This section covers the maintenance required for your Corvette. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety, dependability and emission control performance.

IMPORTANT.

KEEP ENGINE OIL AT THE PROPER LEVEL AND CHANGE AS RECOMMENDED

Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment. All recommended maintenance procedures are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our environment, and to keep your vehicle in good condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.

This section shows what to have done and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified service center do these jobs.

Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can be seriously injured. Do your own maintenance work only if you have the required know-how and the proper tools and equipment for the job. If you have any doubt, have a qualified technician do the work.

If you are skilled enough to do some work on your vehicle, you will probably want to get the service information. See “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

We  want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work, to do errands or in many other ways.

Because of all the different ways people use their vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need more frequent checks and replacements than you’ll find in the schedules in this section. So please read this section and note how you drive. If you have any questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your GM dealer.

This part tells you the maintenance services you should have done and when you should schedule them If you go to your dealer for your service needs, you’ll know that GM-trained and supported service people will perform the work using genuine GM parts. The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed later. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.

This schedule is for vehicles that:

• carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle’s Tire-Loading Information label. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.

• are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal driving limits.

• use the recommended fuel. See “Fuel” in the Index

The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (160 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles (160 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at the same interval after1 50,000 miles (240 000 km).

See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” following.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emissions warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however, urge that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded.

The Engine Oil Life Monitor won’t detect dust in the oil. If you drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE OIL light comes on. Remember to reset the Oil Life Monitor when the oil has been changed. For more information, see “Engine Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.

• Check the Engine Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset the Engine Oil Life Monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)

• Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *)

Owner Checks and Services tells you what should be checked and when. It also explains what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition.

Listed below are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle.

Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.

It is important for you or a service station attendant to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.

Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for further details.

Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL coolant mixture if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for further details.

Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index for further details.

Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures. See “Tires” in the Index for further details.

Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems ” in the Index for further details.

Clean power antenna mast. See “Audio Systems ” in the Index for further details.

Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)

Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades Cleaning” in the Index.

Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See “Manual Transmission” in the Index. Check for leaks. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired if needed.

It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. Check for leaks. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your GM dealership Service Department and have it repaired as soon as possible.

Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants

.

Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the hood, rear compartment, console door and any folding seat hardware. Recommended Fluids and Lubricants tells you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to corrosive environment.

When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below.

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle.

2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake. NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.

3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service. On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.

Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check (Automatic Transmission)

When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below.

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary). NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.

3. With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle’s BTSI

needs service.

Ignition Automatic Transmission Lock Check

While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position. The key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).

On all vehicles, the key should come out only in OFF.

Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check

CAUTION

When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.

• Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake. To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With the engine running and transmission in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.

• To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes.

Underbody Flushing Service

At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.

Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.

Proper procedures to perform these services may be found in a service manual. See “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.

Inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage. If there is irregular or premature wear, check the wheel alignment. inspect for damaged wheels.

Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections or other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Exhaust” in the Index.

Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are racked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.

Check the gear lubricant level in the rear axle and add if needed. See “Rear Axle” in the Index. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the axle and repair it if needed.

Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to have your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants lists some recommended products to help keep your vehicle properly maintained. These products, or their equivalents, should be used whether you do the work yourself or have it done.

NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your dealer.

Engine Oil

The engine requires a special Engine Oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M. Oils meeting this Standard may be identified as synthetic, and should also be identified with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol. However, not all Synthetic API oils with the Starburst symbol will meet this GM Standard. You should look for and use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM47 18M. For the proper viscosity, see “Engine Oil” in the Index.

Engine Coolant

50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and use only GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL or Havoline DEX-COOL Coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index.

Hydraulic Brake System

Delco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 12377967 or equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid). 

Hydraulic Clutch System

Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No. 12345347 or equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid).

Power Steering System

GM Synthetic Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 12345866 or 12345867 or equivalent).

Manual Transmission

DEXRON -111 Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Automatic Transmission

DEXRON -111 Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Key Lock Cylinders

Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent).

Rear Axle (Limited-Slip Differential)

Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345977) and 4 ounces (118 ml) of Limited-Slip Differential Lubricant Additive (GM Part No. 1052358 or equivalent) where required. See “Rear Axle” in the Index.

Windshield Washer Solvent

GM Optikleen Washer Solvent (GM Part No. 1051515) or equivalent.

Hood Latch Assembly, Pivots, Spring Anchor and Release Pawl

Lubricplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 12346293 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2, Category LB or GC-LB.

Hood and Door Hinges

Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent).

Weatherstrip Conditioning

Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).

Maintenance Record provides a place for you to record the maintenance performed on your vehicle. Whenever any maintenance is performed, be sure to write it down in this part. This will help you determine when your next maintenance should be done. In addition, it is a good idea to keep your maintenance receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for warranty repairs.