Corvette Blog

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 | 5 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.

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 ]
 

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Safety | 0 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! 

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.

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