CHEVROLET Corvette 2012 User Manual
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Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
2012 Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual M
In Brief . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . .1-4
Vehicle Features. . . . . . . . . . . . .1-17
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Keys, Doors, and
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . 2-11
Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .2-17
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 3-2
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3-15
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Information Displays . . . . . . . .. . 5-26
Vehicle Messages.. . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Vehicle Personalization.. . . . . . 5-54
Universal Remote System . . . . 5-62
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 6-6
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . ..7-5
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Phone . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 7-16
Trademarks and License
Agreements . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 7-24
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . 8-7
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Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
2012 Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual M
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-18
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Automatic Transmission . . . . . .9-27
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . .9-36
Cruise Control . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 9-45
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Conversions and
Add-Ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Vehicle Care . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . .10-2
Vehicle Checks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-78
Towing . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . .10-82
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . .11-3
Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . 11-12
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-15
Technical Data . . . . . . ......... 12-1
Vehicle Identification.. . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-19
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-20
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Overview.. . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Services . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 14-2
OnStar Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . 14-5
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1
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Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Introduction iii
The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names,
and vehicle body designs appearing
in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo,
CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET
Emblem, CORVETTE, CORVETTE
GRAND SPORT, Z06, and ZR1
are trademarks and/or service
marks of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 20905002 B Second Printing
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or
due to changes subsequent to the
printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited” for
Chevrolet Motor Division wherever
it appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
©
2011 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue
française
www.helminc.com
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Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
iv Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury
or death.
WARNING
{
These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.
Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage.
This would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash through it is
a safety symbol which means
“Do Not,” “Do not do this,” or
“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M : This symbol is shown when
you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.
* : This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.
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Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
% : Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar
®
$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System
I : Cruise Control
B : Engine Coolant Temperature
O : Exterior Lamps
# : Fog Lamps
. : Fuel Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j : LATCH System Child
Restraints
* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure
} : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
d : Traction Control/Active
Handling System
M : Windshield Washer Fluid
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Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
vi Introduction
2 NOTES
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In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-8
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 1-11
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1-11
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Steering Wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Windshield Wiper/Washer .... 1-14
Climate Controls . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-15
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-18
Bluetooth
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-19
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Navigation System . . . . . . . .. . . 1-20
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Roof Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Convertible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-22
Z06, Z16, and ZR1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-24
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Battery .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1-24
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . 1-25
®
OnStar
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
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1-2 In Brief
Instrument Panel
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In Brief 1-3
A. Air Vents on page 8‑6.
B. Head-Up Display Controls
(If Equipped). See Head-Up
Display (HUD) on page 5‑31.
C. Turn and Lane-Change Lever.
See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑4.
Cruise Control on page 9‑45.
Fog Lamps on page 6‑5.
Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
D. Manual Shift Paddles
(If Equipped). See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑27.
E. Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑26.
F. Instrument Cluster on page 5‑9.
G. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑4.
H. Driver Information Center (DIC)
Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑26.
I. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑4.
J. Infotainment on page 7‑1.
K. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1.
L. Fuel Door Release Button.
See Filling the Tank on
page 9‑51.
Hatch/Trunk Release Button.
See “Hatch/Trunk Lid Release”
under Hatch on page 2‑11.
M. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑6.
N. Power Folding Top Switch
(If Equipped). See Convertible
Top on page 2‑24.
O. Data Link Connector (DLC)
(Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑19.
P. Bluetooth Controls
(If Equipped). See Bluetooth on
page 7‑16.
Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑3 (If Equipped).
Q. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
R. Horn on page 5‑4.
S. Telescopic Steering Column
Control (If Equipped).
See Steering Wheel Adjustment
on page 5‑2.
T. Keyless Ignition. See Ignition
Positions on page 9‑20.
U. Heated Front Seats on page 3‑8
(If Equipped).
V. Shift Lever (Automatic Shown).
See Automatic Transmission on
page 9‑27 or Manual
Transmission on page 9‑32.
W. Active Handling System on
page 9‑38.
X. Power Outlets on page 5‑6.
Y. Selective Ride Control on
page 9‑43 (If Equipped).
Z. Parking Brake on page 9‑36.
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1-4 In Brief
Initial Drive Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information,
refer to each of the features which
can be found later in this owner
manual.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
The RKE transmitter is used to lock
and unlock the doors from up to
30 m (100 ft) away from the vehicle.
Press the button (A) to remove the
key. The key can be used to lock
and unlock the glove box and to
open the hatch/trunk lid if power to
the vehicle is lost. See Hatch on
page 2‑11 for more information.
K : Press to unlock the driver door.
Press again within five seconds to
unlock both doors.
Q : Press to lock all doors.
} : Press and hold for
approximately one second to open
the hatch/trunk.
L : Press to sound the horn.
Press any other button on the
RKE transmitter to stop it.
See Keys on page 2‑2 and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.
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In Brief 1-5
Door Locks
From the outside, press Q or K on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
A. Door Handle Sensor
B. Power Door Lock Switch
C. Door Latch Button
With the RKE transmitter within
range, grip the door handle
sensor (A). See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3.
From the inside, use the power door
lock switch (B).
Q : Press to lock the doors.
K : Press to unlock the doors.
To open a door from the inside,
push the door latch button (C).
A tone will sound when the button is
pushed.
See Power Door Locks on
page 2‑10.
Loss of Vehicle Electrical
Power
If the vehicle has lost battery power,
the driver door can be opened
manually.
Inside the Vehicle
Pull the door release handle.
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1-6 In Brief
Outside the Vehicle
Use the key to open the hatch/trunk.
See Keys on page 2‑2.
Trunk Release
The vehicle must be in P (Park)
with an automatic transmission
and Neutral with a manual
transmission.
For manual transmission vehicles,
the parking brake must be set
when the engine is running
for the hatch/trunk release to
operate. See Parking Brake on
page 9‑36.
Then, pull the manual door release
handle.
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To release the hatch/trunk:
In Brief 1-7
.
Press V.
.
Press } on the keyless
entry transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System on
page 2‑3.
.
Push the hatch/trunk release
button with the keyless entry
transmitter within range. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System on page 2‑3.
.
Use the vehicle key. See Keys
on page 2‑2.
For more information, see Hatch on
page 2‑11.
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1-8 In Brief
Windows
The power window switches are
located on each door.
Pull up or press down on the front
of the switch to raise or lower the
window.
For more information, see Power
Windows on page 2‑18.
Seat Adjustment
Power Seats
To adjust a power seat:
.
Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.
.
Raise or lower the front or rear
part of the seat cushion by
moving the front or rear of the
control up or down.
See Power Seat Adjustment on
page 3‑2.
Power Lumbar and Side
Bolsters
A. Lumbar Support Control
B. Side Bolster Support Control
To adjust the support, if equipped:
.
Move control (A) forward or
rearward to adjust lumbar
support.
.
Move control (B) up or down to
adjust the side bolsters.
See Lumbar Adjustment on
page 3‑2.
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In Brief 1-9
Reclining Seatbacks
To recline a manual seatback:
1. Lift the lever on the outboard
side of the seat.
2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
See Reclining Seatbacks on
page 3‑3.
Heated Seats
If available, the buttons are on the
center stack. The ignition must be
on for this feature to work.
L : Press to turn on the heated
seat at the high setting.
Press again to switch to the low
setting.
9 : Press to turn the system off.
See Heated Front Seats on
page 3‑8.
Memory Features
On vehicles with the memory
feature, the controls on the driver
door are used to program and recall
memory settings for the driver seat,
outside mirrors, and the telescopic
steering column.
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1-10 In Brief
Storing Memory Positions
To save into memory:
1. Adjust the driver seat, both
outside mirrors, and the
telescopic steering column.
2. Press and hold “1” until
two beeps sound.
3. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”
To recall:
.
On vehicles with an automatic
transmission, press and
release “1” or “2.”
If the vehicle is in P (Park), a
single beep sounds and the
memory position is recalled after
a brief delay.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park),
three beeps sound and the
memory position is not recalled.
.
On vehicles with a manual
transmission, when the vehicle
is on, the parking brake must be
set to recall a memory position.
Press and release “1” or “2.”
A single beep sounds and the
memory position is recalled after
a brief delay.
If the vehicle is on and the
parking brake is not set,
three beeps sound and the
memory position is not recalled.
See Memory Seats on page 3‑4.
Easy Exit Driver Seat
This feature can move the seat
rearward and the telescopic steering
column out of the way to allow extra
room to exit the vehicle.
B : Press to save and recall the
easy exit seat position.
To save into memory:
1. Recall the desired driving
position by pressing “1.”
2. Adjust the seat and the
telescopic steering column
to the desired exit position.
3. Press and hold B until
two beeps sound.
4. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”
To recall, press and release B.
The vehicle must be in P (Park) for
an automatic transmission or the
parking brake must be set for a
manual transmission. A single beep
sounds. The seat and telescopic
steering column will move to the
position previously stored for the
identified driver.
See Memory Seats on page 3‑4.
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Safety Belts
Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly.
.
Safety Belts on page 3‑8.
.
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly on page 3‑10.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑11.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)
(Z06 and ZR1 Models Only) on
page 3‑36 or Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) (Coupe and Convertible
Models Only) on page 3‑35.
Passenger Sensing System
The passenger sensing system
will turn off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and
seat‐mounted side impact airbag
under certain conditions. No other
airbag is affected by the passenger
sensing system.
The passenger airbag status
indicator will be visible in the
rearview mirror when the vehicle
is started.
In Brief 1-11
United States
Canada and Mexico
See Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑22 for important information.
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1-12 In Brief
Mirror Adjustment
Exterior Mirrors
To adjust mirrors:
1. Press
2. Press the control pad to adjust
3. Return the switch to the center
See Power Mirrors on page 2‑16.
} or | to select a mirror.
the mirror.
to deselect the mirror.
If the vehicle has the memory
feature, a preferred mirror position
can be stored. See Power Seat
Adjustment on page 3‑2.
To fold, pull the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward,
to return it to the original position.
Interior Mirror
An automatic dimming rearview
mirror will automatically reduce
headlamp glare coming from
vehicles that are traveling
behind you.
See Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror on page 2‑17.
Steering Wheel Adjustment
The lever is located on the left side
of the steering column.
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever toward you.
2. Move the steering wheel up
or down.
3. Release the lever to lock the
steering wheel in place.
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In Brief 1-13
Telescopic Steering Column
For vehicles with this feature, the
telescopic steering column control
is located on the right side of the
steering column.
To adjust the telescopic steering
column:
1. Push the switch forward to move
the wheel away from you.
2. Pull the switch toward you to
move the wheel closer to you.
The telescopic steering column
position can be stored with your
memory settings. See “Memory
Seat, Mirrors, and Steering Wheel”
under Power Seat Adjustment on
page 3‑2 for more information.
Interior Lighting
Courtesy Lamps
When any door or the hatch/trunk lid
is opened, the interior lamps will go
on, unless it is bright outside.
The courtesy lamps can also be
turned on and off by pressing the
instrument panel brightness knob.
Reading Lamps
The inside rearview mirror includes
two reading lamps. The lamps go on
when a door is opened. When the
doors are closed, press the lamp
buttons to turn on each lamp.
Interior Light Control
To adjust the brightness of the
interior lights, turn and hold the
instrument panel brightness control
knob located on the left side of the
instrument panel. Push the knob in
to turn the lights on or off.
For more information on interior
lighting, see:
.
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑6.
.
Entry/Exit Lighting on page 6‑6.
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1-14 In Brief
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamps
The exterior lamp control is located
to the left of the steering wheel,
on the multifunction lever.
O : Turn the band with this
symbol on it to operate the exterior
lamps.
O : Turns off all lamps.
AUTO: Sets the exterior lamps to
automatic mode. AUTO mode turns
the exterior lamps on and off
depending on how much light is
available outside the vehicle.
; : Turns on the parking lamps
together with the sidemarker lamps,
taillamps, license plate lamps, and
instrument panel lights.
5 : Turns on the headlamps
together with the parking lamps,
sidemarker lamps, taillamps,
license plate lamps, and instrument
panel lights.
For more information, see:
.
Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
.
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
on page 6‑4.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The windshield wiper/washer lever
is located on the right side of the
steering column.
1 : Use for fast wipes.
6 : Use for slow wipes.
3 : Use to set a delay between
wipes.
x : Use for a delayed wiping
cycle. Turn the intermittent adjust
band down for a longer delay or up
for a shorter delay.
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Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-15
9 : Use to turn off the windshield
wipers.
8 : Use for a for a single wiping
cycle. For more wipes, hold the
band longer.
Windshield Washer: Press and
hold the button at the end of the
lever to spray washer fluid on the
windshield.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑4.
Climate Controls
With this system, the heating, cooling, and ventilation can be controlled.
A. Driver Temperature Control
B. Display
C. Passenger Temperature Control
D. AUTO
E. Air Recirculation
F. Air Conditioning
G. Fan Control
H. Air Delivery Mode Control
I. Defrost
J. Rear Window Defogger
See Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1.
Black plate (16,1)
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
1-16 In Brief
Transmission
Manual Paddle Shift
(Automatic Transmission)
The Manual Paddle Shift system
can be used in D (Drive) or
S (Sport Mode). The system is
activated by pushing the paddle,
above the steering wheel spokes,
to manually up-shift to the next
gear, or pulling on the paddle,
behind the steering wheel
spokes to manually down-shift.
The current gear will be displayed
in the Driver Information (DIC),
or the Head-Up Display (HUD),
if the vehicle has either of these
features.
The Manual Paddle Shift system
can be deactivated by moving the
shift lever from S (Sport Mode)
back to D (Drive), or by holding
the up‐shift paddle for more than
one second. If the shift lever was in
D (Drive) when the system was
activated, the transmission will
return to automatic shifting after
10 seconds of cruising at a steady
speed and no manual shifts,
or when the vehicle comes to
a stop.
The Manual Paddle Shift system
will not allow either an up-shift or a
down-shift, if the vehicle speed is
too fast or too slow, nor will it
allow a start from 4 (Fourth) or
higher gear.
See Manual Mode on page 9‑29.
One to Four Shift Light
(Manual Transmission)
On vehicles with a manual
transmission, when this light
comes on, you can only shift
from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) instead
of 1 (First) to 2 (Second).
For more information about shifting
for the best fuel economy, see
Manual Transmission on page 9‑32.
Black plate (17,1)
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-17
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
Radio with CD, Six Disc Radio Similar
Top Knob: Press to turn the
system on and off. Turn to increase
or decrease the volume.
BAND: Press to switch between
FM1, FM2, AM, and if equipped,
XM1 and XM2.
O / e : Turn to select radio
stations.
t SEEK u : Press to seek
stations.
t SCAN u : Press and hold to
scan stations.
V : Press to change the information
that shows on the display while
listening to the radio.
For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Infotainment on page 7‑1 and
Operation on page 7‑2.
Setting Preset Stations
Up to 30 stations (six FM1, six FM2,
and six AM, and if equipped,
six XM1, and six XM2) can be
programmed.
To program presets:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press BAND to select FM1,
FM2, AM, XM1, or XM2.
3. Tune in the desired station.
Black plate (18,1)
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
1-18 In Brief
4. Press AUTO EQ to select the
equalization.
5. Press and hold one of the six
numbered pushbuttons until the
radio beeps once.
6. Repeat the steps for each
pushbutton.
See Operation on page 7‑2.
Setting the Clock
To set the clock:
1. Press and hold H until the
correct hour displays.
2. Press and hold M until the
correct minute displays.
See Clock on page 5‑6.
Satellite Radio
XM is a satellite radio service based
in the 48 contiguous United States
and 10 Canadian provinces.
XM satellite radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
XM service.
For more information, refer to:
.
www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)
.
www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)
See Satellite Radio on page 7‑7.
Portable Audio Devices
This vehicle may have an auxiliary
input jack, located on the audio
faceplate. External devices such as
iPod®, MP3 players, etc. can be
connected to the auxiliary input jack
using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) input jack
cable.
See “Using the Auxiliary Input
Jack” under Auxiliary Devices on
page 7‑16.
Bluetooth
For vehicles with a Bluetooth
system, it allows users with a
Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone to
make and receive hands-free calls
using the vehicle’s audio system
and controls.
The Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone
must be paired with the Bluetooth
system before it can be used in the
vehicle. Not all phones will support
all functions. For more information,
visit www.gm.com/bluetooth.
For more information, see Bluetooth
on page 7‑16.
®
Black plate (19,1)
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-19
Steering Wheel Controls
For vehicles with steering wheel
controls, some audio controls can
be adjusted at the steering wheel.
b g : Press to turn on and off the
vehicle speakers. Press and hold
longer than two seconds to interact
with the OnStar
systems.
®
or Bluetooth
c : Press to reject an incoming
call, or to end a call.
e + / e −: Press to Increase or
decrease volume.
w / x : Press to change radio
stations or select tracks on a CD.
1 to 6: Press to play stations that
are programmed on the radio preset
pushbuttons.
For more information, see Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5‑3.
Cruise Control
The cruise controls are located at
the end of the multifunction lever.
9 : Turns the system off.
R : Turns the system on.
S : Makes the vehicle accelerate
or resume a previously set speed.
T : Press the button at the end of
the lever to set the speed.
See Cruise Control on page 9‑45.
Black plate (20,1)
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
1-20 In Brief
Navigation System
If the vehicle has a navigation
system, there is a separate
navigation system manual that
includes information on the radio,
audio players, and navigation
system.
The navigation system provides
detailed maps of most major
freeways and roads. After a
destination has been set, the
system provides turn-by-turn
instructions for reaching the
destination. In addition, the system
can help locate a variety of points of
interest (POIs), such as banks,
airports, restaurants, and more.
See the navigation system manual
for more information.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The DIC display is located at the
bottom of the instrument panel
cluster. It shows the status of many
vehicle systems and enables
access to the personalization menu.
The DIC buttons are located on the
instrument panel to the right of the
instrument panel cluster.
. 4 : Press to display fuel
information such as fuel economy
and range.
2 : Press to display gauge
information like oil pressure and
temperature, coolant temperature,
automatic transmission fluid
temperature (if equipped), battery
voltage, and front/rear tire
pressures.
TRIP: Press to display your total
and trip distance driven, the elapsed
time function, your average speed,
and the engine oil life.
OPTION: Press to choose personal
options that are available on your
vehicle, depending on the options
your vehicle is equipped with, such
as door locks, easy entry seats, and
language.
RESET: Press, along with the other
buttons, to reset system functions,
select personal options, and turn off
or acknowledge messages on
the DIC.
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑26.
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Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-21
Vehicle Personalization
Some vehicle features can be
programmed by using the DIC
buttons located to the right of
the instrument panel cluster.
The features that can be
programmed include:
.
Units
.
Memory Features
.
Lighting Features
.
Lock and Unlock Feedback
.
Door Lock and Unlock Settings
.
Language
.
Personalization Name
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑54.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlet can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The accessory power outlet is
located inside the center console
storage compartment, on the
forward left side.
Remove the cover to access and
replace when not in use.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑6.
Roof Panel
On vehicles with a removable roof
panel, there are three release
latches. Two are located on the front
of the roof panel and the other is
located on the back of the roof
panel. See “Removing the Roof
Panel” under Roof Panel on
page 2‑19.
Until you are sure you can remove
the roof panel by yourself, have
someone help you. Once removed,
the roof panel should always be
stored properly in the rear storage
compartment.
For more information:
.
See “Storing the Roof Panel”
under Roof Panel on page 2‑19.
.
See “Installing the Roof Panel”
under Roof Panel on page 2‑19.
Convertible
If equipped, the convertible top can
be lowered and stowed under the
tonneau cover behind the rear seat.
For step-by-step instructions, see
Convertible Top on page 2‑24.
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Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
1-22 In Brief
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS)
The traction control system limits
wheel spin. The system turns on
automatically every time the vehicle
is started.
.
To turn off traction control, press
and release the Active Handling
button located on the center
console.
appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑44.
.
Press and release the active
handling button again to turn on
traction control.
See Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑36.
The vehicle has an Active Handling
System that helps maintain
directional control of the vehicle
i illuminates and the
in difficult driving conditions.
See Active Handling System on
page 9‑38.
The vehicle may have
Competitive Driving Mode
(except ZR1), Performance
Traction Management (Z06, ZR1),
and Launch Control systems
designed to allow increased
performance while accelerating
and cornering. See Competitive
Driving Mode on page 9‑39.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure
of one of the vehicle's tires.
If the warning light comes on, stop
as soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑14. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑64.
Black plate (23,1)
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-23
Z06, Z16, and ZR1 Features
Checking Engine Oil
Z06, ZR1, and manual transmission
Z16 (Grand Sport) coupe models
have a high performance dry sump
lubrication system. This system
operates differently than a
standard engine lubrication system.
See Engine Oil on page 10‑14.
You should check the oil level
only after the engine has been
thoroughly warmed up and then
shut off for at least five minutes.
This ensures that the oil level
reading obtained will be accurate.
Jump Starting the Battery
The battery of Z06, ZR1, and
manual transmission Z16 (Grand
Sport) coupe models is in the rear
of the vehicle. You do not need to
access the battery for jump starting.
There are remote positive (+) and
negative (−) terminals under the
hood for this purpose. See Battery
on page 10‑40 and Jump Starting
on page 10‑78.
Brake Noise
Under certain weather or operating
conditions, occasional brake noise
might be heard with the vehicle's
performance braking system.
This brake system is designed for
superior fade resistance and
consistent operation using high
performance brake pads. Brake
noise is normal and does not affect
system performance. See Braking
on page 9‑4.
Car Wash Guidelines
Automatic car washes are not
recommended for this vehicle.
Some car washes cause damage to
the vehicle, the wheels, and the
convertible top, if the vehicle is so
equipped.
If you drive the vehicle through an
automatic car wash that does not
have enough clearance for the
undercarriage and/or wide rear tires
and wheels, you could damage the
vehicle. Verify with the manager of
the car wash that the vehicle will fit
before entering the car wash or use
a touchless car wash. See “Washing
Your Vehicle” under Exterior Care
on page 10‑82.
Black plate (24,1)
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
1-24 In Brief
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays a DIC message when
it is necessary to change the engine
oil and filter. The oil life system
should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Press the TRIP button so the
OIL LIFE percentage is
displayed.
2. Press RESET and hold for
two seconds. OIL LIFE
REMAINING 100% will appear.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑19.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.
Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
.
Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.
Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.
Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.
Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Premium Fuel
This vehicle's engine was designed
to use premium unleaded gasoline.
See Recommended Fuel on
page 9‑48.
Battery
This vehicle has a maintenance free
battery. See Battery on page 10‑40
and Jump Starting on page 10‑78.
For Z06, ZR1, and manual
transmission Z16 (Grand Sport)
coupe models the battery is
located in the rear hatch/trunk
area. Access to the battery is
not necessary to jump start the
vehicle. There are positive (+) and
negative (−) terminals in the engine
compartment.
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