87 Ragtop

Ever since I bought this car, it's had the random "service active handling" error on it. I've had the code C1296 on it. Just lived with it because I assumed it would be a high dollar repair. I had the ABS act up on me last year and took it to a local shop. They redid a connector on one of the sensors and said both codes went away and didn't come back. Thought it was fixed..... well a few hundred miles later the SAH error was back.... UGH.

I just refinanced my house so I figured now was a good time to finally get it at least looked at. It has been coming on quite regularly, after hitting a bump or just driving for a while. It came on as I drove the mile to the dealership.

I take the Window Valet out knowing they're going to need the port to run the tests. They clear the code and CAN NOT get it to duplicate. They kept it for 2 more days and did not get it to come back. I'm on the phone in disbelief. The guy was telling me they went over rough roads and drove it harder but it never repeated!!. At this point I realize the only variable that is different is the window valet. I have left it out and so far the past 4 days, it has not gone off on me either. Used to get it all the time.

I'm going to Bowling Green KY later this week and will leave it out for the trip down, and then put it in on the way back to see if it does comes on in either case. I'm starting to think that it is the window valet causing it.

I searched and see that it has caused other random codes for other people but no Active Handling issues... It came with the car so it's several years old...

Has anyone other Window Valet owners have this or other "gremlins" unexpectidly appear after having it for a while?

Those of you with the Service Active Handling error... Do you run the Window Valet? Might want to yank it out... You never know....

4deatr

I have the same thing happen with mine. I never even gave the Window Valet a thought.

AZLeMansC5

What year of Corvette were you using the "Window Valet" with? Also, is the car equipped with either the F-45 and/or JL4 suspension options? Both? One? Neither? Thanks!

Gsmooth33

I just installed the window valet last weekend and I haven't gotten any error messages yet

87 Ragtop

2001 Convertible. Just the Z51.

Drove it all night tonight also.... no Service Active Handling popped up and I hit one hell of a bump.

87 Ragtop

I never did either. I just wonder if something went bad in it. Never thought I'd hope a code would pop up but so far it looks like the Window Valet may be the culprit in my case anyways!!

87 Ragtop

I'm thinking mine developed a problem years ago. It works great, but might be feeding the computer something causing it to throw the code. It's always in a history code not current.

Tuscany

I've had the Window Valet for over two years without any trouble. Having said this, it's definitely in a position to cause trouble if something's wrong with it.

FormerlyFiero

I've had my Window Valet two years in two very different C5's, a base '97 Coupe and an '03 Anniversary Edition Convertible with no problems at all. I suppose it's possible for it to exaggerate an existing low level problem but I doubt it. These cars can be picky about their computers though.

DeeGee

I've heard this before and I cant think why a module that operates the door control modules could affect the EBCM functions.

I've had a C1287/C1288 for ages and I think in my case its the SWPS. It takes a 5V signal operating on a null from the column. It's been persistent but I just haven't got round to replacing it. I've had a WV for 8 years and I ran without problems until about 2 years ago.

That said, I'll join the investigation and pull my Window Valet for a while.

Let's see.

4deatr

Base 2001

Rookieracer

I wonder how old the Windows Valet is? I've had one on my 2002 and my dads 2001, both Verts for about 6 months. Both purchased new.

There was a firmware update a few years ago that added some undocumented features. Top Down Tech will swap them out with an updated one for a small fee.

4deatr

I got mine when they first come out not sure when that was.

rwlc5

I have had the window valet for at least 10 years in my 99 f-45 convertible and never had a problem.

87 Ragtop

Well it was a great theory....... But I had it pop on again a couple times today. It would have been a much cheaper fix. I'll probably take it back to the dealership and let them keep it longer to see if they can get it to do it again.

At least I can now put my Window Valet back in...

Still seems odd that the active handling would constantly come on, then when I take the Valet out... nothing for over 300 miles!!!! Today twice within 20 miles :will y:

I want to have it fixed but can't afford to do the lets replace this and see what happens game

SeaFiveSix

Very interesting thread. No problems on short rides, but I have been getting the SAH message whenever I take the car on a trip. After driving for about two hours a side to side jerk will happen and it will come on, and after a while the "service vehicle soon" will light. After I turn the car off and on again it all goes away. Codes are c1287H,c1288H, B0361HC, B2860H,U1160H, U1064H. Don't always get them all and hardly ever do they register as current.

I have had two different window valets, the first was defective but haven't seen any reason to suspect the second one. Anyone have a guess what's going on?

Thanks,
Earle

SeaFiveSix

Thanks for the reply.

My car is a 2003 convertible six speed manual. Originally built with F55 suspension but that was turned off several years ago (shocks were all leaking and the price to replace was shocking!) and replaced with C6 Z06 shocks and sway bars. LT headers, Xpipe, Borla Stingers, K&N CAI. Tuned by EFI Alchemy.

So how do I check codes with the car on? I thought you could only do it with the ignition on and the car off.

Thanks again,
Earle

P.S. Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread.

SeaFiveSix

Thanks for all the info.

Too bad it's not the window valet. that would have been an easy fix. OTOH, I like being able to roll the windows down before I get in the hot car. I'll check into the SWPS.

algZO6

my window valet caused my car to throw all sorts of codes. its been sitting in my desk for 3 years and no more codes.

zeeya31

02 z06 no problems with window valet, but had the active handling problem and the abs light. I would be willing to bet it is the ECBM, do a search on the forum for the abs fixer, I removed my ECBM and shipped to abs fixer, no more problems everything works like a champ!