Corvette Blog

GM has alerted dealers today of an upcoming safety recall for Corvette owners.  Here are the details of what vehicles are involved and what you can expect.

The recall will include certain 2005-2007 Corvettes equipped with a removable roof and 2006-2007 Corvette Z06's.  This includes some 22,000 Corvettes! 

Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the adhesive between the roof panel and the frame may separate.  If there is a partial separation, the occupant may notice one or more symptoms, such as a snapping noise when driving over bumps, wind noise, poor roof panel fit, roof panel movement/bounce when a door or hatch is closed, or a water leak in the headliner.  If there is a complete separation, the roof panel may detach from the vehicle.  If this were to occur while the vehicle was being driven, it could strike a following vehicle and cause injury and/or property damage.

To correct the problem, dealers will install a newly designed roof panel.  Right now GM is waiting on suppliers to obtain the required parts and when a sufficent number has been obtained, customer notification will begin.

Dealers do not know which specific vehicles are involved, nor can they perform the recall before the recall has been officially launched.

As always, any safety recall is done free of charge for the customer.  Stay tuned to CorvetteBlog for updated information when we have it.

[ GM ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvette Safety | 0 Comments Permalink

Many Corvette owners have chosen to have Navigation installed in their Corvette by the factory, while some others have chosen to go the cheaper route and use a portable GPS unit.  Either way, if you're storing information in the navigation (like any of us normally would), beware.

Two metro Detroit robbers were recently nabbed for stealing GPS and garage openers from unlocked vehicles in 17 lower Michigan locations.

Just think… Those two items alone gives strangers FULL access to your house! The GPS is likely programmed with your home directions while your garage door opener will simply open your house!

Now you know. So be one step ahead of those 23-year old robbers. Program your home location as the local McDonald’s – or anywhere that’s miles away from your garage!  Coming from someone who has had their car stolen, I highly recommend this simple change to protect yourself and your family.

[ CrunchGear ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvette Safety | 2 Comments Permalink

Today Chevrolet announced a Customer Satisfaction Program on selected 2009 Corvette ZR1.  A Customer Satisfaction Program is not a full fledged recall, but more so a program to alert customers of a possible issue.  Here are the details:

Certain 2009 model year Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 vehicles may have a condition in which the clutch damper spring may fracture.  If this were to occur, the driver may or may not notice gear rattle and/or the transmission may be hard to shift.  If the vehicle is driven with a fractured clutch damper spring, it could result in damage to the transmission.

The VIN breakpoints (last 8 digits) that are included in this program are: 95800667 through 95801069.  Not all vehicles within these breakpoints may be involved, your GM dealership will check their computer system to see if your vehicle is involved.

Your GM dealership will replace the clutch assembly FREE of charge.  Additionally, courtesy transportation is available for those customers involved.  Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

If you have any questions, you can always call us at CorvetteBlog direct at (888) 875-0728.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvette Safety , Corvette Service | 0 Comments Permalink

A tire is a tire, right?  Wrong.  Many consumers lack pertinent information about how a tire can improve a vehicle’s performance and potentially reduce fuel costs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to change this and educate consumers during their next tire purchase.

The NHTSA has proposed that tires come equipped with removable labels, explaining that individual tire’s fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas rating, safety (wet traction), and durability (tread wear).

Purchase a better quality tire, save gas costs, and remain eco-friendly… we like!  Of course Corvette tires are certainly specialized and not like other tires out there and it will be interesting to see how they are rated.

The proposal is still awaiting approval by the end of the year. For more information, visit www.safercar.gov. Would you base your next tire purchase off such a label? What do you think?

[ USA Today ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvette Performance , Corvette Safety | 0 Comments Permalink

The New York Times is reporting today that the National Highway Traffic Safety Admistration has stepped us safety investigations related to three specific models, one of them being the Chevrolet Corvette.

Specific to the Corvette investigation, they are looking at about 48,000 Vettes from 2005 and 2006 model years.  Some owners had claimed that the stability control system malfunctioned causing a sudden and inappropriate braking action without illumination of the brake lights, causing the vehicle to swerve left or right.

Currently there is no announcement from GM on any specific recall related to this problem.  Right now it seems like the NHTSA is checking everything out and we should hear more soon.  Any Corvette-specific recall information can ALWAYS be found on CorvetteBlog.  Stay tuned.

[ New York Times ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Safety | 0 Comments Permalink

Every Corvette that's produced comes equipped with OnStar, all with 1 year of service free.   We've often discussed the many benefits of Onstar, but every year something comes out that makes it even better. 

The greatest benefit of OnStar is having this satellite system automatically track, notify, and direct emergency services to the site of an accident. You don't realize how valuable this is until you need it, and especially if you can't reach a phone or are seriously injured.  As good as it is now, recent improvements have been made to OnStar’s accident approach.

The sequential bullet points below will help identify OnStar’s recent changes.

The old OnStar:

• Accident
• OnStar Notified via Satellite
• OnStar Report Detailed Description to Nearby Emergency Services

The new OnStar:

• Accident
• OnStar Automatically Send Longitudinal/Latitudinal Coordinates to 911 Center

So you can see, one step has been removed from the process and better coordinates have been created. OnStar’s newest addition of the Automatic Location Identification (ALI) system will allocate direct coordinates to available help with nearly ZERO chance for error.

You can visit OnStar.com for more information or to upgrade or purchase your subscription.

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Safety | 0 Comments Permalink

Are you in need of new tires on your Corvette?  Well consider the latest promotion that is available through CorvetteBlog.  We are offering a $60 Michelin Tire Rebate (in the form of a Visa Card) with the purchase of any 4 Michelin branded passenger tires between today and May 31, 2009.

You can also enter to win the Michelin Ride of Your Life Sweepstakes for a chance to win $6,000 at www.RideofYourLifePromotion.com.

If you're interested in tires, give us a call or stop by if you're in the Metro Detroit area.  This offer is valid at other national retailers as well.  If you're in the market for tires, now is a great time.  For a copy of the rebate form, click below.

[ Michelin ]

 

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts , Corvette Safety | 0 Comments Permalink

The C6 Corvette Coupe recently underwent a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test. The C6 was hit broadside on the driver side of the vehicle to test its endurance. Following the hit, results from the C6 showed that the body of the vehicle held up relatively well. Take a look for yourself at this 15 second YouTube video.

What do you think?

Posted By Ryan In 2008 Corvettes , 2010 Corvette , Corvette News , Corvette Performance , Corvette Safety , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

It's hard to believe it's been a month already since the 14th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise.  The outdoor cruise spans every year from Pontiac to Ferndale in Michigan, attracting millions of people to sit along the street to catch a glimpse of over 30,000 cool cruising cars. From muscle cars to custom-built cars to historic street rods, this enjoyable event allows one to see any and all variations of transportation as it has been changing throughout history.

A few of Royal Oak’s police vehicles really captured quite a bit of attention with their special Corvette rides. The first was a Jetstream Blue Metallic Corvette Z06 with sirens atop and POLICE painted across the side doors. But even better yet, their newest addition cop car is an Atomic Orange Corvette ZR1!

This vehicle is a powerful, impressive ride, though it only crept along at slow speeds so spectators could “ohhh” and “ahhh” at its stunning sight. These two go fast machines were in full patrol this past weekend. For all you go fast gurus, hopefully you were abiding to the law, and not speeding or burning that rubber!

[ Jalopnik ]
 

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Concept & Show Cars , Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Corvette Safety | 0 Comments Permalink

GM has announced a recall for certain 2008 Corvettes.  On certain 2008 models, the keyless access system may become inoperative at times.  The doors may not automatically lock or unlock, and the vehicle may not start.  The Driver Information Center (DIC) will also display a "No Fobs Detected" message.

If this occurs to you, you can lock or unlock the doors by pushing the buttons on the keyless access transmitter.  The vehicle can be started by placing the transmitter in the glove box transmitter pocket with the buttons facing towards the passenger's side.  Then, with the vehicle in Park for an Automatic, press the brake pedal and the vehicle start button.  If you have a manual transmission, press the clutch and start button.

The following VIN breaks (last 8 of the VIN) are affected:  85105302 to 85106987.

Schedule a repair with your dealer, do not just take your vehicle in - just in case they do not have the part available for your repair, because this will not be a quick repair.  GM is estimating that it will take over an hour to repair the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) which is what is at fault.

If you have any questions, please contact your dealer or us at CorvetteBlog.

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvette Safety , Corvette Service | 8 Comments Permalink

Bad news for you Corvette owners that subscribe to OnStar.  Effective October 1st, there is a $2.00 per month price increase for customers on the monthly payment plan.  There is no increase for those customers who subscribe annually.

They tell us that savings are available for people who choose to sign up for 1-3 year subscriptions.  You can find out more about those by visiting OnStar.com, pushing your Blue OnStar button in your Corvette, or calling them direct at (888) 377-0637.

It's important to note that if you do choose to go with an annual option, if you decide to cancel your subscription at anytime, OnStar will refund any remaining balance.  You can also transfer that subscription to a new Corvette (or different GM vehicle) at any time.

Here are the new OnStar prices:

• $28.90 for Directions & Connections for 2007 MY and later vehicles
• $18.95 for Safe & Sound Package for 2006 MY and previous vehicles
• $36.95 for Directions & Connections for 2006 MY and previous vehicles

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Safety | 0 Comments Permalink

As Corvette increasingly stakes its claim to world-wide fame and becomes more desirable in Europe, GM has taken steps to support that interest.  The Corvette Performance Academy was developed to promote safety and skill among Corvette drivers.

A series of events on demanding test tracks in Germany, France, Sweden, Belgium and Luxembourg will allow drivers to learn how to safely take the Corvette to the extremes.

 

 

Continue Reading Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Fun , Corvette Racing , Corvette Safety , Vacationing in a Corvette | 0 Comments Permalink

We've covered the benefits of OnStar's Directions and Connections features before, but GM went and made it all that much better my integrating with MapQuest.

The OnStar Web Destination Entry (a fancy term for computer directions) will launch this summer with a pilot of 3,000 customers.  They hope to have the service available to all OnStar subscribers with Turn-By-Turn Navigation by year end.

Customers will be able to go to MapQuest and create up to 5 locations which are then stored with OnStar.  You can then send them to your Corvette, where it would provide voice-guided step-by-step directions.


[ USA Today ]
 
Continue Reading Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Safety | 1 Comments Permalink

The fourth and final installment of our OnStar Video Series is most certainly my favorite.  It's called "OnStar Command Center" and takes a look at OnStar's main center of operation in Detroit, Michigan.  Chet Huber, President of OnStar, walks us through the various aspects of the OnStar Command Center.

Staff at CorvetteBlog have gone to see the Command Center and let me be the first to tell you, this is exactly what it is like.  Very impressive and "NASA-like."  It really gave us a great appreciation for all that they are doing to monitor, assist and protect drivers.  The 911 information in the video is incredibly interesting and unique.

Remember, all Corvette owners that have OnStar as an option have their first year of OnStar service paid for complimentary.

[ OnStar ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Safety , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

The third installment of our CorvetteBlog OnStar Video Series features OnStar's "Turn by Turn Navigation".  This service is great for any Corvette customer - with or without OnStar.  Just tell the Advisor where you want to go and bingo, the directions are sent straight to the vehicle.

You receive both audio and visual prompts (through the speaker system and Driver Information Center, respectively).  Remember, all Corvette owners that have OnStar as an option have their first year of OnStar service paid for complimentary.  You do get one route free, so try it out and if you want to add it to your service, it's just a few bucks more a month as part of the Directions and Connections plan. 

[ OnStar ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Safety , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

Our second installment of our OnStar Video Series features the video "A Day in the Life."  This video shows the main reporting screen for OnStar services on a typical day.  It shows the entire US and where people are using OnStar, and for what purpose. 

This video doesn't have sound, it's more of a watch the map fill up kind of piece, but still interesting to see the statistics behind OnStar and the actual areas of activity throughout the day.

Remember, the first year of service for Corvette customers equipped with OnStar is free!

[ OnStar ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Safety , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

I've been thinking lately about how great OnStar is, and how so many recent Corvette owners have OnStar equipped vehicles.  Not everyone realizes all the components of those three buttons on your rear view mirror.  I'm not trying to sell you the service, just point out its high points that I believe Corvette owners would enjoy. 

Over the next couple of days we'll be offering videos from OnStar about select parts of their service.  While yes, it isn't COMPLETELY Corvette related, it's still a great service to consider if you're looking to buy, or if you've not thought about it before and have it in your Corvette now.  Also, your first year of service is free!

The video series was produced in 2006, so it doesn't reference 2007 models, but 2007 Corvettes enjoy all of these same benefits.

[ OnStar ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Safety , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

On February 28, the Detroit News announced that the in-car video system called VetteCam will be available for C5 and C6 Corvettes in April, priced at about $995.

This is same equipment we scooped back on November 21!

According to the News, the equipment "provides a view of driver input, the vehicle's dashboard, and the roadway.  In addition to weekend racers, CruiseCam's customers include school district drivers' education vehicles, private investigators, even storm chasers."

[ Detroit News Article ]

[ Corvette Blog Article ]

[ Cruise Cam Int'l ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts , Corvette Safety | 1 Comments Permalink

How cool would it be to be able to make a video of yourself driving your Corvette along a beautiful, winding country highway? Or, would it not be outstanding to create moving memories of yourself driving competitively?

With the camera just to the right of your right shoulder while you drive, optimizing the view of what you enjoyed the first time, you could relive the memory time and time again with the help of your camcorder or an optional USB based digital video recorder.  Check out a typical driver's viewpoint! 

Continue Reading Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Safety , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

General Motors is recalling some 30,000 Corvettes (Model Years 2005-2006). According to the NHTSA the Corvettes equipped with painted roofs have an adhesive between the roof panel and the frame that could separate. If there is a separation, the roof may actually detach from the vehicle and (heaven forbid) strike another vehicle and cause injury or property damage.

GM has not yet approved a notification schedule for contacting customers concerning if they are affected. If you want to know now, you can always contact Chevrolet direct at (800) 630-2438 or the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236.

If affected, take your vehicle to your dealer. They will inspect the vehicle free of charge for potential roof panel to frame separation and add specified adhesive foam or replace the roof.

The Recall is NHTSA #06V181000.

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Safety , Corvette Service | 3 Comments Permalink

For a select group of 2006 Corvette Owners, be prepared. GM will be mailing you recall information soon, or you can take corrective action on your own based on the information we're providing you.

The issue that's at hand is with the engine flywheel. Vehicles with VIN number breaks at 65115878 to 65121102 are the only ones the recall applies to. The engine and manual transmission could have a condition with the flywheel. Dealers are to inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine flywheel, of course at no cost to you. Contact your local dealer, or call us direct to see if your vehicle applies or read on for the dealer bulletin.

Continue Reading Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Safety | 4 Comments Permalink