The 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Intelligent Owner’s Manual ©

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Most Used Features and Controls 

General Information

 

Section 2 Features and Controls

Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.

Warnings and Abnormal Operations

Normal Operating Procedures

Door Locks

CAUTION

Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.

Locking and unlocking your vehicle

To lock the door from the inside

To unlock the door from the inside,

Return To Door Locks

Power Door Locks

To lock or unlock both doors at once.

Return To Door Locks

Leaving Your Vehicle

If you are leaving the vehicle,

Remote Function Actuator, or key FOB transmitter function

Return To Door Locks

Memory (Option)

MEMORY

The MEMORY buttons

 

Return To Memory

Remote Function Actuation System

Remote Function Actuation (RFA) system

Your vehicle

If you ever notice a decrease in the key fob transmitter range

Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.

If you ever notice a decrease in the key fob transmitter range, try doing one of the following:

Return to Remote Function Actuation System

Operation

You don’t have to do anything for the RFA to work when the passive feature is on.

Turning on the passive feature

Actively unlock your vehicle

Actively Unlock The Hatch/Trunk Lid

If you move out of range with the slider switch set to ON, the key fob transmitter will:

If you leave your keys in the ignition and attempt to lock the doors

The doors still will not lock.

If you lock your keys in the vehicle and didn’t leave them in the ignition with the passive slide switch is in the ON position.

  1. After 15 seconds of no motion, the key FOB transmitter shuts down to save the battery.
  2. Wait about 30 seconds,
  3. Then rock the vehicle.
  4. The key fob transmitter should "wake up" and unlock the doors.

You can be locked out of your vehicle

Return to Remote Function Actuation System

Panic Alarm Button

Your vehicle’s horn will sound if

If the horn alarm sounds, there are three ways to turn it off:

  1. Push the panic alarm button on the key fob transmitter again.
  2. Wait 90 seconds, and the horn will turn off by itself or
  3. Turn the key to any position in the ignition switch, except OFF.

Return to Remote Function Actuation System

RFA Settings

To adjust the RFA settings on the system through the Driver Information Center (DIC).

Return to Remote Function Actuation System

Turning the Passive System Off

You can disable the passive feature

To guarantee the key fob transmitter is turned on or off

To check whether the passive system is on or off

When working around your vehicle and have your keys with you,

Return to Remote Function Actuation System

 

Transmitter Range

The active range (using one of the four buttons) of the key fob transmitter is approximately

The passive range (having the slider switch set to ON) is approximately

Return to Remote Function Actuation System

Resynchronizing Your Transmitter

Your RFA system

  1. Get closer to the vehicle and try pressing a button again.
  2. While standing close to your vehicle,
    • Press the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on your transmitter at the same time
    • Hold for seven seconds.
    • This will attempt to resynchronize the security code in your RFA key FOB transmitter.
  3. When resynchronization is achieved the horn will chirp.

Loss of synchronization will occur

If attempts to resynchronize your transmitter to the vehicle are not successful,

Return to Remote Function Actuation System

Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle

Each key FOB transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.

To match transmitters to your vehicle:

  1. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
  2. Clear any warning messages on the Driver Information Center (DIC) by pressing the RESET button.
  3. Press the OPTIONS button on the DIC several times until the blank page is displayed,
  4. When the message FOB TRAINING is displayed,
  5. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter simultaneously for 15 seconds.
  6. When a transmitter is learned,
  7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 for each additional transmitter.
  8. Remove the key from the ignition.

The programming mode will shut off if:

If a transmitter is lost or stolen,

Return to Remote Function Actuation System

Battery Replacement

  1. Insert a coin into the slot on the back of the transmitter and gently pry apart the front and back.
  2. Gently pull the battery out of the transmitter.
  3. Put the new battery in the transmitter, positive (+) side up.
  4. Reassemble the transmitter in the order shown.
  5. Resynchronize the transmitter. (See "Resynchronizing Your Transmitter" .)
  6. Test the transmitter.

Under normal use,

NOTICE:

When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.

Replacing Your Battery 

Return to Remote Function Actuation System

Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release

To use the remote hatch/trunk lid release on automatic transmission vehicles,

To use the manual release cables to open the hatch and you have lost battery power

 

To use the manual release cable to open the trunk lid

 

CAUTION

It can be dangerous to drive with the hatch/trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

If you must drive with the hatch/trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the hatch/trunk lid:

See "Engine Exhaust" in the Index.

NOTICE:

If you put things in the hatch/trunk area, be sure they won’t break the glass when you close it. Never slam the hatch/trunk lid down. You could break the glass or damage the defogger grid. When you close the hatch/trunk lid, make sure you pull down from the center, not the sides. If you pull the hatch/trunk lid down from the side too often, the weatherstrip can be damaged.

NOTICE:

Do not store heavy or sharp objects in the three storage compartments located in the hatch/trunk area. If you do, the objects could damage the underbody.

Return to Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release

Theft

Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features,

Return to Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release

Key in the Ignition

If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside,

When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door,

Return to Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release

Parking at Night

Return to Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release

Parking Lots

If you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle,

Return to Remote Hatch/Trunk Lid Release

Universal Theft-Deterrent System

Your Corvette has a theft-deterrent alarm system.

Arming the Theft-Deterrent System

  1. Press the LOCK button on the key fob transmitter, as mentioned earlier, OR
  2. Walk out of range with the passive switch on OR
  3. Open the door.
    1. The SECURITY light should flash
    2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch.
    3. The SECURITY light will stop flashing and stay on.
    4. Close all the doors.
    5. The SECURITY light should go off.

 

If a door or the hatch/trunk lid is opened without the key or the key fob transmitter system,

The theft-deterrent system won’t arm if

If your passenger stays in the vehicle when you leave with the keys

Always use your key or the key FOB transmitter to unlock a door.

If you do set off the alarm, there are four ways to stop it:

Return To Universal Theft-Deterrent System

Testing the Alarm

  1. Make sure the rear hatch/trunk lid is latched.
  2. Lower a window on the door.
  3. Manually arm the system with the power door lock switch.
  4. Close the doors and wait 15 seconds.
  5. Reach through the open window and press the power unlock button.
  6. Open the door.
  7. Turn off the alarm.

If the alarm is inoperative,

Return To Universal Theft-Deterrent System

PASS-Key@

Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.

 

When the PASS-Key system senses that someone is using the wrong key,

The key must be clean and dry before it’s inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start.

If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or missing resistor pellet

If the resistor pellet is damaged or missing,

If the SECURITY light comes on while driving

If you lose or damage a PASS-Key ignition key,

 

New Vehicle "Break-In"

NOTICE: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate "break-in."

 

It will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:

 

Ignition Switch

With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the switch to four positions.

OFF:

Return to Ignition Switch

ACC:

Return to Ignition Switch

ON:

Return to Ignition Switch

START:

CAUTION

Removing the key from the ignition switch will lock the steering column and result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key to ACC.

NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.

Return to Ignition Switch

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

With RAP

Return to Ignition Switch

Starting Your Engine

This vehicle has a computer system that monitors

Automatic Transmission

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to start.

NOTICE:

Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Corvette is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.

Return to Starting Your Engine

Manual Transmission

The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL (N).

Return to Starting Your Engine

Starting Your Engine

1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal,

NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor.

2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds,

Starting your engine in very cold weather (below 0°F or -18"C)

  1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START and hold it there.
  2. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.

NOTICE: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See "Towing Your Vehicle" in the Index.

Return to Starting Your Engine

Starter Interlock Feature

Your vehicle is equipped with a starter interlock feature

Return to Starting Your Engine

Racing or Other Competitive Driving

See your Warranty Book before using your vehicle for racing or other competitive driving.

NOTICE:

If you use your vehicle for racing or other competitive driving, your engine may use more oil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels can damage the engine. Be sure to check the oil level often during racing or other competitive driving and keep the level at or near the upper mark on the engine oil dipstick. You may need to add oil. See "Adding Oil" under "Engine" in the Index.

Return to Starting Your Engine

Engine Coolant Heater

(Canada Only)

The engine coolant heater

In very cold weather, 0 O F (- 18 O C) or colder,

Return To Engine Coolant Heater

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

  1. Turn off the engine.
  2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
  3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
  4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts.

 

CAUTION

Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in

Return To Engine Coolant Heater

Automatic Transmission Operation

There are several different positions for your shift lever.

PARK (P):

CAUTION

It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in the Index.

Return to Automatic Transmission Operation

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

NOTICE:

Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.

NEUTRAL (N):

CAUTION

Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is "racing" (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.

NOTICE:

Damage to your transmission caused by shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

Return to Automatic Transmission Operation

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE :

Return to Automatic Transmission Operation

THIRD (3):

Return to Automatic Transmission Operation

SECOND (2):

Return to Automatic Transmission Operation

FIRST (1):

NOTICE:

If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transmission. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.

Return to Automatic Transmission Operation

Manual Transmission Operation

6-Speed

This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to operate your transmission:

FIRST (1):