Oil Life Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15 Restraints

In Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To General Motors

Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-33

9-8

1.25. 1.26.

1-27 Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacing Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34 Systemcheck ................................ 7-14 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21 Reverse

....................... 2-27 Automatic Transmission Manual Transmission .......................... 2-29 Ridecontrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38 Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-5 Roadside Assistance. Canadian ..................... 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23 Rocking Your Vehicle RoofPanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-60 Rotation. Tire .................................. 6-44

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 Adults ...................................... 1-11 Care ....................................... 6-54 Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25. 1-26. 1-27 Driver Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12 Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33 How to Wear Properly ......................... 1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14. 1-31. 1-32 Incorrect Usage ........................ 1-13 Lap Belt Cinch Feature Lap-Shoulder . . . . . . . .................... 1-12 .............................. 1-30 Larger Children Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19 ........................ 1-10 Questions and Answers 1-7. 2-72 Reminder Light Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-34 Smaller Children and Babies . . . . . . . . . . 1-25. 1-26. 1-27 Use During Pregnancy ......................... WhyThey Work ...............................

..........................

1-18 1-7

8- 10 8-11 8-1 1 ... vm 7-5

Safety Defects. Reporting

........................ InCanada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety Warnings and Symbols ...................... Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... Seatback Latches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 Reclining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 ManualFront ................................. 1-2 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Securing a Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27 sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Seats and Restraint Systems ........................ 1-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seats and Seat Controls 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 Second Gear, Automatic Transmission Second Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-79 SecurityShade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55 . . . . . 6-53 Security Shade, Cleaning . . 2-38 Real Selective Time Damping Service Bulletins, Ordering ............................ Manuals, Ordering ............................ Parts Identification Label ....................... Publications, Ordering ......................... ......................... Work, Doing Your Own

8- 12 8- 12 6-60 8- 12 6-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 Service and Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 12 Service and Owner Publications 8-11 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Corvette . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

InCanada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

. . .

. .

...................... .........................

Shift Speeds . . . 2-30 Shifting . . . . . . . 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33 Into Park . . . . OutofPark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35 Signaling Turns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42 Sixth Gear. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Skidding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15 Sound Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-29 Specifications and Capacities ...................... 6-69 Specifications. Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-69 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-71 Sportseat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Springs. Fiberglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58 Stains. Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15 Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Steam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14 4-11 Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 Power . . . . . . . . . Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 2-41 Wheel. Tilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Storage Compartments ........................... 2-54 Storage. Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Sunvisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58 Surge Tank. Coolant ............................. 5-18 Symbols. Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . System Controls. Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . 3-2. 3-5

9-9

2-7 I 3-29

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3. 3.6

Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TapePlayerCare ............................... Temperature Control Theft ......................................... 2-15 Theft-Deterrent Radio ........................... 3-26 Thermostat .................................... 6-26 Third Gear. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Tilt Steering Wheel ............................. 2-41 Time. Setting the ............................... 3- 13 Tirechains .................................... 6-51 Tire-Loading Information Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-40 Alignment and Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 BuyingNew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 Extended Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41 If One Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43 Inflation Check ............................... 7- 13 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-44 Loading .................................... 4-30 Pressure .................................... 6-43 Temperature ................................. 6-47 Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47 Treadwe ar ................................... 6-46 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-46 Wear Indicators .............................. 6-45 Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-48 ....................... 6-45 When It’s Time for New TopStrap ..................................... 1-27 TorqueLock ................................... 2-35 Torque, Wheel Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-70 9-10

TowingaTrailer ................................ 4-31 Towing Your Vehicle ............................. 5-8 .......................... 4-9 Traction Control System Traction Control System (TCS) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-75 TrailerTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31 Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18 Automatic ................................... 6-18 Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19 Transmission. Ignition Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16 ...... 2-6 Transmitters. Remote Function Actuation System Transportation. Courtesy .......................... 8-8 TTYUsers ..................................... 8-4 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42 Turn SignalMultifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41

Underbody Flushing Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16 Underbody Maintenance ......................... 6-57 Universal Theft-Deterrent System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Vehicle

Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 Damage Warnings .............................. ix Dimensions ................................. 6-71 Identification Number ......................... 6-60 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Storage ..................................... 6-32 Ventilation System .............................. 3-13 ............................ 2-58 Visor Vanity Mirrors Visors. Sun .................................... 2-58 Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-73

w a r n i n g Devices ............................... 5-2 Warning Lights. Gages and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-71 Warranty Information ............................ 8-10 ........................ 6-27 Washer Fluid. Windshield Washing Your Vehicle ........................... 6-55 Weatherstrips .................................. 6-55 Wheel Alignment .................................. NutTorque .................................. Replacement ................................. Using the Wheel Lock Key ..................... Windows ..................................... Express-Down ............................... Power ......................................

6-47 6-70 6-48 6-50 2-39 2-40 2-39

Windshield Washer

............................. Fluid ....................................... Fluid Level Check ............................ Windshield Wipers .............................. Blade Replacement ........................... Fuses ...................................... Winter Driving ................................. Wiper Blade Check ............................. Wiring. Headlamp .............................. WreckerTowing .................................

2-46 6-27 7-13 2-45 6-37 6-62 4-26 7-13 6-62 5-8

9-11

e

Service Station Checkpoints

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

BATTERY p6-11

COOLANT SURGE TANK

AND PRESSURE CAP

TIRES P6-40

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

P6-6

TANK P6-27

RELEASE p6-9 REMOTE FUEL

DOOR

RELEASE

P6-6

FUEL

P6-5

FUEL DOOR RELEASE TAB

For detailed information, refer to the page number listed, or see the Index in the back of the owner’s manual.

9-12

I

I

The 1997 Chevrolet Corvette Owner’s Manual

1-1

2-1

3-1

4- 1

5- 1

6-1

7-1

8-1

9- 1

Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the air bag system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your Corvette. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your Corvette running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Chevrolet for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8- 10. Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the name CORVETTE are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your Chevrolet, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 10406716 A First Edition ii

We support voluntary technician certification.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propriktaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en frangais chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, Ontario L5T IC7

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1997 All Rights Reserved

CORVETTE: THE AMERICAN DREAM MACHINE In the early ’50s, it was only a designer’s dream. Today the Corvette stands alone as America’s dream car -- a testament to its unmistakable charisma and the excitement it inspires. Unique styling, powerful performance and an undeniable panache have made Corvette one of the most celebrated sports cars in the world. In 1953, Corvette produced 300 new lightweight fiberglass roadsters. A handful went to project engineers, General Motors managers, and a select group of movie stars and celebrities. With a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, Blue Flame six-cylinder engine, and gleaming Polo White exterior, the Corvette began its drive into the heart of America. Designers freshened up the ’Vette in 1956 by adding a removable hardtop and the famous Corvette “coves.” The sculptured body enhanced its sporty look, and a standard 210-horsepower Chevy V8 engine solidified Corvette’s reputation as a production race car.

ii i

In 1963, Corvette hit the road with an eye-catching new look -- the Sting Ray coupe. An instant success, the now-classic Sting Ray featured concealed headlamps and a unique split rear window. The split window would only be offered in 1963, making this model among the most prized Corvettes ever built.

Restyled inside and out for 1968, this 'Vette sported a lean and hungry shape, creating a sense of motion even when standing still. And for the first time, Corvette offered removable roof panels.

iv

Supplement to the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette Owner’s Manual

This text under “Remote HatchlTrunk Lid Release ” may replace the manual release cable information located in Section 2 of your Owner’s Manual. Locate the manual release cables in your vehicle. If they are located in the slots of the bottom of the latch trim covers (underneath the center storage compartment in the trunk area), refer to page 2-14 in your Owner’s Manual.’ If not, follow the. directions listed here. If your vehicle is equipped with a hatch and you have lost battery power, use the manual release cables to open the hatch. To access the cables, remove the two access panels located in the rear of the trunk area. There is one cable located underneath each access panel.

Pull each cable straight down for each latch to release the hatch.

97CORVOO2

For its 25th anniversary, the 1978 Corvette paced the 62nd Annual Indianapolis 500 and received a new fastback roofline with a wide expanse of glass that wrapped around the sides.

In 1984, the fourth generation of America’s favorite sports car anticipated the future with a sleek look and advanced technology that provided superior handling and performance. Windshield angle was the sheerest of any domestic vehicle, cornering ability the tightest of any production car. In short, the 1984 redesign enhanced the Corvette’s reputation as a leader in the world sports car market.

After 44 years of production, Corvette only gets better. The fifth-generation Corvette arrives in 1997, featuring a completely restyled body and a new, all-aluminum, 5.7 Liter, 345-horsepower LS1 V8 engine. The structure of the fifth-generation redesign is the stiffest ever developed in 44 years of Corvette production, resulting .in unparalleled ride quality and outstanding handling. Also unique to the new Corvette is a rear-mounted transmission. Available as a Coupe for 1997, the new Corvette offers such standard features as extended-mobility tires, a Bose audio system, and a new, latch-operated roof designed for easy removal. With many design cues inspired by the classic models of the 1960s, the new fifth generation Corvette is an impressive combination of sleek styling and world-class sports car performance.

vi

CORVETTE ASSEMBLY PLANT The Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky is one of the most sophisticated and computerized automobile assembly facilities in the world. To build your 1997 Corvette, over 1,000 employes teamed up with the 58 high-tech robots that assist in a variety of processes, from welding to painting. The Bowling Green facility is Corvette’s third home since 1953. Since beginning production in June of 1981, it has become one of Kentucky’s most popular tourist attractions. Corvette Assembly Plant tours are expected to resume April 1, 1997 and will be conducted Monday through Friday, starting at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call (502) 745-8228. The new National Corvette Museum, located near the assembly plant, opened its doors in September of 1994. It is also attracting tourists to the area. For more information, call (502) 78 1-7973.

vii

How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

I A CAUTION:

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this,” or “Don’t let this happen.”

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

ix

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

,\I/,

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

SIGNALS e

TURN

WINDSHIELD WIPER

COOLANT TEMP

CHARGING I-1

BATTERY

SYSTEM

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

BRAKE

FUSE -%-

LIGHTER m (0) HORN )a( SPEAKER b

ENGINE OIL w, (a)

PRESSURE

FUEL

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

WINDOW DEFOGGER

DAYTIME - 0

RUNNING * . 0 $0

LAMPS * * *

VENTILATING FAN

FOG LAMPS

e

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Corvette and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

1-2 1-6 1-10

1-11 1-12 1-18 1-19

Seats and Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Driver Position Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Passenger Position

1-19 1-25 1-27 1-30 1-33 1-33 1-34

Air Bag System Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

1-1

Seats and Seat Controls This part tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, and also about reclining seatbacks and seatback latches. Manual Front Seat (Option) (Passenger Only)

Power Seat

,_i :

Pull up on the lever in front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place.

The switch for the power seats is located on the side of each seat, near the base. Different parts of the power seat control move different parts of your seat. If you move the whole control, the whole seat will move. The back of the control will raise or lower the back of the seat, and the front of the control will raise or lower the front of the seat. Move the control to the front or to the back to move the seat forward or backward. Move the control up to raise the seat and down to lower it. Your preferred seat position can be stored and recalled have the memory option. See “Memory” in the Index.

if you

Sport Seat (Option)

Reclining Seatbacks

In addition to the power seat control, there are three other switches that help you change the shape of your seat. There are two lumbar supports (A and B) for the middle and lower back. There’s also a side bolster switch (C) that adjusts the sides of the seat around you to give you more lateral support. For lumbar support, move each switch (A and B) forward to inflate or rearward to deflate. Move the side bolster switch (C) up for more side support and down for less support.

The lever for the reclining seat back is located on the side of each seat, near the base. To adjust the seatback, pull up on the lever and tilt the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback into place.

1-3

I ::

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly. -

Seatback Latches

If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

Both seatbacks fold forward to give you access to the rear area. To fold a seatback forward, lift this latch and pull the seatback forward. The seatback will lock down in this position. To unlock, lift up on the latch and push the seatback rearward. When you return the seatback to its original position, make sure the seatback is locked.

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It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the air bag system.

A CAUT-ON:

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passenger’s belt is fastened properly too.

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Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

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Put someone on it.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.

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. . .

. .

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

or the instrument panel . . .

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Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers

Won't I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I'm wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be -- whether you're wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you're upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

@ If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to

wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you're in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That's true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That's why safety belts make such good sense.

Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passenger can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your Corvette, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position.

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Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats’? in the

so you can sit up straight.

wear

Index)

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted. When the lap portion of the belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. See “Lap Belt Cinch Feature” in the Index.

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4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash.

Lap Belt Cinch Feature If you do not want the lap belt to move freely, pull the lap belt out all the way to set the lock. To permit the lap belt to move freely again, unbuckle the belt, let it retract all the way, and buckle up again.

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Qt What’s wrong with this?

a CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

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-.

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.. . --

--I-

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.,

.. .

, . .

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.. .

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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What’s wrong with this?

A c.

You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

to the

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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@ What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

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A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Passenger Position The passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position,’’ earlier in this section. When the lap portion of the belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. Air Bag System This part explains the air bag system. Your Corvette has two air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the passenger. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags are designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a air bag for that person.

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There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG.

The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.

A CAUTION:

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

An inflating air bag can seriously injure small children. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and the caution label on the passenger’s safety belt.

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How the Air Bag System Works

Where are the air bags? The driver's air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

The passenger's air bag passenger's side.

is in the instrument panel on the

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I A CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering.

When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such

as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. It is possible that in a crash only one of the two air bags in your Corvette will deploy. This is rare, but can happen in a crash just severe enough to make an air bag inflate. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the passenger.

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How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions. What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the passenger’s bag -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the passenger air bag.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

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0

Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Corvette Air bags affect how your Corvette should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your Corvette dealer and the Corvette Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

NOTICE:

If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid yellow wires, wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Smaller Children and Babies

A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply CAUTION: (Continued)

force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child restraint. However, infants, who should be restrained in a rear-facing child restraint, cannot ride safely in this vehicle. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, be sure the child is always properly restrained while riding in this vehicle.

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I A CAUTION: vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a