My car needs help and so do i!!!
At the suggestion of a senior member, I started a new thread to see if anyone could help me out..
I'll preface this by saying, I'm a single, white, (blonde) female and that just makes dealing with my car harder, but I've been in the car biz for a while and I'm not an idiot, but when I go to a dealer or mechanic and they see that car, I get told all kinds of crap...I have done a lot of stuff myself, I am not afraid to learn...however, this has me lost...

So, I have thrown the C1287 code, and have been told numerous things about that, but for now it's not being a problem...what is happening now is that my rear end is slipping somehow. I can be driving straight down the road and all of a sudden active handling engages, a brief ABS light flashes on my dash, and every now and then she'll even throw out a "Service Vehicle Soon" message, or disengage my cruise control. There are also times when I don't think I'm going to stop when I press the brakes, and those I just replaced myself so I know they are good.
I do need new tires, which I am getting wednesday, do yall have any suggestion for a brand, moderately priced? I'm not doing the run flat either, the road noise is retarded...I know the tires will help but I don't know, I've driven vettes my whole life and never felt unsafe like I do now. It's just really squirly all the time. Since I'm not a BOA, Id rather not replace my EBCM right off if it could be something easier..Thoughts?....Oh, and I have also checked and cleaned all ground wires as well...(read that here and did it)

 

I had those symptoms on my 04 vert (without any codes) and it turned out to be the steering column position sensor. Dealer repaired under extended warranty. Good luck.

 

Sounds like that could be your problem?
Here is a list.
Good luck.

http://www.stengel.net/diccodes.htm

 

When looking for tires....I put General Tires on my car....best bang for the buck
.

 

EBCM or steering wheel position sensor would be my guess..

 

I recently put the Firestone Wide Ovals on my Z06, a whole lot of bang for the buck!! MUCH quieter than the GoodBoots. Also seem to ride a lot better. Good luck...

 

I removed the run flats, upgraded my wheels (Ace Slick Hyperblack) and moved into a set of Yokohamas. Great tires and a night and day difference compared to the run-flats. I also bought a tire comfort kit and keep that in the back storage are just in case.

I would also suggest hooking up with a local Corvette Club. I know there are pros/cons with each club based on how much you want to participate, etc., however the one great advantage is you get to meet other Corvette owners who can provide mechanical and service shop recommendations. That has been one of my favorite benefits of the club I belong to.

My wife's DD had an electrical gremlin and after three separate visits to the stearlership and no fix despite spending a lot of $$$ on other non-related maintenance, I asked my Corvette Club guys and they recommended a good, no bull, mechanic/shop. He fixed the problem for less than $50.00. Stuff like that really goes a long way...

 

I had all those issues and it was the steering position sensor. You can do it yourself but too much pressure moving the steering column could activate the air bag. So I had dealer do the deed good job no more problems or codes.

 

Just another suggestion. Start a new thread on here if there are any performance shops in the Dallas area. I don't know of any myself, but I'm sure someone here does. Just an alternative to taking it to the dealer if you don't feel comfortable with them. A C5 specialist may work out better for you.

 

I have a set on mine too.

 

I live in Arlington and am a member of BRCC club, (http://www.brazosrivercc.com/) and we get service discounts at Classic Chevy in Granbury. I know that may be be a bit far, but it is the only one I can think of off the top of my head.

If you are interested, PM me and I will get a list of other good service places in the area from other club members.

It soulds like the steering position sensor is the best place to start.

T of T&C

 

I had the exact same symptoms as the OP, and the exact same problem. Also dealer repaired under extended warranty (GMPP).

I spoke with the tech when I went to pick it up. Apparently you have to tear out the whole dash to get at it. Not a job for "weekender" mechanics.

 

donno about that.. i finished the who job in about 1.5 hours.. basic hand tools..

 

Try 21st Century Muscle Cars in Carrollton off Midway. My husband takes his vette there when needed. They do good work and labor is reasonable. We're in the North Texas Corvette Club if your looking for a club and James Woods is our sponsor, also does discounts for members. Susan

 

Not sure about the code problem. But for tires I have had the Goodyear GS D3'S and have the Bridgestone RE050 Pole Positions on the car right now. I think I am going with the Bridgestones again. Both have been great tires.
Best of luck to you.

 

The bad steering wheel position sensor that is throwing the code will cause the traction control/active handling system to go nuts, making the car shutter and do a rear end shimmy. My car started off with the same cruise control issue, then progressed to the shutter thing for months. My mechanic kept replacing parts (wheel speed sensors etc) till I finally got the c1287 code. It's scary at 80mph.

Just have it replaced and the problem goes away.

I'm due for tires soon also. Bridgestone Portenzas (again) for me. They lasted 35k. Also consider non-run flats. Much nicer/quieter ride.

 

Amazing! Thank you so much to everyone for the suggestions. I do have a great relationship with Corvettes of Dallas, well, their parts manager anyway, and he helps me out but I still just needed to know more, hear more, etc...yall know how it goes.
I have thought several times about the local car clubs bc I know I would not only meet some great people, but have avenues for stuff like this as well..I think my hangup has been not really feeling like I bring much to the table... When Corvettes of Dallas had their grand re-opening a ton of diff clubs were there, and I saw alot again when we did the toy run with the Harley's at christmas...everyone is so nice, I just don't know what I have to offer them...maybe I'm just weird...yeah, I am, it's flippin 240 am and I'm doing this...lmao!!!

BF Goodrich gforce All season I found really cheap and they got an avg rating...mind you, I DO NOT drive this car like most...I do not drive fast in town, I do not drive fast on the highway..I do not race, or go around corners crazy..it might as well have a 3 cyl engine for all I care...I drive it cuz it's HOTTTTT! lol... Any thoughts on those tires???

 

1) Dont worry about what you bring to the table, you are a vette girl (no sexist pun intended), and btw you are helping our EEO #'s sorry couldnt resist. Just go, you will enjoy it and they will too.

2) The non run flats are fine but you may want to consider one of the newer runflats (the Michelin as zp for instance). Performs very well, its a whole lot quieter and rides a ton better than the oem Goodyears and . . .
Its a runflat, which keeps you off the side of the road, at night, alone, waiting for a tow, which would be my main concern if you were my wife or daughter. Just a suggestion.

 

Please give CJ or me a call direct. We have a couple of SERVICE specials taking place that can help with your driving issue and we have FREE tire installation and balancing on the tire specials we are having.
With over 160 years of experience of working exclusively on Vettes in our shop --- why go anywhere else?
Todd

 

Nicole, please post the tire sizes you currently have on your car (front & rear). If the rear tires are not at least a half inch taller than the fronts, the traction control can cause the symptoms you have described. If the tires are too close to the same diameter the traction control thinks the rear tires are spinning and tries to stop it. Nothing wrong with the car, it's just doing it's job.

Good luck... GUSTO