Chevrolet Corvette 2002 Owner's Manual

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2002 Chevrolet Corvette

Owner’s Manual

Litho in U.S.A.

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,

CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, the

name CORVETTE and the CORVETTE Emblem 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

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 vehicle, 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.

We support voluntary

technician certification.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a

French Language Manual:

Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous

procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez

votre concessionaire ou au:

Helm, Incorporated

P.O. Box 07130

Detroit, MI 48207

iii

Corvette: The American

Dream Machine

In the early ’50s, it was only a designer’s dream.

T oday 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.

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.

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 got better.

The fifth

-generation Corvette arrived 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

offered 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. For 1998, in

addition to the Coupe, a convertible was reintroduced.

The fifth-generation Corvette rollout was completed in

1999 with the introduction of the hardtop model.

For 2001, all hardtop models became the higher

performance Z06. The Z06 model featured the

performance enhanced LS6 engine, specific suspension

components and exterior/interior differentiation.

vii

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. T o build your 2002 Corvette, over

1,025 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

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.

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.

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.

Vehicle Symbols

Your vehicle may be equipped with components and

labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols,

used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text

describing the operation or information relating to a

specific component, control, message, gage or indicator.

If you need help figuring out a specific name of a

component, gage or indicator reference the following

topics in the Index:

“Engine Compartment Overview”

“Instrument Panel”

“Comfort Controls”

“Audio Systems”

Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.

These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle:

Model Reference

This manual covers these models:

Z06

Coupe

Convertible

1-1

Section 1Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle 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.

-2 Seats and Seat Controls

-7 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

-11 Here Are Questions Many People Ask

About Safety Belts

-- and the Answers

-12 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

-13 Driver Position

-19 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

-20 Passenger Position

-20 Air Bag System

-26 Air Bag Off Switch

-29 Children

-32 Restraint Systems for Children

-42 Older Children

-45 Safety Belt Extender

-45 Checking Your Restraint Systems

-45 Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash

1-2

Seats and Seat Controls

This part tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them,

and also about reclining seatbacks and seatback latches.

Manual Seats

CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to

adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is

moving. The sudden movement could startle and

confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you

don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when

the vehicle is not moving.

T o move a manual seat, pull up on the lever located in

front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where

you want it and release the lever. Then try to move the

seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked

into place.

1-3

Power Seats (Option)

If your vehicle has this option, the control for the power

seats will be located on the outboard side of each seat,

near the base.

Different parts of the power seat control move different

parts of the seat. T o move the seat forward or rearward,

move the control in that direction. Move the control up

to raise the seat and down to lower it. By tilting the back

of the control, it will raise or lower the back of the seat.

Tilting the front of the control will raise or lower the

front of the seat.

Your preferred seat position can be stored and recalled

if you have the memory option. See “Memory” in

the Index.

1-4

Sport Seat (Option)

If your vehicle is equipped with a sport seat, there are

three other controls that help you change the shape of the

seat in addition to the power seat control. There are two

lumbar supports for the middle (A) and lower (B) back.

There’s also a side bolster control (C) that adjusts the sides

of the seat around you to give you more lateral support.

For lumbar support, move each control (A and B)

forward to inflate or rearward to deflate.

Move the side bolster control (C) up for more side

support and down for less support.

Reclining Seatbacks

The lever for the reclining seatback is located on the

outboard side of each seat, near the base.

T o adjust the seatback, lean slightly forward to lift your

weight off the seatback. Pull completely up on the lever

until it stops, and lean back to position the seatback to

where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback

into place.

1-5

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle

is moving.

CAUTION:

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.

1-6

Seatback Latches

Both seatbacks fold forward to give you access to

the rear area. T o fold a seatback forward, lift this latch,

which is located on top of the backside of the seat, and

pull the seatback forward. The seatback will lock down

in this position.

T o 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 in place.

CAUTION:

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.

1-7

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.

CAUTION:

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.

CAUTION:

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.

Your vehicle has a light

that comes on as a reminder

to buckle up. See “Safety

Belt Reminder Light” in

the Index.

1-8

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!

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

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

1-9

Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider

doesn’t stop.

1-10

The person keeps going until stopped by something.

In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

or the instrument panel ...

1-11

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.

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.

Q: 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.

1-12

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 vehicle, 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.

1-13

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to

wear it properly.

1. Close and lock the door.

2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight.

T o see how, see “Seats” in the Index.

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

Don’t let it get twisted.

The lap

-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt

across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt

go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt

across you more slowly.

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.

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.

1-14

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,

or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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. T o permit the lap

belt to move freely again, unbuckle the belt, let it retract

all the way, and buckle up again.

1-15

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

as much protection this way.

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.

1-16

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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.

1-17

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

CAUTION:

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 to the

ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones.

You could also severely injure internal organs

like your liver or spleen.

1-18

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

CAUTION:

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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