1998 Chevrolet Corvette Owners Manual

Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario LlH 8P7

Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program

To enhance Chevrolet's strong commitment to customer satisfaction, Chevrolet is excited to announce the establishment of the Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Center. As the owner of a 1998 Chevrolet, membership in Roadside Assistance is free.

Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 1-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-243-8872). This toll-free number will provide you over-the-phone roadside assistance with minor mechanical problems. If your problem cannot be resolved over the phone, our advisors have access to a nationwide network of dealer recommended service providers. Roadside membership is free, however some services may incur costs. Roadside offers two levels of service to the customer, Basic Care and Courtesy" Care:

Toll-free number, 1 -800-CHEV-USA Free towing for warranty repairs Basic over-the-phone technical advice Available dealer services at reasonable costs (i.e., wrecker services, locksmithkey service, glass repair, etc.)

8-5

ROADSIDE Courtesy" Care PROVIDES: 0 Roadside Basic Care services (as outlined previously)

Plus: FREE Non-Warranty Towing (to the closest dealer from a legal roadway)

0 FREE LocksmitldKey Service (when keys are lost

on the road or locked inside)

e FREE Jump Start (at home or on the road) 0 FREE Fuel Delivery ($5 of fuel delivered on

the road)

Chevrolet offers Courtesy Transportation for customers needing warranty service. Courtesy Transportation will be offered in conjunction with the coverage provided by the Bumper to Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty to eligible purchasers of 1998 Chevrolet passenger car and light duty trucks. (Please see your selling dealer for details.) Note: Courtesy Care is available to retail and retail lease customers operating 1998 and newer Chevrolet vehicles for a period of 3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 km), whichever occurs first. All Courtesy Care services must be pre-arranged by Chevrolet Roadside or dealer Service Management. Basic Care and Courtesy Care are not part of or included in the coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Chevrolet reserves the right to modify or discontinue Basic Care and Courtesy Care at any time.

For complete program details, see your Chevrolet dealer to obtain a Roadside Assistance Center brochure. The Roadside Assistance Center uses companies that will provide you with quality and priority service. When roadside services are required, our advisors will explain any payment obligations that may be incurred for utilizing outside services. For prompt assistance when calling, please have the following available to give to the advisor: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) License plate number Vehicle color Vehicle location Telephone number where you can be reached Vehicle mileage Description of problem

Please refer to the Roadside Assistance brochure inside your owner information portfolio for full program details. Canadian Roadside Assistance Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the separate brochure provided by the dealer or call 1-800-268-6800 for emergency services.

8-7

0 Chevrolet Courtesy Transportation is not part of the

Bumper to Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, Chevrolet reserves the right to make any changes or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any time without notification.

0 For additional program details, contact your

Chevrolet dealer.

Some state insurance regulations make it impractical to rent vehicles to people under 21 years of age. If you are under 21 and have difficulty renting a vehicle, Chevrolet will reimburse up to $3O/day for documented transportation you receive. For warranty repairs during the Complete Vehicle Coverage period in the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, interim transportation may be available under the Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your dealer for details. The Roadside Assistance program is available only in the United States and Canada. In Canada, please consult your GM dealer for information on Courtesy Transportation.

Courtesy Transportation Chevrolet offers Courtesy Transportation for customers needing warranty service. Courtesy Transportation will be offered in conjunction with the coverage provided by the Bumper to Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty to retail purchasers of 1998 Chevrolet passenger cars and light duty trucks (please see your selling dealer for details). Courtesy Transportation includes:

One way shuttle ride for any warranty repair completed during the same day. Up to $30 maximum daily vehicle rental allowance for any overnight warranty repair up to five days, OR Up to $30 maximum daily cab, bus or other transportation allowance in lieu of rental for any overnight warranty repair up to five days, OR Up to $10 daily fuel allowance for rides provided by another person (i.e., fkiend, neighbor, etc.) in lieu of rental for any overnight warranty repair up to five days. Note: All Courtesy Transportation arrangements will be administered by your Chevrolet dealer service management. Claim amounts should reflect all actual costs.

8-8

GM Participation in an Alternative Dispute Resolution Program This program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP). General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or to discontinue its participation in this program. Both Chevrolet and your Chevrolet dealer are committed to making sure you are completely satisfied with your new vehicle. Our experience has shown that, if a situation arises where you feel your concern has not been adequately addressed, the Customer Satisfaction Procedure described earlier in this section is very successful. There may be instances where an impartial third party can assist in arriving at a solution to a disagreement regarding vehicle repairs or interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. To assist in resolving these disagreements, Chevrolet voluntarily participates in BBB AUTO LINE.

BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court program administered by the Better Business Bureau system to settle automotive disputes. This program is available free of charge to customers who currently own or lease a GM vehicle. If you are not satisfied after following the Customer Satisfaction Procedure, you may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone number, or write them at the following address:

BBB AUTO LINE Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. 4200 Wilson Boulevard Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203- 1804 Telephone: 1-800-955-5100

To file a claim, you will be asked to provide your name and address, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a statement of the nature of your complaint. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age and mileage, and other factors.

8-9

We prefer you utilize the Customer Satisfaction Procedure before you resort to AUTO LINE, but you may contact the BBB at any time. The BBB will attempt to resolve the complaint serving as an intermediary. If this mediation is unsuccessful, an informal hearing will be scheduled where eligible customers may present their case to an impartial third-party arbitrator. The arbitrator will make a decision which you may accept or reject. If you accept the decision, GM will be bound by that decision. The entire dispute resolution procedure should ordinarily take about 40 days from the time you file a claim until a decision is made. Some state laws may require you to use this program before filing a claim with a state-run arbitration program or in the courts. For further information, contact the BBB at 1-800-955-5 100 or the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222- 1020. Warranty Information Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet that contains detailed warranty information.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:

NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590

You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:

Transport Canada Box 8880 Ottawa, Ontario KlG 352

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us. Please call us' at 1-800-222- 1020 or write:

Chevrolet Motor Division Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 7047 Troy, MI 48007-7047

In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario LlH 8P7

Ordering Service and Owner Publications in Canada Service manuals, owner's manuals and other service literature are available for purchase for all current and past model General Motors vehicles. The toll-free telephone number for ordering information in Canada is 1-800-668-5539.

8-11

1998 CHEVROLET SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out

the Service Publication Order Form

in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,

or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)

SERVICE MANUALS Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00

TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments and specifications for the 1998 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $40.00

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1998 CHEVROLET OWNER’S INFORMATION Owner publications are written directly for Owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 5.00 Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 0.00

SERVICE BULLETINS Service Bulletins give technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the

1 diagnosis and service of your vehicle.

CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS Service Publications are available for current and past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model name of the vehicle.

r

& NOTES

Section 9 Index

Accessory Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59 Accessory Power Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-63 Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle . . . . . . 6-3 AirBag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18 How Does it Restrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 How it Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.20. 1-21 Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24 What Makes it Inflate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22 What Will You See After it Inflates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 When Should it Inflate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

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

Air Bag Readiness Light AirBagSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aircleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Conditioning 3.3. 3.7. 3.10 Alignment and Balance. Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antenna

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

1.20. 2.78

1-18 6-16

6-48 6-58

Integrated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30 PowerMast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29 Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22 Anti-Lock

Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.78. 4.7 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-80 Anti-Theft Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25 Appearance Care 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appearance Care Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 1 Arbitration Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58 Audio Equipment. Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27 Audio Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 Automatic

Electronic Dual Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Overdrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 Transmission Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12 Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18 Transmission. Operation 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14 Transmission. Park Mechanism Check Transmission. Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Transmission. Starting Your Engine 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21

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

Axle. Limited-Slip Rear Axle. Rear

Back-up Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32 5-3

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacement. Remote Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actuation (RFA) System Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-12 5-3. 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 BBB Auto Line Belt. Engine Accessory 6-72 Better Business Bureau Mediation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Blizzard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26 Brake

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

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-29 9-1

Brake (Continued)

Master Cylinder .............................. 6-29 Parking ..................................... 2-32 PedalTravel ................................. 6-31 Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-32 System Warning Light ......................... 2-79 Transmission Shift Interlock .................... 2-36 Wear ....................................... 6-31 Brakes. Anti-Lock ............................... 4-7 Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock Check . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 13 Braking ........................................ 4-6 Braking in Emergencies ........................... 4-9 .......................... Break.In. New Vehicle 2-20 BTSI ......................................... 2-36 BTSICheck ................................... 7-13 Bulb Replacement .........................

6.33. 6.69

8-7 6-70

Canadian Roadside Assistance .................... Capacities and Specifications ...................... Carbon Monoxide .................... 2.15.2.37. 4.28 Cassette Deck Service ........................... 7- 11 Cassette Tape Player ............................ 3-12 CareofYour ................................. 3-28 Center Console ................................. 2-55 Certification Label .............................. 4-29 Chains. Tire ................................... 6-51 Check Gages Light .............................. 2-85 Checking Your Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37 Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-60 Child Restraints ................................ 1-27 Add-on ..................................... 1-27 Securing in the Passenger Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 Top Strap .................................... 1-3 1

9-2

1-27 1-27 2-58 6-64 6-16

Types ...................................... WheretoPut ................................ Cigarette Lighter ............................... Circuit Breakers and Fuses ....................... Cleaner. Air ................................... Cleaning Aluminum Wheels ............................ 6-58 Coated Moldings ............................. 6-53 ConvenienceNet ............................. 6-54 Exterior LampsLenses ........................ 6-56 Fabric ...................................... 6-53 Glass ....................................... 6-54 Inside of Your Vehicle ......................... 6-52 Instrument Panel ............................. 6-54 Leather ..................................... 6-53 Outside of Your Vehicle ........................ 6-56 Removable Roof Panel ......................... 6-55 Security Shade ............................... 6-54 Soft-Touch Paint Surfaces ...................... 6-54 Stains ...................................... 6-53 Tires ....................................... 6-58 Vinyl ....................................... 6-53 Weatherstrips ................................ 6-55 Wheels ..................................... 6-58 Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 Climate Control. Automatic Electronic Dual ........... 3-4 Clock. Setting the ............................... 3-12 Clutch. Hydraulic ............................... 6-20 Comfort Controls ................................ 3-1 Comfort Controls. Manual ......................... 3-2 Compact Disc AdapterKit .................................. Care ....................................... Changer. TmnkMounted .......................

3-17 3-29 3-21

5.13.5.16. 6.22

3-17 3-29 2-24 .. . . . . 2-55 4-5 2-57 6-54 2-68 2-54

Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Competitive Driving ............................ Console. Center ........................... Control of a Vehicle .............................. Convenience Net ............................... Convenience Net. Cleaning ....................... Convertible Top ................................ .......................... Convex Outside Mirror Coolant ............................. SurgeTank .................................. 5-18 Surge Tank Pressure Cap ....................... 6-26 .......................... Coolant Heater. Engine 2-24 CoolingSystem ................................ 5-16 Courtesy Lamps ................................ 2-52 InCanada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 1ntheU.S. ................................... 8-8 Cruise Control ................................. 2-47 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Customer Assistance Infomation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 1 Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-2 Damage. Finish ............................... Daytime Running Lamps ......................... Dead Battery Defects. Reporting Safety ........................ InCanada ................................... To General Motors ............................ Defensive Driving ............................... Defogger. Rear Window ......................... Defogging ............................ Defrosting ................................ Dimensions. Vehicle ............................ Dolby B Noise Reduction ........................

6-59 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 8- 10 8-11 8- 11 4-2 3- 11 3-3.3-7. 3-11 3-3. 3-11 6-7 1 3-16

Driver Information Center (DIC) Messages

Low Tire Pressure . (If. lr. rf. rr) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-103

Flat Tire . (lf. lr. rf. rr) ........................ High Tire Pressure . (If. lr. rf. rr) ................ 2-105

Door Locks ....................................... 2-4 Downshifting .................................. 2-31 Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-87 Warnings and Messages ........................ 2-97 Controls and Displays ......................... 2-88 ABS active .................................. 2-98 Charge System Fault .......................... 2-99 Coolant Over Temp .......................... 2- 101 2-104 High Oil Temperature Reduce Engine rpm . . . . . . . . 2- 102 High Trans Temp ............................ 2- 102 Low Coolant ................................ 2- 101 LowOilLevel ............................... 2-99 Low Oil Pressure ............................. 2-98 Maximum Speed 80 mph (129 W h ) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-101 Reduced Engine Power ........................ 2-99 ServiceABS ................................. 2-98 Service Column Lock .......................... 2-98 Service Ride Control ......................... 2- 101 Service Tire Monitor (MON) System (SYS) . . . . . . . 2-106 Service Traction System ...................... 2-100 Service Vehicle Soon .......................... 2-99 Shocks Inoperative ........................... 2- 10 1 Traction System - OFF ....................... 2-100 Traction System - ON ........................ 2-100 Traction System (SYS) Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-100 Driver Position ................................. 1-11 Driving ........................................ 4-1 City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19 Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 9-3

Driving (Continued)

Drunken ..................................... 4-2 Freeway .................................... 4-20 InaBlizzard ................................. 4-26 In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4 IntheRain .................................. 4-17 Night ...................................... 4-15 Oncurves .................................. 4-10 On Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-22 OnSnowandIce ............................. 4-25 Through Deep Water .......................... 4-18 WetRoads .................................. 4-17 Winter ...................................... 4-24 Drunken Driving ................................ 4-2 Electrical Equipment. Adding . . . . . . . . . . 2.23.3.27. 6.62 Electrical System ............................... 6-62 Electronic Dual Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 EMT ......................................... 6-41 Engine ....................................... 6-10 Accessory Belt ............................... 6-72 Coolant ........................... 5-13,5-16, 6-22 Coolant Heater ............................... 2-24 Coolant Level Check .......................... 7- 11 Coolant Temperature Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 1, 5- 13 Exhaust ........................... 2-15,2-37, 4-28 FuseBlock .................................. 6-67 Identification ................................ 6-62 Oil ........................................ 6-12 Oil, Adding ................................. 6-12 Oil, Additives ................................ 6-15 Oil, Checking ................................ 6-12 OilLevelCheck .............................. 7-11 Oil, Life Monitor ............................. 6-15 9-4

................................... 6-16 Oil. Used Oil, When to Change .......................... 6-15 Overheating ................................. 5-13 Running While Parked ......................... 2-38 Specifications ................................ 6-70 Starting Your ................................ 2-22 Oil, Pressure Gage ............................ 2-84 Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode ..... 5-13 EnglisWMetric Button ........................... 2-77 Ethanol ........................................ 6-4 Exhaust, Engine ...................... 2-15,2-37, 4-28 Express-Down Window .......................... 2-41 ......................... Extended Mobility Tires 6-41 Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-53 Fabric Protection ............................... 6-53 Fan Control Buttons .......................... 3-2, 3-6 Feature, Theft-Deterrent ......................... 2-17 Fiberglass Springs .............................. 6-59 Fifth Gear. Manual Transmission ................... 2-29 Filling a Portable Fuel Container .................... 6-8 Filling Your Tank ................................ 6-5 Filter, Air Cleaner .............................. 6-17 Finishcare .................................... 6-56 Finish Damage ................................. 6-59 Finish Damage ................................. 6-59 First Gear, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 First Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Flashers, Hazard Warning ......................... 5-2 Flat Tire, What to Do ............................ 5-22 FloorMats .................................... 2-59 Fluid Capacities ................................ 6-71 FobTraining ................................... 2-97 FogLamps .................................... 2-51

Language

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

Foreign Countries. Fuel ........................... 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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. 6-5 2-86 6-4 6-5 6-64

Canada .................................. Gage ....................................... In Foreign Countries ........................... ........................... .......................

Fuel. Filling Your Tank Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Gages

2-26

2-8 1 2-84 2-86 2-79

Engine Coolant Temperature .................... Engine Oil Pressure ........................... Fuel ....................................... Voltmeter ................................... GAWR .................................. 4.29. 4.30 Gear Positions .................................. Gross Axle Weight Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.29. 4.30 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.29. 4.30 ................................. Guide en Fransais GVWR .................................. 4.29. 4.30 Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-33 Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-2 ............................... Headlamp Doors 2-44 HeadlampMighbeams Bulb Replacement ............ 6-33 Headlamps .................................... 2-43 ...................... High/Low Beam Changer 2-45 Wiring ..................................... 6-64 Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance .............. 8-4 Heating ....................................... 3-10

ii

... n1 2-45 4-22 4-22

6-8 6-9 2-41 6-20 4-18

Heritagepages ................................... High-BeamLamps .............................. Highway Hypnosis .............................. Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... Hood ............................................. Checking Things Under ......................... Release ...................................... Horn ......................................... Hydraulic Clutch ............................... Hydroplaning .................................. Ignition Switch ................................ 2-20 Inadvertent Load Control ......................... 2-53 Inflation. Tire .................................. 6-44 Inside DayNight Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 Inspections .................................... 7-15 Brakesystem ................................ 7-15 Exhaust System .............................. 7-15 Radiator and Heater Hose ...................... 7-15 Steering .................................... 7-15 Suspension .................................. 7-15 Tire ........................................ 7-15 Wheel ...................................... 7-15 Instrumentpanel ............................... 2-74 Brightness Control ............................ 2-52 Cleaning .................................... 6-54 Cluster ..................................... 2-76 FuseBlock .................................. 6-64 Instrument Panel Cupholder ....................... 2-54 Interior Lamps ................................. 2-52

Jump Starting ..................................

5-3

9-5

.........

K e y Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-12 Keys .......................................... 2-2 Labels ........................................ 4-29 Certification ................................. 4-29 Service Parts Identification ..................... 6-62 Tire-Loading Information ...................... 4-29 Vehicle Identification Number ................... 6-62 Lamps ........................................ 2-50 Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses ................. 6-56 Courtesy .................................... 2-52 Exterior .................................... 2-50 Interior ..................................... 2-52 OnReminder ................................ 2-44 Lap Belt Cinch Feature .......................... 1-12 Latches. Seatback ................................ 1-5 Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-5 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ....... 2-35 Lighter ....................................... 2-58 Liihts

Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1.20. 2.78 Anti-LGck Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-80 Anti-Lock Brake Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.78. 4.7 Brake System Warning ......................... 2-78 CheckEngine ................................ 2-84 CheckGages ................................ 2-85 Safety Belt Reminder ...................... 1.6. 2.78 Security .................................... 2-85 ........................... 4-29 Loading Your Vehicle Locks ......................................... 2-4 Cylinders ................................... 7-12 Door ........................................ 2-4 Ignition Automatic Transmission Lock Check ...... 7-14 Key Lock Cylinders Service .................... 7-12

9-6

PowerDoor .................................. Using the Wheel Lock Key ..................... Lubricants and Fluids ............................ Lubrication Service. Body ........................

2-5 6-50 7-16 7-12

Magnesium Wheel Finish ....................... ............................ Maintenance Record Maintenance Schedule ............................

6-59 7-18 7-1 Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................ 7-15 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 7-16 Scheduled Maintenance Services .................. 7-4 Your Vehicle and the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 6-59 2-82

Maintenance. Underbody ......................... Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... Manual ........................ Comfort Control System 3-2 Frontseat .................................... 1-2 Transmission Check ........................... 7-12 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 MountainRoads ................................ 4-22 Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-42

Neutral

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

2-27 2-29 2-29 2-20 4-15

Off-Road Recovery ............................ Oil. Engine .................................... One to Four Light ............................... Outlet. Accessory ............................... Overdrive. Automatic Transmission Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode Overheating Engine ............................. Owner Checks and Services ....................... Owner Publications. Ordering ..................... InCanada ...................................

4- 12 6-12 2-30 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 . . . . . . . 5- 13 5 - 13 7-11 8- 12 8-11

Parking

Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ Park

6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 2-34 2-36

Automatic Transmission Shifting Into ................................. Shifting Out of ............................... AtNight .................................... 2-17 Brake ...................................... 2-32 ... Lots ....................................... 2-1'1 Over Things That Burn ........................ 2-37 Your Vehicle. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 Parking Brake Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 14 1 - 18 Passenger Position .............................. Passing ....................................... 4- 12

Pass-Key@ .................................... 2-18 Periodic Maintenance Inspections .................. 7-15 Portable Fuel Container. Filling a ................... 6-8 Power Door Locks ................................... 2-5 Remote Control Mirrors ........................ 2-54 Seat ......................................... 1-2 Steering .................................... 4-10 Steering Fluid ................................ 6-26 Windows ................................... 2-40 Plug ....................................... 6-63 Powerseat ..................................... 1-2 Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-17 Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1 Publications, Service and Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12 InCanada ................................... 8-11

Racing or Other Competitive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24 Radio Reception ................................ 3-27 Radios ....................................... 3-12 Rain. Driving In ................................ 4-17 ................................ Reading Lamps 2-53 Rear Axle ....................................... 6-21 Axle Service ................................. 7-15 Storage ..................................... 2-56 Towing ..................................... 5-11 Turn Signal and Taillamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 6-35 Window Defogger ............................ 3-11 Rearview Mirror, Inside Daymight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 Reclining Seatbacks .............................. 1-3 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............... 7-16

9-7

Remote Function Actuation System

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 11 Operation .................................... 2-8 Resynchronizing Your Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 11 Remote HatcNTrunk Lid Release .................. 2-14 Replacement Bulbs ............................. 6-69 Replacement Parts .............................. 6-70 Replacement, Wheel ............................ 6-48 Reporting Safety Defects ......................... 8- 10 InCanada ................................... 8-11 To General Motors ............................ 8- 11 Resetting the Oil Life Monitor ..................... 6- 15 Restraints Checking ................................... 1-33 Child ....................................... 1-27 Replacing Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34 Systemcheck ................................ 7-12 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) .................. 2-22 Reverse, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27 Reverse, Manual Transmission .................... 2-29 Ridecontrol ................................... 2-39 Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-5 Roadside Assistance, Canadian ..................... 8-7 ........................... Rocking Your Vehicle 5-23 RoofPanel .................................... 2- 60 Rotation, Tire .................................. 6-45

Safety Belts ................................... Adults ...................................... Care ....................................... Children .................................... Driver Position ............................... Extender .................................... 9-8

1-6 1-11 6-54 1-25 1-11 1-37

1.6. 2.78

1.13.1.31. 1.32

Safety Defects. Reporting

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

1 . 11 1-12 1-11 1-34 1-18 1-10

1-38 1-25 1 . 17 1-7 8-10 8-11 8-11 ... vm 7-4

How to Wear Properly ......................... Incorrect Usage Lap Belt Cinch Feature ........................ Lap-Shoulder ................................ .............................. Larger Children Passenger Position ............................ Questions and Answers ........................ Reminder Light .......................... Replacing After a Crash ........................ Smaller Children and Babies .................... Use During Pregnancy ......................... WhyTheyWork ............................... ........................ InCanada ................................... To General Motors ............................ Safety Warnings and Symbols ...................... Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... Seatback Latches ...................................... 1-5 Reclining .................................... 1-3 Seats ........................................,. l-2 ManualFront ................................. 1-2 Power ....................................... l-2 Securing a Child Restraint ...................... 1-32 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 SecurityLight .................................. 2-85 Security Shade ................................. 2-55 Security Shade, Cleaning ......................... 6-54 Selective Real Time Damping ..................... 2-39

Service

Bulletins. Ordering ............................ 8-12 Manuals. Ordering ............................ 8- 12 Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-62 Publications. Ordering ......................... 8- 12 Work. Doing Your Own ......................... 6-2 Service and Appearance Care ...................... 6-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12 Service and Owner Publications InCanada ................................... 8-11 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24 Shiftspeeds ................................... 2-30 Shifting ....................................... 2-26 IntoPark .................................... 2-34 Out of Park .................................. 2-36 Signaling Turns ................................ 2-42 Sixth Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Skidding ...................................... 4-14 Sound Equipment, Adding ........................ 3-27 Specifications and Capacities ...................... 6-70 Specifications, Engine ........................... 6-70 Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Speedometer ................................... 2-77 Sportseat ...................................... l-3 Springs, Fiberglass .............................. 6-59 Stains, Cleaning ................................ 6-53 Starter Switch Check ............................ 7- 13 Starting Your Engine ............................ 2-22 Steam ................................... 5-14, 5-15 Steering ...................................... 4-10 In Emergencies ............................... 4- 11 Power ...................................... 4-10 Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 Wheel, Tilt .................................. 2-41 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 .................................. x System Controls. Comfort Control System . . . . . . . . 3-2. 3-4

Tachometer .................................. 2-77 TapePlayerCare ............................... 3-28 Temperature Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2. 3-4 Theft ......................................... 2-16 Theft-Deterrent Radio ........................... 3-25 Thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26 Third Gear, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 Third Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Tilt Steering Wheel ............................. 2-41 Time, Setting the ............................... 3-12 Tirechains .................................... 6-51 Tire-Loading Information Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29 Tires ......................................... 6-40 Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-48 Buying New ................................. 6-45 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58 Extended Mobility ............................ 6-41 If One Goes Flat .............................. 5-22 Inflation .................................... 6-44 Inflation Check ............................... 7-11 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-45 Loading .................................... 4-29 Pressure .................................... 6-44 Temperature ................................. 6-48 Traction .................................... 6-47 Treadwe ar ................................... 6-47 9-9

Tires (Continued) Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-47 .............................. Wear Indicators 6-45 Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-48 When It’s Time for New ....................... 6-45 ..................................... 1-31 Top Strap TorqueLock ................................... 2-35 Torque, Wheel Nut .............................. 6-71 Towing a Trailer ................................ 4-30 Towing Your Vehicle ............................. 5-8 .......................... Traction Control System 4-8 Traction Control System (TCS) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-81 TrailerTowing ................................. 4-30 Transmission Fluid ................................... Automatic Manual .....................................

6- 18 6-19 Transmission, Ignition Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14 ...... 2-6 Transmitters, Remote Function Actuation System Transportation, Courtesy .......................... 8-8 TTYUsers ...................................... 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42

Underbody Flushing Service ..................... 7-14 Universal Theft-Deterrent System .................. 2- 17

Vehicle

Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your ........... 6-3 Control ...................................... 4-5 Damage Warnings .............................. ix Dimensions ................................. 6-71

9-10

6-62 4-29 6-32 3-11 2-58 2-58 2-79

Identification Number ......................... Loading .................................... Storage ..................................... Ventilation System .............................. ............................ Visor Vanity Mirrors Visors, Sun .................................... Voltmeter ..................................... w a r n i n g Devices ............................... 5-3 Warning Lights. Gages and Messages ............... 2-77 Warranty Information ............................ 8-10 ........................ Washer Fluid. Windshield 6-27 ........................... Washing Your Vehicle 6-56 Weatherstrips .................................. 6-55 Wheel Alignment .................................. 6-48 NutTorque .................................. 6-71 Replacement ................................. 6-48 Using the Wheel Lock Key ..................... 6-50 Windows ..................................... 2-40 Express-Down ............................... 2-41 Power ...................................... 2-40 ............................. 2-46 Fluid ....................................... 6-27 Fluid Level Check ............................ 7-11 Windshield Wipers .............................. 2-45 ........................... Blade Replacement 6-37 Fuses ...................................... 6-64 Winter Driving ................................. 4-24 WiperBladeCheck ............................. 7-12 Wiring, Headlamp .............................. 6-64 Wrecker Towing ................................. 5-8

Windshield Washer

b% NOTES

b NOTES

9-12

@% NOTES

9-13

NOTES

9-14

b NOTES

9-15

bb NOTES

$&I NOTES

9-17

@% NOTES

.

f

The 1998 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 vehicle. 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 vehicle 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.

c

k!

CHEVROLET

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 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.

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 10282340 A First Edition

ii

s q

T l F l E D

& d

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 proprietaires 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 1C7

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1997 All Rights Reserved

CORVETTE: THE AMERICAN DREAM MACHINE In the early O OS, 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.

iii

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

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 is reintroduced.

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 1998 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 198 1, it has become one of Kentucky’s most popular tourist attractions. Corvette Assembly Plant tours are available. For dates and times, call (502) 745-8419. 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 1-800-53-VETTE or (502) 781-7973.

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.

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.”

viii

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

KNOTICE: r 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:

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

,\I/,

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BAlTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BAllERY

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

TURN SIGNALS

FLASHER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

WINDOW DEFOGGER

$0

VENTILATING FAN

FOG LAMPS

Here are some other symbols you may see:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

COOLANT TEMP

CHARGING I-1 BRAKE (@)

BATTERY

SYSTEM

COOLANT

LIGHTER

FUSE t HORN b SPEAKER b p3

FUEL

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WA

ANTI-LOCK (@)

BRAKES

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.

Controls

They’re for Everyone

Seats and Seat

1-2 1-5 Safety Belts: 1 - 10 Here Are Questions Many 1 - 11 1-11 Driver Position 1-17 Safety Belt 1 - 18 Passenger Position

Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Use During Pregnancy

People Ask About

1- 18 Air Bag 1-25 1-27 1-34 1-37 1-37 1-38

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

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.

1-2

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

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 seatback 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 Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is

their job when

in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do 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.

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

Seatback Latches

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.

I A 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.

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.

1-5

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

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!

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.

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.

1-6

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

Put someone on it.

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

1-7

c

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

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

or the instrument panel ...

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.

1-9

&t 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.

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

Qt 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.

1-10

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 ridmg 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. 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 (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

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.

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

1-11

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.

@ What’s wrong with this?

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.

1-13

@' What's wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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.

Qt What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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.

1-15

@ 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 make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

is twisted,

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.

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.

1-17

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 To learn how to wear the passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position’’ earlier in this section. The passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt -- except for one thing. If you ever pull the lap portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. Air Bag System This part explains the air bag system. Your vehicle 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