1996 Corvette Recalls, Technical Service Bulletins, & Maintenance Schedule

1996 Corvette Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Schedule

Schedule 1

Follow Schedule 1 if your car is mainly operated under one or more of the following conditions:.
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).  This is particularly important when outside temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial application.

Schedule 2

Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the conditions from the above maintenance schedule is true.

The 1996 Corvette has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This monitor will show drivers when to change their oil – usually between 3,000 miles (5,000 km) and 7,500 miles (12,500 km) since the last oil change.  Under severe conditions the indicator may come on before 3,000 miles (5,000 km).  Never drive your vehicle more than 7,500 miles (12,500 km) or 12 months whichever occurs first, without an oil change.

The system won’t detect dust in the oil.  If you drive in a dusty area be sure to change your oil every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE OIL light comes on.  Remember to reset the Oil Life Monitor when the oil has been changed.  See “GM Oil Life System” (at the bottom of this page) for more information on resetting the system.

Scheduled Maintenance

At 3,000 Miles (5,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 6,000 Miles (10,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 9,000 Miles (15,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 12,000 Miles (20,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 15,000 Miles (25,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:  In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher, in hilly or mountainous terrain. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.  If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166,000 kilometers).

At 18,000 Miles (30,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 21,000 Miles (35,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 24,000 Miles (40,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 27,000 Miles (45,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 30,000 Miles (50,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

Replace air cleaner filter.

Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any damage. Replace parts as needed.

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:  In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher, in hilly or mountainous terrain. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.  If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166,000 kilometers).

At 33,000 Miles (55,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 36,000 Miles (60,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 39,000 Miles (65,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 42,000 Miles (70,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 45,000 Miles (75,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:  In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher, in hilly or mountainous terrain. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.  If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166,000 kilometers.)
Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.

At 48,000 Miles (80,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 51,000 Miles (85,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 54,000 Miles (90,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 57,000 Miles (95,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 60,000 Miles (100,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:  In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher, in hilly or mountainous terrain. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.  If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166,000 kilometers.)

Inspect engine accessory drive belt.

Replace air cleaner filter.

Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks.  Inspect fuel cap gasket for any damage.  Replace parts as needed.

At 63,000 Miles (105,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 66,000 Miles (110,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 69,000 Miles (115,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 72,000 Miles (120,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 75,000 Miles (125,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:  In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher, in hilly or mountainous terrain. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.  If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166,000 kilometers.)

Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.

At 78,000 Miles (130,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 81,000 Miles (135,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 84,000 Miles (140,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 87,000 Miles (145,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 90,000 Miles (150,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:  In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher, in hilly or mountainous terrain. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.  If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166,000 kilometers.)

Replace air cleaner filter.

Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks.  Inspect fuel cap gasket for any damage.  Replace parts as needed.

At 93,000 Miles (155,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 96,000 Miles (160,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Lubricate the suspension, steering and transmission shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).

At 99,000 Miles (165,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).

At 100,000 Miles (166,000 Kilometers)

Drain, flush and refill cooling system (of every 60 months since last service, whichever occurs first). Inspect hoses.

Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.

Pressure test cooling system and pressure cap.

Inspect sparkplug wires. Replace sparkplugs.

If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t changed your automatic transmission fluid, change both the fluid and filter.

NOTE:  The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166,000 kilometers) should be performed after 100,000 miles (166,000 kilometers) at the same intervals.

Owner Inspection & Service Items

At Each Fuel Fill

NOTE:  It is important for you or a service station attendant to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.

Engine Oil Level Check: Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.

Engine Coolant Level Check: Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL coolant mixture if necessary.

Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check: Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary.

At Least Once a Month

Tire Inflation Check:Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
Cassette Deck Service (if so equipped): Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play.

Power Antenna Service: Clean power antenna mast.

At Least Twice A Year

Restraint System Check: Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.  Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)

Manual Transmission Check (if so equipped): Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. (See “Manual Transmission Fluid” in the right margin of this page).  Check for leaks. A fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. Have the system inspected and repaired if needed

Automatic Transmission Visual Inspection: It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level during a visual inspection of the actual transmission.  A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. Check for leaks. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your Chevrolet dealership service department and have it repaired as soon as possible.

At Least Once A Year

Key Lock Cylinder Service: Lubricate the key lock cylinders.

Body Lubrication Service: Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the hood, rear compartment, console door and any folding seat hardware.  More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.

Starter Switch Check: CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly.  If it does, you or others could be injured.

Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle.

Firmly apply the parking brake and the regular brake.

On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor.  If the starter works when the clutch isn’t pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.

Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check: CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured.

Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface.

Firmly apply the parking brake.  (NOTE: Be prepared to apply the parking brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.)

With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position, but don’t start the engine.  Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle’s BTSI needs service.

Steering Column Lock Check: While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position. With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in REVERSE (R). On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.

Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check: CAUTION: When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.

Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.  Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.

To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With the engine running and transmission in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.

To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then release the parking brake followed by the regular brake.

Underbody Flushing Service: At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.

Dealership Inspection & Service Items

At Least Twice A Year

Steering and Suspension Inspection: Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.

Tire and Wheel Inspection: Inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage. If there is irregular or premature wear, check the wheel alignment.  Inspect for damaged wheels.

Exhaust System Inspection: Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body 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 into the vehicle.

Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection: Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace as needed.  Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.  To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.

Throttle Linkage Inspection: Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Replace any cables that have high effort or excessive wear.  Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables.

Rear Axle Service: Check the gear lubricant level in the rear axle and add if needed.  A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the axle and repair it if needed.

Brake System Inspection: Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, parking brake, etc.  You may need to have your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.

GM Oil Life System

Your vehicle has a computer that lets you know when to change your engine oil. This is not based on mileage, but on engine revolutions and engine operating temperature. When the computer has calculated that the oil needs changing, the GM Oil Life System will indicate that a change is necessary. The mileage between oil changes will vary depending on how you drive your vehicle — usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 10,000 miles (16 000 km) since your last oil and filter change. Under severe conditions, the system may come on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle more than 10,000 miles (16 000 km) or 12 months (whichever occurs first) without an oil change. Use engine oil meeting the GM Standard GM4718M.

The system won’t detect dust in the oil. So, if you drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE OIL SOON message appears. Remember to reset the system whenever the oil is changed.

How to Reset the Change Oil Soon Message
To reset the CHANGE OIL SOON message after an oil change, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition to ON and with the engine off.
2. Press the TRIP button so the OIL LIFE percentage is displayed.
3. Press RESET and hold for two seconds. OIL LIFE REMAIN 100% will appear.

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1996 Corvette DIY Service Guide

Battery & Charging

Inspection & Replacement of Battery, Factory Battery Specifications, Replacement of Alternator/Generator

Belts & Hoses

How to Replace Drive Belt(s), Inspection & Replacement of Upper/Lower Radiator Hoses

Braking

Inspection & Replacement of Brake Pads, Inspection & Replacement of Front/Rear Brake Rotors, How to Replace Brake Calipers, How to Bleed Brakes, Inspection & Replacement of Master Cylinder

Heating & Cooling

Inspection & Replacement of Radiator, How to Replace the Heater Core, Inspection & Replacement of Upper/Lower Radiator Hoses, How to Flush the Cooling System, How to Replace the Water Pump, How to Replace a Thermostat.

Emissions

Location of, Inspection & Replacement of Oxygen Sensors (Upstream/Downstream), How to Replace the EGR Valve, How to Replace the Smog Pump.

Filters/PCV Valves

Location & Replacement of the Following Filters: Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, Transmission Filter, PCV Valve.

Ignition & Tune Up

How to Replace the Ignition Coil, How to Replace the Ignition Switch, Inspection & Replacement of Sparkplug Wires, Inspection & Replacement of Cap & Rotor, How to Replace Sparkplugs, Engine Firing Order, Engine Timing.

Relays & Sensors

Location & Replacement of: Mass Air Flow Sensor, Oil Pressure Sensor, Engine Temperature Sensor, Ambient Air Temperature Sensor, Fuel Pressure Sensor, Oxygen Sensors (Upstream/Downstream).

Suspension & Steering

Inspection & Replacement of Upper/Lower Ball Joints, How to Replace Control Arm Bushings, How to Replace the Power Steering Pump, Inspection & Replacement of Front Shocks/Struts, Inspection & Replacement of Rear Shocks/Struts, How to Replace Inner & Outer Tie Rod Ends.

Starter/External Engine

How to Replace the Starter Motor, How to Replace the Starter Solenoid, How to Replace the Drive Belt Tensioner, How to Replace the Idler Pulley, Location of, Inspection & Replacement of Engine (Motor) Mounts, How to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket, How to Replace the Oil Pump.

Transmission & Clutches

How to Change the Transmission Filter (Automatic Transmission), How to Replace a Clutch (Manual Transmission).