2003 Chevrolet Corvette Owner's Manual

2003 Chevrolet Corvette owners manual
Year:
2003
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Corvette
Rating:
(7)

Online manual

Size:
17.66 MB

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
8
Front Seats
9
Manual Seats
9
Power Seats
9
Reclining Seatbacks
10
Seatback Latches
12
Sport Seat
13
Safety Belts
14
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
14
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
18
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
19
Driver Position
20
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
27
Passenger Position
27
Safety Belt Extender
27
Child Restraints
28
Older Children
28
Infants and Young Children
30
Child Restraint Systems
33
Top Strap
37
Top Strap Anchor Location
38
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
38
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System
40
Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger Seat Position
41
Air Bag System
46
Where Are the Air Bags?
47
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?
49
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?
49
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?
49
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?
50
Air Bag Off Switch
51
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
54
Restraint System Check
55
Checking Your Restraint Systems
55
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
55
Features and Controls
58
Keys
60
Remote Keyless Entry System
61
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation
62
Doors and Locks
66
Door Locks
66
Power Door Locks
67
Lockout Protection
67
Leaving Your Vehicle
67
Hatch/Trunk
68
Windows
71
Power Windows
72
Sun Visors
72
Theft-Deterrent Systems
73
Theft-Deterrent System
73
PASS-Key
74
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
76
New Vehicle Break-in
76
Front Air Dam
76
Ignition Positions
77
Starting Your Engine
78
Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
80
Automatic Transmission Operation
81
Manual Transmission Operation
84
Parking Brake
87
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transmission)
88
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transmission)
90
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
91
Parking Over Things That Burn
91
Engine Exhaust
92
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked (Automatic Transmission)
93
Mirrors
94
Manual Rearview Mirror
94
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
94
Outside Power Heated Mirrors
95
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror
95
Outside Convex Mirror
95
Storage Areas
96
Glove Box
96
Cupholder(s)
96
Center Console Storage Area
96
Floor Mats
97
Rear Storage Area
98
Convenience Net
99
Cargo Cover
99
Roof Panel
100
Removing the Roof Panel
100
Storing the Roof Panel
103
Installing the Roof Panel
104
Convertible Top
106
Lowering the Convertible Top
107
Raising the Convertible Top
110
Vehicle Personalization
112
Memory
112
Instrument Panel
114
Instrument Panel Overview
115
Hazard Warning Flashers
117
Other Warning Devices
117
Horn
118
Tilt Wheel
118
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
119
Exterior Lamps
125
Interior Lamps
128
Head-Up Display (HUD)
130
Accessory Power Outlets
133
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
134
Climate Controls
135
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
135
Outlet Adjustment
141
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
142
Instrument Panel Cluster
143
Speedometer and Odometer
144
Tachometer
144
Safety Belt Reminder Light
144
Air Bag Readiness Light
145
Air Bag Off Light
145
Voltmeter Gage
147
Brake System Warning Light
148
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
149
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
149
Active Handling System Light
150
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
151
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
151
Engine Oil Pressure Gage
154
Security Light
155
Check Gages Warning Light
155
Fuel Gage
155
Driver Information Center (DIC)
157
DIC Controls and Displays
158
DIC Warnings and Messages
166
Other Messages
174
Audio System(s)
175
Setting the Time
175
Radio with Cassette
176
Radio with CD
180
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer
183
Theft-Deterrent Feature
188
Understanding Radio Reception
190
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
190
Care of Your CDs
191
Care of Your CD Player
191
Fixed Mast Antenna (Z06)
191
Power Antenna Mast Care (Convertible)
192
Integrated Windshield and Rear Window Antennas (Coupe)
192
Driving Your Vehicle
194
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
195
Defensive Driving
195
Drunken Driving
195
Control of a Vehicle
198
Braking
199
Traction Control System (TCS)
202
Active Handling System
203
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
204
Selective Ride Control
205
Steering
206
Off-Road Recovery
208
Passing
208
Loss of Control
210
Driving at Night
211
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
212
City Driving
215
Freeway Driving
216
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
217
Highway Hypnosis
218
Hill and Mountain Roads
218
Winter Driving
220
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
225
Towing
226
Towing Your Vehicle
226
Recreational Vehicle Towing
226
Loading Your Vehicle
226
Towing a Trailer
228
Service and Appearance Care
230
Service
232
Doing Your Own Service Work
233
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
233
Fuel
234
Gasoline Octane
234
Gasoline Specifications
234
California Fuel
235
Additives
235
Fuels in Foreign Countries
235
Filling Your Tank
236
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
238
Checking Things Under the Hood
239
Hood Release
240
Engine Compartment Overview
241
Engine Oil
242
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
247
Automatic Transmission Fluid
249
Manual Transmission Fluid
249
Hydraulic Clutch
251
Engine Coolant
252
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
255
Engine Overheating
255
Cooling System
258
Power Steering Fluid
264
Windshield Washer Fluid
265
Brakes
266
Battery
269
Jump Starting
270
Rear Axle
275
Bulb Replacement
276
Halogen Bulbs
276
Headlamps
276
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps
278
Back-Up Lamps
280
Replacement Bulbs
280
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
281
Tires
283
Extended Mobility Tires (Except Z06)
283
Inflation - Tire Pressure
285
Tire Pressure Monitor System (Except Z06)
286
Tire Rotation
287
Buying New Tires
288
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
289
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
290
Wheel Replacement
290
Tire Chains
293
Lifting Your Corvette
293
If a Tire Goes Flat
297
Tire Inflator Kit (Z06 Only)
299
Appearance Care
304
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
304
Care of Safety Belts
306
Weatherstrips
306
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
307
Finish Damage
310
Magnesium Wheel Finish
310
Underbody Maintenance
310
Titanium Exhaust System (Z06 Only)
310
Fiberglass Springs
310
Chemical Paint Spotting
310
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
311
Vehicle Identification
312
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
312
Service Parts Identification Label
312
Electrical System
313
Add-on Electrical Equipment
313
Accessory Power Plug
313
Headlamp Wiring
314
Windshield Wiper Fuses
314
Power Windows and Other Power Options
314
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
315
Capacities and Specifications
321
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
323
Maintenance Schedule
326
Maintenance Schedule
327
Introduction
327
Your Vehicle and the Environment
327
Maintenance Requirements
327
How This Section is Organized
328
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
329
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
329
Scheduled Maintenance
329
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
332
At Each Fuel Fill
332
At Least Once a Month
332
At Least Twice a Year
333
At Least Once a Year
333
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
336
Steering and Suspension Inspection
336
Tire and Wheel Inspection
336
Exhaust System Inspection
336
Fuel System Inspection
337
Engine Cooling System Inspection
337
Rear Axle Service
337
Brake System Inspection
337
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
338
Part E: Maintenance Record
340
Customer Assistance Information
344
Customer Assistance Information
345
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
345
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
346
Customer Assistance Offices
347
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
348
Roadside Assistance Program
348
Courtesy Transportation
350
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
352
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
352
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
352
Service Publications Ordering Information
353
Index
354

2003 Chevrolet Corvette Overview

Introduction

The 2003 Chevrolet Corvette stands as a testament to American automotive ingenuity, seamlessly blending raw power with sophisticated engineering. Recognized for its performance and style, this model year features enhancements that elevate it beyond its predecessors while maintaining the classic Corvette allure. The 2003 Corvette embodies the spirit of performance driving, appealing to enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.

Powertrains

Under the hood, the 2003 Corvette boasts a formidable 5.7-liter V8 engine, the iconic LS1, capable of producing an impressive 350 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. This potent powertrain is mated to either a 6-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission, allowing drivers to experience exhilarating acceleration that can push the car from 0 to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive layout enhances traction and handling dynamics, making every drive an exhilarating adventure.

Trims

The 2003 Corvette is available in several trims, including the standard coupe and convertible versions, alongside the high-performance Z06 variant. Each trim offers distinctive features and specifications while sharing the same heart-pounding performance credentials. The Z06, in particular, is outfitted with a more powerful version of the V8 engine, delivering an astounding 405 horsepower, making it a favorite among racing enthusiasts.

Features

The interior of the 2003 Corvette is a blend of sporty elegance and cutting-edge technology. Available features include leather seating, a premium sound system, and advanced navigation. Additionally, the car's lightweight construction, coupled with enhanced aerodynamics, contributes to its remarkable fuel efficiency, making it practical for everyday use while still delivering on the thrill of performance.

Owner's Manual

The 2003 Chevrolet Corvette owner's manual serves as an essential resource, providing valuable information on vehicle care, operating procedures, and maintenance schedules. It is a comprehensive guide designed to help owners maximize their driving experience while ensuring the longevity of their prized sports car.

User manual download

The Chevrolet Corvette owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

Manual Questions

Do you have questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette owners manual?
Fill the form below and someone will help you!