Digital Gauge SYS Error?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Central Coast CA
Digital Gauge SYS Error?
I just noticed a blinking SYS in the digital gauge of my 96 LT1 Coupe. The service manual talks about a doing a diagnostic through the data link connector (DLC). The manual goes on and on about grounding certain terminals in the DLC. It's all greek to me. Does anyone have an easy way to figure out why the SYS error is appearing?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
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From: Central Coast CA
I don't have time in my work schedule nor do we have an AutoZone in my area.
The car hasn't been started in almost a month so I'm hoping the error occured because of a low battery condition. Now I just need to see the codes to confirm this and clear it.
The car hasn't been started in almost a month so I'm hoping the error occured because of a low battery condition. Now I just need to see the codes to confirm this and clear it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,286
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From: Stamping Ground KY
Yup, 99% chance it's a low battery. The code will clear itself.
Either charge the batter or get a new one (chances are the battery is on it's way out anyway); don't let it ruin your alternator (it happened to me).
Either charge the batter or get a new one (chances are the battery is on it's way out anyway); don't let it ruin your alternator (it happened to me).
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
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From: Central Coast CA
I had let the car warm up to temp for about 30 minutes shut it down.
I just went out and started it up again and sure enough the code is gone. A low battery condition must have been it. I think I need a battery tender because the car sits more than it is driven.
Thanks for the help!
I just went out and started it up again and sure enough the code is gone. A low battery condition must have been it. I think I need a battery tender because the car sits more than it is driven.
Thanks for the help!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
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FYI - C4s will not charge their batteries by idling, nor will they do so by driving.
Either get a battery tender or just disconnect it from the car and use a 6amp charger when needed.
Either get a battery tender or just disconnect it from the car and use a 6amp charger when needed.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by stormy652
FYI - C4s will not charge their batteries by idling, nor will they do so by driving.
Since when? All cars batteries are charged by the engine operating.
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Originally Posted by Shylor
Since when? All cars batteries are charged by the engine operating.
For example, when my battery went dead, I let it idle for over two hours, shut it off and an hour later, the car wouldn't start, battery was weak still.
Best way is to fully charge the battery before attempting to start. It will make it easier on the alternator. My buddy who is a tech confirmed this.
Like you said, get a battery tender and never worry again.
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Originally Posted by Shylor
Since when? All cars batteries are charged by the engine operating.
The battery is damaged when it becomes discharged. A damaged battery cannot be "repaired" by charging it. This is why it should be charged on a regular basis. The other thing to remember is that the alternator in cars generally charge the batteries to about 80% of their capacity.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
As suggested, charge the battery with a charger capable of at least 6A, then hook up a "Battery Tender" I use this one from Harbor Freight and it works fine:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42292
It might be a good idea to have a shop perform a battery load test to see if the battey is capable of still providing adequate starting power. Letting the charge drop to where it may not be able to start the car can kill a battery in no time.
You can find 12v battery charges reasonably priced and the ones that provide 6 to 12amp output will last forever. That and a tender are two thing a Corvette owner should always have.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42292
It might be a good idea to have a shop perform a battery load test to see if the battey is capable of still providing adequate starting power. Letting the charge drop to where it may not be able to start the car can kill a battery in no time.
You can find 12v battery charges reasonably priced and the ones that provide 6 to 12amp output will last forever. That and a tender are two thing a Corvette owner should always have.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
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From: Central Coast CA
I get it now, thanks. The battery in the car is a Optima Red Top and it has worked great for several years. I specifically bought it for it's long shelf life.
Now where to get a Battery Tender at a good price.
Now where to get a Battery Tender at a good price.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 2
From: Stamping Ground KY
from above:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42292
$7.50, it don't get cheaper than that when you're talking corvettes...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42292
$7.50, it don't get cheaper than that when you're talking corvettes...
