Blinking "SYS" indication on Instrument Panel Display?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 170
Likes: 8
Blinking "SYS" indication on Instrument Panel Display?
Before I get too excited, I thought I would ask the group about a new discovery with my 1993 40th vert.
I noticed that the letters "SYS" appear blinking in the location where one would normally read the voltage, oil temp or water temp about every 15 seconds while driving normally. Nothing seems out of order with the operation of the vehicle.
The owner's manual makes reference to this as an ECM "monitored system" issue, and to "return the vehicle to the dealer", etc. in their explanation.
What is the usual cause for this issue, and what can I look for before I get too upset or reluctant to drive the car? The only thing out of the ordinary is that I currently have one of the Bose speakers disconnected because the amp is defective.
Thanks.
Jack
I noticed that the letters "SYS" appear blinking in the location where one would normally read the voltage, oil temp or water temp about every 15 seconds while driving normally. Nothing seems out of order with the operation of the vehicle.
The owner's manual makes reference to this as an ECM "monitored system" issue, and to "return the vehicle to the dealer", etc. in their explanation.
What is the usual cause for this issue, and what can I look for before I get too upset or reluctant to drive the car? The only thing out of the ordinary is that I currently have one of the Bose speakers disconnected because the amp is defective.
Thanks.
Jack
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,771
Likes: 177
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
The SYS flashing every few minutes indicates an electrical system fault.
An aftermarket stereo, or a bad battery are two of the biggest causes.
Do some searches for "SYS", and you'll find plenty to read.
Here are a few.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-flashing.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...eedometer.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ashing-on.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...sys-flash.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Most of the time is the battery getting old and possibly getting weak. the CCM likes the battery to be in really good shape. Usually the car will run just fine anyway.
Just of principal, I would pull the codes and see if there is anything in module 1 for the CCM. If all looks good, get the battery checked and if more than 3 or 4 years old might just replace it.
I have had the (SYS) battery thing happen to me a couple times and I just ended up replacing the battery.
Disconnecting a speaker will not cause the SYS to flash.
Just of principal, I would pull the codes and see if there is anything in module 1 for the CCM. If all looks good, get the battery checked and if more than 3 or 4 years old might just replace it.
I have had the (SYS) battery thing happen to me a couple times and I just ended up replacing the battery.
Disconnecting a speaker will not cause the SYS to flash.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
Most of the time is the battery getting old and possibly getting weak. the CCM likes the battery to be in really good shape. Usually the car will run just fine anyway.
Just of principal, I would pull the codes and see if there is anything in module 1 for the CCM. If all looks good, get the battery checked and if more than 3 or 4 years old might just replace it.
I have had the (SYS) battery thing happen to me a couple times and I just ended up replacing the battery.
Disconnecting a speaker will not cause the SYS to flash.
Just of principal, I would pull the codes and see if there is anything in module 1 for the CCM. If all looks good, get the battery checked and if more than 3 or 4 years old might just replace it.
I have had the (SYS) battery thing happen to me a couple times and I just ended up replacing the battery.
Disconnecting a speaker will not cause the SYS to flash.
Mine will flash SYS when the battery gets low.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 170
Likes: 8
Battery charge
Well,
The advice and links to previous posts were overwhelming. I put the charger on last night, and the voltage now reads 13.2 instead of 12.8, and the SYS no longer flashes.
I do have a trickle charger hooked up normally, but it has been off about a month. The flashing SYS was apparent after a short run to the store yesterday, where the charging voltage was 14.3. I would think the battery should charge sufficiently from the run, but apparently it did not. The battery is 3 years old - supposedly a 7-year "Titanium "job from Auto Advantage before they dropped the 7-year warranty and went to 5 years.
Thanks
Jack
The advice and links to previous posts were overwhelming. I put the charger on last night, and the voltage now reads 13.2 instead of 12.8, and the SYS no longer flashes.
I do have a trickle charger hooked up normally, but it has been off about a month. The flashing SYS was apparent after a short run to the store yesterday, where the charging voltage was 14.3. I would think the battery should charge sufficiently from the run, but apparently it did not. The battery is 3 years old - supposedly a 7-year "Titanium "job from Auto Advantage before they dropped the 7-year warranty and went to 5 years.
Thanks
Jack
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
I am not sure what the alternator puts out for power but it does not like low batteries at all. The last time I had the issue it took a 50 mile trip (about an hour) to stop the SYS message.
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Auburndale Florida
I bought my 91 last April and it does the same thing (SYS message flashing), was told by the guy that sold it to me, that it has done it since he replaced the stereo with an after market unit. I don't know for sure, but some manufacturers use computer systems that display the fault codes through the radio display. If that be the case, the computer may not interface with the aftermarket stereo and may display the SYS message. Mine has ran fine with no problems, except for that damn blinking SYS message!! Ha Ha
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,771
Likes: 177
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
I bought my 91 last April and it does the same thing (SYS message flashing), was told by the guy that sold it to me, that it has done it since he replaced the stereo with an after market unit. I don't know for sure, but some manufacturers use computer systems that display the fault codes through the radio display. If that be the case, the computer may not interface with the aftermarket stereo and may display the SYS message. Mine has ran fine with no problems, except for that damn blinking SYS message!! Ha Ha
Start here in the audio section:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...audio-faq.html
In that article is link to the TSB providing details.
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c4/dave8476/index4.shtml
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