Just bought a 2004 C5 Coupe
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,167
Likes: 4,562
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
GM didn't put the column lock on 01-04 automatics. see the Sticky on column lock http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...by+column+lock
Congrats on the C5
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
Leaky rear end is a common problem.
I would also ask for an alignment as part of the deal. Tires are pretty expensive. Mine alignment was bad when I got the car.
I would also check/replace as many fluids as possible like the tranny, engine oil, differential oil, brake fluid. Fresh fluids make everything last longer.
Please post some pics of your new ride when you get time.
I would also ask for an alignment as part of the deal. Tires are pretty expensive. Mine alignment was bad when I got the car.
I would also check/replace as many fluids as possible like the tranny, engine oil, differential oil, brake fluid. Fresh fluids make everything last longer.
Please post some pics of your new ride when you get time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,867
Likes: 769
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
Sorry you had to settle on an auto. I know it was a bit difficult finding the right car for me too. I started out looking for red but this pewter with the 6 speed and all the options made me change my mind real quick about the color.
This is my first....is it yours?
This is my first....is it yours?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
From: Destin FL
Congratulations. 
You are going to love that car.
My advice...
1. Check for battery leaks at the terminals and down under the battery. C5's are prone to this and the primary computer is right under the battery!!!! If there is evidence of previous leaks, I'd ask the dealer to remove/replace the battery and do a thorough cleanup everywhere under the battery, PCM area particularly. Also if there is alot of evidence of leakage, have the dealer check the vacuum line that runs under the battery (they'll have to pull the front wheel off to get to it). That vacuum line is plastic and battery leakage eats it in two, then your air pump can't supply air to the AIR system and your car will start throwing trouble codes.
2. If the car has more than 30,000 miles, I'd check the service documentation to see if the air pump check valves have ever been changed. C5's have a two of these check valves and they just don't last more than about 4 or 5 years before they go bad. The driver's side can be changed in two minutes. The other one requires you to pull the intake manifold off to reach it. That's a $300 job to replace a $11 part (AutoZone) unless you do it yourself.
3. Buy Service Manuals. More info than you'll ever need, but everything you need to know when you do need it.
4. Best advice I can give - live on this forum. Visit it every day. Post on it every day. You will find people here who are happy to help you solve ANY problem with your Corvette, don't charge a penny, and everybody benefits as we learn together.
Again, congratulations.
You are going to love that car.
My advice...
1. Check for battery leaks at the terminals and down under the battery. C5's are prone to this and the primary computer is right under the battery!!!! If there is evidence of previous leaks, I'd ask the dealer to remove/replace the battery and do a thorough cleanup everywhere under the battery, PCM area particularly. Also if there is alot of evidence of leakage, have the dealer check the vacuum line that runs under the battery (they'll have to pull the front wheel off to get to it). That vacuum line is plastic and battery leakage eats it in two, then your air pump can't supply air to the AIR system and your car will start throwing trouble codes.
2. If the car has more than 30,000 miles, I'd check the service documentation to see if the air pump check valves have ever been changed. C5's have a two of these check valves and they just don't last more than about 4 or 5 years before they go bad. The driver's side can be changed in two minutes. The other one requires you to pull the intake manifold off to reach it. That's a $300 job to replace a $11 part (AutoZone) unless you do it yourself.
3. Buy Service Manuals. More info than you'll ever need, but everything you need to know when you do need it.
4. Best advice I can give - live on this forum. Visit it every day. Post on it every day. You will find people here who are happy to help you solve ANY problem with your Corvette, don't charge a penny, and everybody benefits as we learn together.
Again, congratulations.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,044
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
...hilarious...I , like lots of others didn't want to settle for a stick...terrible in traffic
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,072
Likes: 196
From: Arizona
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Reading the DIC codes is a good plan. If it was older I'd say check for battery leaks but you should be OK with an 04. The PCM sits under the battery tray and if the battery leaks acid it can damage the wiring. The newer Delcos are better apparently. Check the windows and door locks work - the relays can be flakey. Check for diff leaks.
Other than that welcome to the C5 Forum. You'll love the new Vette. Post up some pics when its home.
Other than that welcome to the C5 Forum. You'll love the new Vette. Post up some pics when its home.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 19,497
Likes: 520
From: Ideals are peaceful...History is violent...St.Charles, MO.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'12 thru'22
Congrats on your purchase!!!
Welcome to C5 nation
Welcome to C5 nation
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 1
From: atlantic city new jersey
: I to have a 04,great car,as others have said,you dont have to worry about the clb,as the autos didnt have the issue.Just wondering you said the dealer did all the service for the car.Did he run the vin # to see if there was anything that might have been missed????
I to have a 04,great car,as others have said,you dont have to worry about the clb,as the autos didnt have the issue.Just wondering you said the dealer did all the service for the car.Did he run the vin # to see if there was anything that might have been missed????
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,656
Likes: 24,661
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Congrats. Best of luck with the new car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: Deerfield VA
St. Jude Donor '07
You should have clear sailing! I have an '04 MN6, Nice car. Automatics don't have column locks, MN6's do (mine's bypassed). '04's have top post batteries, they don't leak, so no problem there. You might have early battery failure, my '04 with 40K miles had it's battery replaced this past spring.
And never mind the ribbing about the auto, there is nothing wrong with an extremely fast car that doesn't need shifting! Especially in red and a rag to boot! Nice pick!!!
John
And never mind the ribbing about the auto, there is nothing wrong with an extremely fast car that doesn't need shifting! Especially in red and a rag to boot! Nice pick!!!
John
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,059
Likes: 1,260
From: Central Ma
Leaky rear end is a common problem.
I would also ask for an alignment as part of the deal. Tires are pretty expensive. Mine alignment was bad when I got the car.
I would also check/replace as many fluids as possible like the tranny, engine oil, differential oil, brake fluid. Fresh fluids make everything last longer.
Please post some pics of your new ride when you get time.
I would also ask for an alignment as part of the deal. Tires are pretty expensive. Mine alignment was bad when I got the car.
I would also check/replace as many fluids as possible like the tranny, engine oil, differential oil, brake fluid. Fresh fluids make everything last longer.
Please post some pics of your new ride when you get time.
At the least, have them give you a fresh oil change with mobil one so you know for sure where you stand.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 3
From: Wesley Chapel FL
Congrats, I looked for 6 months before deciding on an auto with a perf rear axle. I had driven both 6 spd and auto Corvettes before and honestly most of the time I don't miss changing gears. I use my car as a daily driver and the 3.15 still throws you back in your seat!!
You'll enjoy it, nice job on the 04!
You'll enjoy it, nice job on the 04!