C$ CCM Problems ??
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C$ CCM Problems ??
I am in the process of purchasing a '96 and I was warned about the CCM going bad at some point. Is this a systematic problem, that I can expect or was it overstated by the person that told me NOT to purchase a C$ because of that problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,381
Likes: 3,262
From: Hartford WI
It is true that parts sources are drying up the older you get. Even aftermarket is not as reliable as it used to be and they are discontinuing parts so you are going to, more and more, have to rely on junkyards to supply hopefully serviceable parts. I had to buy Power Steering hoses from 2 different vendors and wait a couple months for one of the to get a supply. ABS sensors? NLA so hopefully, someone will have a better one than you on eBay or a junkyard. If that is irritating to you, I wouldn't start with an older car where there are more and more occurences of No Longer Available or as my parts guy at the dealership used to do, say "Oh, Oh! Obsolete" the minute he saw me followed by a "What can I look up?" and more than half the time, he was right.
The CCM can and will fail at some point but I'm not sure I hear a lot of people desperately seeking one so maybe ok if you get a FULL PDI where the mechanic looks over EVERYTHING including doing a compression and leakdown test, drop trans pan and check all fluids.
The CCM can and will fail at some point but I'm not sure I hear a lot of people desperately seeking one so maybe ok if you get a FULL PDI where the mechanic looks over EVERYTHING including doing a compression and leakdown test, drop trans pan and check all fluids.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
C4s are old cars. 90-96 has more computer integration. CCM is not really a hot topic at this point. Keyless entry and possible draw when temp drops to freezing or below only concerns I have seen, but not at any frequency. For the most part a 96 will be as reliable as any other 96. For better or worse good C4s are being parted out. There's not a shortage of most parts the 92-93 ECM being maybe the hardest to find. So don't stress. The LT1 Optispark isn't popular with auto techs, but the vented version (95-96) is very reliable.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
I agree with ^that^. CCm's don't typically cause issues but were replaced b/c of poor diagnostics. My own car had it's CCM replaced by the PO...and the dealer programmed in 180k into the odometer instead of 130....so my car picked up 50k miles with one trip to the dealer. 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 91
From: South Dakota/California
ECM Shortage
ECMs 90-95 are interchangeable using the correct year chip (Marc Haibeck)
Once the ZR1s are reconditioned they are very reliable and miles per gallon very good.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 1,676
There are. ZR-1 parts just get snatched up quickly and stashed away for that rainy day. ECM's DIS modules, thermostat housings. All that is left is a pile of C4 parts that people are to cheap to pay for quality part. Just look at some of the repairs that people do on the forum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
Although this thread was not directed at the ZR1. ZR1 relative rarity may lead to good - worn cars being parted , because of parts obsolescence. ZR1 parts suppliers have to part out cars to have inventory. Engine or body damage to it's unique parts can lead to parting them out. Not everyone is going to be able to park it, hoping to find the necessary parts or funding to repair car. There are those who will buy a ZR1 just for the drivetrain to build a street rod or kit car.
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