Known C5 Issues?
 

Hello forum!

I've been reading through this quite a bit the last several months in preparation of my first Vette. I've drooled over them since I was a kid - now 32 - and think I am finally fixing to take the leap and put one in the garage. Won't be what I exactly want, but in the meantime will suffice until I can get this business up and running like I know I will, then it will be upgrade time.

Right now, I am debating either a lower mileage C5, or slightly higher mileage C6 - I can find the 5 with mileage in the 50's around 15k here locally, the 6 with high 80-90 around 21k. Going to check out an 02 C5 in the next couple of days - what are known issues I need to look for? And this is a redundant topic, I apologize - I searched for like 15 minutes for a similar thread under the search field with no luck. Thanks in advance for your time!

Dammit, it never fails that I suck at the search function. Please feel free to delete. Thanks!

To the Op, just remember that not all 'issues' will happen on every car. Most are easily pemanenetly fixable and not terrilby expensive if caught ahead of time. The fuel gauge problem is the one item that can be expensive if you have that problem and want to permanently fix it. (new sending units). EBCM on pre 2001 also. (GM no longer makes replacemnt parts).

And if the links provided by 8VETTE7 weren't enough reading for you, I have some Word files that might help you out when looking for a C5, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist. If you'd like a copy, just PM me your e-mail address. :thumbs:

Good luck with your search - and if it were me - I'd go with the lower mileage C5.

Known C5 issues = some of the owners....lol

Or Operator Error....:rofl:

Thanks for making the effort but I will say it irks me when people give others a hard time for not searching... especially newer people to the board. This is *not* a complete list, but here are few things on the C5:

1) Driver side rear differential shaft seal - they leak. Look under the car and if you see a lot of black discoloration on the driver's side of the rear suspension cradle, it can be a sign of the problem

2) Bad Gas gauges - the gas gauge isn't the problem. The problem is with the sending assemblies going bad... there are two of them. Make sure the gas gauge is reading correctly. As the seller if he has had problems with inaccurate readings.

3) Door control modules - there is a relay that goes out and locking doors won't work. Make sure you try to lock/open door with FOB and door console buttons

4) HVAC Actuators - make sure when AC is on, both driver and passenger sides are cold, when heat is on, both driver and passenger sides are hot.

5) Check for codes - you can check codes on the C5... something a smart consumer should do... here's how,

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-codes-c5.html

I've experienced problems with the EBCM and the passengers side door lock module. Parts are available and the old ones can be repaired if that is your choice, just check on this Forum.

I didn't know about this Forum before I bought my '02 so I just lucked out on the year. I would suggest an '02 or later, low mileage C5.

OBD

I would go with '02 or later C5.
good luck with the search

I wasn't so lucky....

I got an 02. I have some issues with it, the EBCM being the major but was easy to fix. The best thing I think you can learn is how to recall codes. Then check the codes on the cars you are thinking about buying. WTH, you can practice on cars at a dealer.

It will be a used car, so like any, it will not be perfect. Leaky but seems to be the most common and costly problem. But if you work on cars, seems to be easy fix. Just a lot of labor time. Join a corvette club in your aera, and ask/learn who does the best repairs. You may even find folks that are willing to help you repair as well. Good luck.

what changed in 02? i was always under the impression that it was 01+ where the major improvements came in. one of which being the repairable ebcm

Wow, thanks for all the great posts guys. Been a crazy day and just now catching up on here before I crash. I'm now also considering a 2001 Z that I've found with 37k miles for $19,500, black on black with bolt action, looks to be a nice find, supposed to go look at it in the next day or two. Now, though, it sounds like it might be better to lean to the 02 and newer? I, too, thought that it was the 01-up, can anyone clarify?

I've had my 2001 for 9 years. the only thing i've spent any $ for repairs was the gas gauge. It cost $9.00 for a bottle of Techtron additive. within 1/2 mile the guage was corrected. that's been a couple years and no more issues. By the way, this C5 get "great" MPG. Most of my driving is 40 miles round trip to work. the average for the last two years is 30.4! it's a 6 speed manual rag top.