1990 Corvette Recalls, Technical Service Bulletins, & Maintenance Schedule

Additional Maintenance and Lubrication

While Operating Your Vehicle

Automatic Transmission Shift Indicator Position – Make sure the indicator points to the gear chosen.
Horn Operation – Blow the horn occasionally to make sure it works.  Check all button locations.
Brake System Operation – Be alert to abnormal sounds, increased brake pedal travel or repeated pulling to one side when braking.  Also, if a brake warning light comes on or flashes, or the anti-lock (if equipped) comes on or remains on, something may be wrong with part of the braking system.  Have it inspected and repaired at once.

Exhaust System Operation – Be alert to any changes in the sound of the system or any smell of fumes.  These are signs the system may be leaking or overheating.  Have it inspected and repaired at once.  Also see “Engine Exhaust Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)” and “Catalytic Converter” in your Owner’s Manual.

Tire and Wheel Operation – Be alert to a vibration of the steering wheel or seat at normal highway speeds.  This may mean a wheel balance is needed.  Also, a pull right or left on a straight, level road may show the need for a tire pressure adjustment or wheel alignment.

Steering System Operation – Be alert to changes in steering action.  An inspection is needed when the steering wheel is harder to turn or has too much free play or if unusual sounds are noted when turning or parking.

Headlight Aim Operation – Take note of light pattern occasionally.  If beam aim doesn’t look right, headlights should be aligned.

At Each Fuel Fill:

Engine Oil Level Check – Check engine oil level and add if necessary.  See your Owner’s Manual for further details. NOTE:  A large loss of oil in this system may indicate a problem.  Have it inspected and repaired at once.

Engine Coolant Level and Condition –  Check engine coolant level in coolant reservoir tank and add if necessary.  Replace if dirty or rusty.  See your Owner’s Manual for further details.  NOTE: A large loss in this system may indicate a problem.  Have it inspected and repaired at once.

Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check – Check washer fluid level in container and add if necessary.
At Least Monthly:

Tire Pressure Check – Keep pressures as shown on Tire Placard on the driver’s door (include spare unless it is a stowaway).  Pressure should be checked when tires are “cold”.

Light Operation Check – Check operation of license plate light, side-marker lights, headlights including high beams, parking lights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, backup lights, instrument panel and interior lights and hazard warning flashers.

Fluid Leak Check – After the car has been parked for a while, inspect the surface beneath the car for water, oil, fuel or other fluids.  Water dripping from the air conditioning system after use is normal.  If you notice fuel leaks or fumes, the cause should be found and corrected at once.

At Least Twice A Year (for example: Every Spring and Fall):

Power Steering Pump Fluid Level Check – Check power steering pump fluid level in accordance with Owner’s Manual instructions and keep at proper level.  NOTE: A large loss in this system may indicate a problem.  Have it inspected and repaired at once.

Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Fluid Level Check – Check fluid and keep at proper level.  NOTE: A low fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced.  NOTE: A large loss in this system may indicate a problem.  Have it inspected and repaired at once.

Clutch System Service – Manual Transmissions – For cars equipped with hydraulic clutch systems, check the reservoir fluid level and add fluid as required.  All others, check clutch pedal free travel and adjust as necessary.  See your Owner’s Manual for further detail.  NOTE:  A large loss in this system may indicate a problem.  Have it inspected and repaired at once.

Each Time Oil Is Changed:

Automatic and Manual Transmission/Transaxle Fluid Level Check – Check transmission/transaxle fluid level and add as required.  If equipped with manual transmission – check fluid in the overdrive unit and add as required.  NOTE: A large loss in this system may indicate a problem.  Have it inspected and repaired at once.

Tire and Wheel Inspection and Rotation – Check tires for abnormal wear or damage.  Also, check for damaged wheels.  To equalize tire wear and obtain maximum tire life, it is suggested that tires be rotated at 7,500 miles (12,500 kilometers) followed by 15,000 miles (25,000 kilometers) thereafter.  See “Tires” in owners manual for further information.

Brake Systems Inspection – For convenience, the following should be done when wheels are removed for rotation: Inspect lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.  Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition.  Also inspect drum brake linings for wear and cracks (if applicable).  Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, parking brake, etc. at the same time.  Check parking brake adjustment.   INSPECT BRAKES MORE OFTEN IF DRIVING HABITS OR CONDITIONS RESULT IN FREQUENT BRAKING.

Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection – Inspect front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication.  Inspect power steering lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.  (On cars equipped with manual steering gear, check for seal leakage.)  Replace seals if necessary.

Exhaust System Inspection – Inspect complete system.  Inspect boy near the exhaust system.  Look for broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections or other conditions which could cause a heat build up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes seep into the trunk or passenger compartment.

Throttle Linkage Inspection – Inspect for interference, binding , damaged or missing parts.

Engine Drive Belts Inspection – Inspect all belts for cracks, fraying and wear.  Adjust or replace as needed.

Rear Axle Service – Check gear lubricant level and add if needed.  Cars equipped with limited-slip differential should have gear lubricant and any required additives drained and refilled at 7,500 miles (12,500 kilometers).  See your Owner’s Manual.  IF YOU USE YOUR CAR TO PULL A TRAILER, CHANGE GEAR LUBRICANT EVERY 7,500 MILES (12,500 KILOMETERS).  NOTE: A large loss in this system may indicate a problem.  Have it inspected and repaired at once.

Power Antenna – Clean and then lubricate power antenna mast.  The proper lubricant should be used.

At Least Once A Year:

Lap and Shoulder Belts Condition and Operation – Inspect belt system, including webbing, buckles, latch plates, retractors, guide loops and anchors.

Seatback Latch and Recliner Operation – Be sure seatbacks latch using mechanical latches.  Make sure the recliner is holding by pushing and pulling on the top of the seatback while it is reclined.  See your Owner’s Manual for seat operating information.

Spare Tire and Jack Storage – Be alert to rattles in rear of car.  Make sure the spare tire, all jacking equipment, any tire inflator and any covers or doors are securely stowed at all times.  Oil jack ratchet or screw mechanism after each use.

Key Lock Service – Lubricate key lock cylinder at least annually.

Body Lubrication Service – Lubricate all body door hinges including the tailgate (if equipped).  Also lubricate the body hood, fuel door and rear compartment hinges and latches including interior glove box and counsel doors, and any folding seat hardware.

Starter Safety Switch Operation – CAUTION: Before performing the following safety switch check, be sure to have enough room around the car.  Then, firmly apply both the parking brake (see your Owner’s Manual for procedure) and the regular brakes.  Do not use the accelerator pedal.  If the engine starts, be ready to turn off the ignition promptly.  Take these precautions because the car could possibly move without warning and possibly cause personal injury or property damage.  On automatic transmission cars, try to start the engine in each gear.  The starter should crank only in “Park” or “Neutral”.  On manual transmission cars, place the shift lever in “Neutral”, push the clutch halfway and try to start.  The starter should crank only when the clutch is fully depressed.

Steering Column Lock Operation – While parked, try to turn key to “Lock” in each gear range.  The key should turn to “Lock” only when gear is in “Park” on automatic or “Reverse” on manual transmissions.  On cars with key release lever, try to turn key to “Lock” without depressing the lever.  The key should turn to “Lock” only with the key lever depressed.  On all vehicles, the key should come out only in “Lock”.

Parking Brake an Transmission “Park” Mechanism Operation – CAUTION: Before checking the holding ability of the parking brake and automatic transmission “Park” mechanism, park on a fairly steep hill with enough room for movement in the downhill direction.  To reduce the risk of personal injury or property damage, be prepared to apply the regular brakes promptly if the car begins to move. To check the parking brake, with the engine running and the transmission in “Neutral”, slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal (until the car is only held by the parking brake.)  To check the automatic transmission “Park” mechanism holding ability, release all brakes after shifting the transmission to “Park”.

Underbody Flushing – At least every spring, flush from the underbody with plain water any corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal and dust control.  Take care to thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect.  Sediment packed in closed areas of the vehicle should be loosened before being flushed.

Engine Cooling System Service – Inspect coolant and freeze protection.  If dirty or rusty, drain, flush and refill with new coolant.  Keep coolant at the proper mixture as specified in your Owner’s Manual.  This provides proper freeze protection, corrosion inhibitor level and engine operating temperature.  Inspect hoses and replace if cracked, swollen or deteriorated.  Tighten hose clamps.  Clean outside of radiator and air conditioning condenser.  Wash radiator filler can and neck.  To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of both the cooling system and cap is also recommended.