SSTG

I know this question has been beat to death, but when I was searching for answers I noticed the 1999 model year had a lot less complaints of them going bad. I know all C5's are prone, but I am really thinking hard about buying this 1999 Vert in my area and the stupid EBCM issue has me scared of doing it. Am I crazy?
I can't believe we can't buy replacements! And my biggest worry is if mine craps out in a few years won't they be even harder to find,afterall you only have so many that were produced right.
Just need some sound advice on the subject guys.

Thanks, Seth.

1986coupe

Remember that many problems associated with the EBCM are actually wiring issues somewhere else. There are places out there that will rebuild the EBCM if you have problems with it.

SSTG

Thanks for your reply.

On a 1999 though? What I have read is these are NOT abel to be repaired.

zr1fred

As far as I've found out, nobody is rebuilding the 97-2000 ECBM, and yes they do go bad.

SSTG

I know anything can go bad, I just need to get a feel of how often they go bad on the 99? Some controls are just prone to failure to the point you know what's wrong before you even use any diagnostic equipment.

I read here on the board the 2001-04 models have a lot more issues with them for instance.

lucky131969

Perhaps. The reality is, the EBCMs have dried up from GM. While the 2001+ EBCMs are repairable (from a C1214 perspective), it seems that no one is capable of completely evaluating an EBCM, and doing a comprehensive rebuilt. If you are scared of buying a car, based on the availability of replacement parts, then you should be looking at a current production run......not a past production run.

SSTG

Just sad that a beautiful car with 18,000 miles in mint condition will have to be passed up because of something as simple as a control. But if no one knows how to repair them and there is no new replacement...I just can't warrant the purchase.

Truly is pathetic.

lucky131969

Like most corvettes, it will be collectable. It will take time, but eventually, there will be vendors that offer this service.

So you are saying that this 18,000 mile car has an EBCM that has failed?

SSTG

No, it has not failed. But from what I read on here it is a question of when not if.
The car is 100% stock minus a battery.

lucky131969

Unless the vehicle has a weird history (i.e. ownership, maintenance, accidents, etc) I would not hesitate for a second, to pic up a 99 with that mileage. My 99 has 83k miles, and I have not had a single issue with the EBCM. Now, I am one of those freaks who does not drive their car in rain/snow, so my vehicle is corrosion free. That really makes a difference with a C5....like it or not. 2001+ EBCMs are much more prone to failure, than the earlier years, with the common issue being the solder joints on the power relay.

SSTG

This car has never seen rain according to the owner. I believe him, it is mint.
He is 67 and bought it new so I don't think he would lie?

lucky131969

Visual inspection will tell the story in a hurry. Sounds like you found a nice car there.

Good luck with your decision.

RonSSNova

I don't think we know the failure rate on the earlier cars. Probably not solid data available on that. We only see posts about ones that have failed. I don't recall any posts about "My ECBM is Still Working". Perhaps I should start one.

It is sad that you can't buy new ones. But these cars have excellent brakes, driving w/o ABS wouldn't bother me in the least.

Personally, I'd like to figure out how to fool cars with bad units into "thinking" it is working just to shut the DIC up when starting. That seems to be the biggest nuisance. Mine is still working however.........

I too believe someone will come up with a replacement. i just wonder what the legal ramifications would be if an aftermarket unit failed.

Ron

SSTG

That's my concern also as I am told they can be driven with a bad EBCM. But I also know it would be hard to sell with the dash lit up like a Christmas tree.

SSTG

Anyone else care to give there two cents?

zr1fred

The ECBM problem does exist on some cars, seemingly randomly, as do other problems. I don't think the potential for problems is enough to prevent you from buying that or any other C5. The C5 is a great car, and a very enjoyable one!

egrand333

My son's 99 has over 150,000 miles ( bought with 19,000 mi. six years ago) and has had no major issues.

cdkcorvette7

If resale value is a factor in your decision then I would pass on any pre-2001 C5 for exactly the reason you stated above. If you plan on keeping the car for a long time I wouldn't hesitate to buy any year C5 except 97 if you found one in great condition.

meadowz06

I have owned over 10 C5's and many were 98-00 models. I did not have one ebcm failure on any of those cars. The 01's are most prone to have the C1214.

SSTG

Thank you, that is great news!