CHEVROLET 2012 Corvette Car Owner’s Manual

: June 17, 2024
: Chevrolet

CHEVROLET 2012 Corvette Car Owner’s Manual

Review this Quick Reference Guide for an overview of some important features in your Chevrolet Corvette. More detailed information can be found in your Owner Manual. Some optional equipment✦ described in this guide may not be included in your vehicle. For easy reference, keep this guide with your Owner Manual in your glove box.

INSTRUMENT PANEL

Symbols

Fog Lamps
Lights On
Security
1-to-4 Shift (manual transmission)
Check Engine
Low Tire Pressure
Brake System Warning
Active Handling/ Traction Control Off
Antilock Brake System Warning
Safety Belt Reminder
Airbag Readiness

Note: Refer to your Owner Manual to learn about the information being relayed by the lights and gauges of the instrument cluster, as well as what to do to ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.

KEY LESS ACCESS SYSTEM

The Keyless Access System enables operation of the doors, ignition and hatch/trunk without removing the transmitter from a pocket or purse. The system will recognize the transmitter when it is within 3 feet of the vehicle.

Entering the Vehicle

With the transmitter within range of the vehicle, press the pad (A) at the rear edge of each door to unlock and open the door.

Leaving the Vehicle

Press the button at the top of the pull handle to open the door.

Hatch/Trunk Access
There are four ways to open the hatch/trunk:

With the transmitter within range of the vehicle, press the release button (B).
Press and hold the Hatch/Trunk Release button on the transmitter.
Insert the master key from the transmitter into the lock cylinder (C).
From inside the vehicle, press the Hatch/Trunk Release button on the left side of the instrument panel.

Transmitter Battery
Refer to the Owner Manual for transmitter battery replacement information.
Note: Do not twist the master key inside the transmitter to open the case.
If the transmitter battery is weak and the No Fob Detected message is displayed:

Insert the transmitter into the pocket on the left side of the glove box. This will enable the engine to start.

AUXILIARY RELEASES

If the vehicle battery is weak or disconnected, the driver’s door can be opened manually.

Outside the Vehicle

Insert the master key into the lock cylinder above the license plate and turn it to open the hatch/trunk.
Pull the Door Release handle on the driver’s side of the hatch/trunk.

Inside the Vehicle

Pull the Door Release handle on the floor next to the driver’s seat.

BATTERY CARE TIPS

Window Indexing
To provide a tight seal, the window will automatically open slightly when the door is opened and then automatically close when the door is closed.
If battery power is disconnected, initialize the indexing feature:

With the door closed, pull up the window switch to fully raise the window.
Hold up the switch for 3 seconds after the window is closed; then release it.
Hold up the switch again for 3 seconds; then release it.

Note: The power windows and power convertible top✦ will not operate until the window indexing feature is initialized.

STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE

The Keyless Access transmitter must be in the vehicle to turn on the ignition.

Start the Engine

Press the brake pedal (automatic transmission) or the clutch pedal (manual transmission) and then press the Start button (top part of the button)

Stop the Engine

Shift to Park (automatic transmission only).
Press and hold the Off button (bottom part of the button).

POWER SEATS

A. Seat Adjustment
Move the front control to move the seat forward or rearward and to tilt, raise or lower the seat.
B. Lumbar Adjustment✦
Press or pull the vertical control to adjust the lumbar support.
C. Side Bolster Adjustment✦
Press or pull the horizontal control to adjust the side bolsters.
D. Seat back Recline Adjustment
Lift the lever to adjust the seat back.
Power Seats

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHER

High
Low
Delay
Rotate the band to adjust the delay between wipes.
Off
Mist
Washer Fluid
Press the button on the end of the lever.
Windshield Wipers And Washer

EXTERIOR/INTERIOR LIGHTING

Exterior Lamps

Rotate the outer band to operate the exterior lamps.

Off/On
AUTO Automatic Headlamp System Activates the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) in the daytime and the headlamps and other exterior lamps at night or when necessary.
Parking Lamps
Headlamps
Fog Lamps
Rotate the inner band to turn the fog lamps on or off.

Interior Lighting

Instrument Brightness Control
Rotate and hold the knob to brighten or dim the instrument panel lighting.
Press the knob to turn the interior lighting on or off.
Note: If the interior lights stay on, press the knob to ensure that the lights are turned off and were not turned on inadvertently.

CRUISE CONTROL

Setting Cruise Control

Slide the switch to the position (On).
When traveling at the desired speed, press the button on the end of the lever to set the speed.

Adjusting Cruise Control
+ Resume/Accelerate
Slide the switch to the + position to resume a set speed or to increase speed.
– Coast
When active, press the – button on the end of the lever to decrease speed.
Setting Cruise Control

AUDIO SYSTEM

Audio System

Setting a Preset Station

With the radio on, press BAND to select FM1, FM2, AM, XM1 or XM2.
Tune in the desired station.
Press AUTO EQ to select the equalization.
Press and hold one of the numbered pushbuttons until a beep sounds.

Note: Avoid extended searching for items or configuring settings while driving

Navigation Audio System

Note: Load one of the two navigation DVDs for navigation functions. Avoid extended searching for items or configuring settings while driving.

Use the touch screen buttons to access navigation and audio system functions.
When entering a destination, make sure the system is set to the correct destination region and the desired route preferences, such as allowing toll roads.

Setting a Preset Station

Press the SRCE button.
Touch the desired Band screen button.
Press the Seek/Tune button to tune in the desired station.
Press and hold one of the six preset screen buttons until a beep sounds.

Portable Audio Devices

A 3.5mm auxiliary input jack and a USB port are located in the center console.

Press the SRCE button and then touch the arrow screen button to display the auxiliary device operation screen.
Compatible devices connected to the USB port can be controlled by the audio system.
Portable devices connected to the input jack can be controlled only by using the portable device controls.

Note: Not all USB devices may be supported.

AUDIO STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS

+ Volume
Press the + or – button to increase or decrease the volume.
Seek/Scan
Press the up or down button to go to the next or previous radio station or CD track.
1–6 Preset Stations
Press to go to the next preset radio station.
Portable Audio Devices

BLUETOOTH® SYSTEM CONTROLS✦

The in-vehicle Bluetooth system allows users with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to make and receive hands-free calls using the vehicle’s audio system, microphone and controls.
The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone must be paired with the vehicle’s Bluetooth system before it can be used in the vehicle. Not all phones will support all functions.

Push to Talk
Press and hold to interact with the OnStar or Bluetooth system✦.
End Call
Press to end or reject a call.
Portable Audio Devices

DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC)

The DIC displays a variety of vehicle system information and warning messages.

Fuel
Press to display average fuel economy, instantaneous fuel economy, fuel range.
Gauges
Press to display oil pressure, oil temp – erature, coolant temperature, transmission fluid temperature, battery voltage, tire pressures.
TRIP
Press to display the odometer, trip odometers, elapsed timer, average speed, engine oil life.
OPTION
Press to scroll through the Personal Options menu.
RESET
Press to set or clear the displayed menu item or warning message.
Portable Audio Devices

Vehicle Personalization

Continually press the OPTION button to scroll through the menu.
Press the RESET button to scroll through the options for the displayed menu item.
Press the OPTION button to record the setting of the displayed option.

See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.

HEAD-UP DISPLAY✦ (HUD)

The HUD projects a range of vehicle information on the windshield, reducing the need to look away from the road.
HEAD-UP DISPLAY

MODE
Press to scroll through the Street Mode (with audio and navigation functions) and Track Modes (with G-Force gauge).
PAGE
Press to customize the HUD modes.
Up/Down
Adjust the up/down position of the display on the windshield.
+ – Brightness
Press to brighten or dim the display. Press and hold the – button to turn off the HUD.
See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.

AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL

UTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL

Automatic Operation

Press AUTO.
Set the temperature. Allow time for the system to automatically reach the desired temperature. Press the passenger’s temperature control to switch between single zone and dual zone modes.

If the air delivery mode or fan setting is manually adjusted, automatic operation is turned off.

Note: The recirculation mode can help to quickly cool the air inside the vehicle or prevent outside odors from entering the vehicle. When the recirculation mode is used without air conditioning, the air humidity increases and the windows may fog.

HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVING FEATURES

Active Handling and Traction Control Systems
The Traction Control system limits wheelspin and the Active Handling system assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. The Active Handling/Traction Control button is located on the center console.

Press the button once to turn off Traction Control.
Press and hold the button to turn off both Traction Control and Active Handling.
Press the button twice to activate the Competitive Driving Mode.
Press the button again to turn on Traction Control and Active Handling. Both systems turn on automatically every time the vehicle is started.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control✦
The Magnetic Selective Ride Control system provides reduced impact harshness and improved road isolation, high-speed stability and handling response. The Magnetic Selective Ride Control knob is located on the center console.
TOUR: Use for normal city and highway driving for a smooth, comfortable ride.
SPORT: Use where road conditions or personal preference demand more responsive, controlled handling.
Performance Traction Management
(ZR1 or Z06 with Magnetic Selective Ride Control)
Performance Traction Management offers five modes of operation, all designed to provide consistent performance when cornering in a variety of track conditions.

Press the Active Handling button twice to activate Performance Traction Management.
Rotate the Magnetic Selective Ride Control knob to scroll through each mode.

Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission

While in Drive (D), use either paddle to temporarily take control of gear selection.
Push either paddle on the steering wheel to upshift or squeeze either paddle behind the steering wheel to downshift. The current gear will be displayed on the instrument cluster or HUD✦ (if equipped).
Move the shift lever to the Sport (S)
position to activate Sport mode, which provides firmer automatic shifts when not using the steering wheel paddles.
Move the shift lever to Sport (S) and use the paddles to enter manual mode.
Push a + paddle for one second or move the shift lever to Drive (D) to return to automatic operation.

Note : If current vehicle speed is too high or too low for the requested gear, the shift will not occur. When coming to a stop, the transmission will automatically downshift.

HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVING FEATURES

Manual Transmission Operation
The 6-speed manual transmission includes a 1-to-4 shift feature that helps achieve the best possible fuel economy. The shift light will turn on when, from a standstill, acceleration and vehicle qualifications are met. When the shift light is on, the transmission can be shifted only from 1st to 4th gear. Forcing the shift lever into any other gear may damage the transmission.

Run-Flat Tires
The run-flat tires eliminate the need for a spare tire. The tire design enables safe function during and after loss of pressure for some distance at a moderate speed. Driving only a short distance with a loss of pressure increases the chance that the tire can be repaired. Contact Roadside Assistance as soon as possible for the nearest run-flat tire servicing facility to have the tire inspected.

Tire Pressure Monitor

The Low Tire Pressure warning light on the instrument cluster illuminates when a significant reduction in pressure occurs in one or more of the vehicle’s tires. The warning light will remain on until the tire pressure is corrected. Current tire pressures can be displayed using the Gauges button on the Driver Information Center.

Tire pressure is affected by cold weather and distance driven. If the low tire pressure warning light illuminates and then turns off as the vehicle is driven in cooler temperatures, check for the proper tire pressures.

PS Cup Tires✦
Z06 and ZR1 models may be equipped with PS Cup tires. These tires are optimized for warm, dry road conditions and have a reduced tread wear rating.

Groove Tracking
The wide tires on the Corvette provide sure-footed grip and excellent road feel; however, the wider design may also be more susceptible to grooves or wear patterns on some roads.

Tire Chatter
During hard, slow turns, such as parking, the difference in steering angle of the tires may cause one tire to slide or hop lightly to keep up with the other tire. This hop of the wide tires may cause a chatter sound. The noise will stop as the wheels are straightened.

Brake Dust
The high performance brake materials and large size of the brakes may result in a fine dust coating the outer surface of the wheels. Wash the wheels with regular soap and water to remove the dust.

Note: Automatic car washes are not recommended

COUPE ROOF PANEL

Remove the Roof Panel

Lower the windows.
Pull each front lever (A) outward.
Press the button on the rear lever and pull down the lever (B).
Lift the front edge of the panel up and forward out of the roof opening.

Properly store the roof panel in the rear storage compartment.

Install the Roof Panel

With all levers in the open position, place the rear edge of the panel on the back of the roof opening and align the pins with the openings in the weatherstrip.
Lower the front edge of the panel.
Turn each front lever (A) inward to lock the front latches.
Push up the rear lever (B) to lock the rear latch.

CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATION

Before operating the convertible top, park the vehicle and make sure that the trunk partition is in the fastened, upright position (Power Top only), and that the trunk is closed.

Operate the Power Top

Start the engine, shift to Park or Neutral, and set the parking brake.
Pull and turn the front latch clockwise to unlock the top; pull and turn it counterclockwise to lock the top.
Press and hold the bottom of the Power Folding Top button on the left side of the instrument panel (see page 2) to lower the top; press the top of the button to raise the top. A chime will sound when the top is lowered or raised completely.

Note: After a loss of battery power, initialize the window indexing to operate the power top.

Lower the Manual Top

Pull and turn the front latch clockwise to unlock the top.
Lift the front edge and the rear edge of the top so that they are straight up.
Press the release button under the tonneau cover behind the driver’s seat.
The windows will automatically lower. Raise the tonneau cover.
Note : The cover will not unlatch if the trunk is open or the vehicle alarm is armed.
Push forward on the front edge of the top to allow the rear edge of the top to move to its full-down position. Then move the top rearward to its fully stored position.
Make sure that the top is fully retracted and close the tonneau cover.

CAR WASH GUIDELINES

Automatic car washes are not recommended. They may cause damage to the vehicle, wheels or convertible top✦. To avoid possible damage, use a touchless car wash.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

1-800-CHEV-USA TTY :Users: 1-888-889-2438
(1-800-243-8872)

As the owner of a new Chevrolet, your vehicle is automatically enrolled in the Chevrolet Roadside Assistance program for 5 years/100,000 miles at no expense to you. This valueadded service is intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive across town or travel the open road.

Chevrolet’s Roadside Assistance toll-free number is staffed by a team of trained advisors who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to contact a service provider for light services (fuel delivery, jump-starts, flat tire and lock-outs) or make arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest Chevrolet deale

ONSTAR®

If you require roadside service and have a current OnStar subscription, press the OnStar button and the vehicle will send your current GPS location to an OnStar Advisor who will speak to you, assess your problem, contact Roadside Assistance and relay your exact location so you will get the help you need.

For more information about OnStar services, press the OnStar button, refer to the OnStar Owner Guide, call 1-888-466-7827 or visit onstar.com.

CHEVROLET OWNER CENTER

The Chevrolet Owner Center, a complimentary service for Chevrolet owners, is a one-stop resource designed to enhance your Chevrolet ownership experience. Exclusive member benefits include online service reminders, vehicle maintenance tips, online owner manual, special privileges and more.
Sign up today at www.gmownercenter.com/chevrolet.
An online owner manual and additional ownership information also is available at www.chevrolet.com/owners.

Always demand genuine GM Parts

Certain restrictions, precautions and safety procedures apply to your vehicle. Please read your Owner Manual for complete instructions. All information contained herein is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to change without notice. Copyright 2011 General Motors. All rights reserved. CHEVROLET