Howdy from San Antonio, Texas!
I'm looking into buying a C4, I've wanted one for a couple of years now and I finally think I've found one that I like. Looks very well taken care of and hope to officially join the corvette family soon.
I've got a couple of questions before I buy it though

Before starting the questions, it's a 1994 C4 Hatchback in white with black stripes and a nice sounding flowmaster exhaust
I went to take a look at it today and took it out for a test drive. Started up fine, weather stripping was ok, A/C, radio, mirrors, windows, and buttons work, new tires, no fluid leaks that I saw, but I noticed a few things that have me slightly concerned as to whether this will be a money pit or a good car

First, when driving, the ABS warning light and the Service ASR lights both came on. The owner assures me it's never affected the drivability of the car, but it's still concerning seeing little red lights pop up. Kept driving, and while stopping it seemed kind of pulsatey, almost like warped rotors but not quite, I'm not sure how to explain that. Could these be related and how?

Second, the fuel gauge does not read the fuel level. It pops up when you first start the car, but then doesn't read anything. This is something that, if I get this car, I want to get fixed immediately. Any ideas of what it could be?

Third, the AC works, but only comes out of the feet vents and the defroster vents (at the same time...) and wont switch. AC is AC, but I'd like to fix this if I can, so any suggestions on that?

Other than that, the car seemed in pretty darn good condition. I'm gonna take it to firestone on 4-3-17 to get it inspected from top to bottom to see what they find, but I figured it'd be good getting a second opinion from fellas who've actually owned vettes like these and dealt with these problems at one point or another. If you need any more info for the stuff thats going on with it just ask and I'll be happy to tell ya what I know
Looking forward to officially joining the family!
~Kenmathis

 

Welcome to the CF! The problems you've already found would be a deal breaker for me unless you are getting it for a great price and can do a lot of the repair work yourself. You should ask a Moderator to move this to the C4 area for the best replies.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks guys!
I'm getting it for $4500, but with the fuel gauge problem I guess that might put it aroud $5000, which is about the higher end of my budget. But from the looks of it, the float and fuel sending unit look pretty easily accessible, so as log as thats all I need to replace for that to work then the only thing I'm concerned about is the lights dealing with traction control

 

good luck and welcome to the forum!

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

I'm going to move this to the C4 Tech area for more responses directly related to your questions.

 

All of the issues you mentioned sound easily fixable, except for the ABS/ASR. I would negotiate the price accordingly. I own an '89, so some of the systems are different. I am also in SA, so let me know if you need a hand...

Steve

 

Check the brake fluid level in the master, make sure it's full. The ASR light will come on if fluid is low. Good luck with your purchase if you decide to buy.

 

I had a 94 that had the brake light, ABS and ASR lights on at the same time. It was the master cylinder level sending unit. It goes right through the master cylinder. Replaced it and the pig tail and the lights went out.

 

My son had similar ABS/ASR/pulsating brakes on his '01 Z/28. Problem was a failed ABS control module. We replaced that and all was well.

Having said that, it does not mean it is your issue.

The fuel gauge sounds like a sending unit issue or a ground wire issue.
Should be pretty straight forward to sort out.

If everything else checks out on the car, sound like it could be good deal.

How many miles and does it come with any service history?

 

I'm sure he does. If you don't have ABS, and have to have it fixed, you need to price it out accordingly. Forget Firestone. I'd go to GM and see what they say. They can tell you if you can get the part or whether it is obsolete and you have to get it somewhere else. I don't put up with anything brake related. It either all works or I have to have it fixed. What is the worst case scenario? I'd have them check the rotors out for thickness and how warped it is.

This is the most minor of issues, IMO.

It might mean you have to take it all apart and redo since you will want to have defrost if it gets misty.

All in all, I'd skip Firestone. Get a GM dealership with the correct tools to do the diagnostics and price accordingly. The way it sounds, I wouldn't take it for more than $1000

 

I just completed a transaction on a low mile car. The ABS light was on. I asked the seller to have it checked out for "us".... It was at the dealer overnight.... turned out to be build up on the wheel sensors. They were cleaned off and the light is off. Maybe it will be as easy as that for you....
Good Luck!

 

Worse case scenario, you end up buying a new sending unit. They are known for going bad, especially if the car has sat for a while. Pretty easy to replace though, you could probably do it in an hour even if it's your first time.

My car is an '85, but I don't think the fuel sender changed much in those years.

 

Low brake fluid?

 

Yes sir, if the sensor in the master reads low it will set the ASR service light. Filled mine up and light has been off for months.

 

Maybe, maybe not. I wouldn't advise him to take a chance. Get it diagnosed professionally with a person that has the right tools not guesswork. If that is all it takes, have the owner do it and that might make the car worth a little more but NFW would I take such a car unless he deducted replacing everything in the ABS system. Parts plus labor

 

The heater could be a vacuume leak, that's where they default to, defrost and floor...

 

Umm...just another point of view. $4,500 is OK if it is not your only means and YOU DO YOUR OWN WORK. And by work, I DO NOT mean using the latest wax of the week, clear plastic 'burn out' paint protectors and changing oil. Can you wear a blindfold, tie one arm behind your back and change a water pump, do your own brake job, change your muffler bearings. Point is a $4,500 vette with the problems you list...if you're writing checks for the repairs...you'd be better off paying nearly $8,000 for a vette with less issues.

Cheers to you for checking the forum before you buy...wish you the best. And if you get that buggy...pop on here and we will help you fix. But honestly....I'd pass and keep looking. BTW....How many frogs did you kiss to find this prince? PLEASE tell me this is not the first one you looked at...

 

Bingo....