Scared To Death Now !

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Dec 17, 2009 | 05:54 PM

#21

JerzeyJoe

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 922

Likes: 1

From: North New Jersey

Who posts for help when they don't need it?
Super reliable car. One last thing, if something does go bad, it's still a Chevy. Won't break the bank.

Dec 17, 2009 | 06:05 PM

#22

jpandes

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 1,947

Likes: 8

From: Redwood City CA

Don't worry about it. These cars are very reliable. I think the people post are indeed having issues and are looking to the forum for help, but there are tons of other corvette owners happily driving around trouble-free with huge grins on their faces.

My 03Z06 has been a joy to own with very few issues...only had to replace the EBCM (under warranty) and I have put over 30,000 miles on it in the past two years. I also have few mods(see sig.)

Oh yeah, I did have to replace the stock LS6 Clutch because my new heads & cam added too much power

It's a nice problem to have...

Last edited by jpandes; Dec 17, 2009 at 06:08 PM.

Dec 17, 2009 | 06:06 PM

#23

ronssito

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 2,784

Likes: 1

From: Silicon Valley

Dec 17, 2009 | 06:08 PM

#24

PONI ETR

Racer

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 481

Likes: 0

From: Lake Forest CA

I have a '99 coupe with 88k. Mostly good luck. Replaced oil pressure sending unit, steering column locked and I installed the bypass, fuel gauge is looney, but I haven't run any Chevron Techron through it yet.
I don't see where you listed the mileage. But you ought to change the trans and diff fluids. If they're original, follow the owner's manual.
Look under the firewall floorboard mat on the passenger side and see if the column lock bypass was installed. If not, DO THIS. It's the best $50you'll ever spend.
Since you probably don't know what you're looking for, take it to a Corvette shop--not a dealer, and ask them to look. It should take them 60 secs.
I've never been to this place, but Franks Performance Vettes in Costa Mesa is close to you. 949-646-5751.
And don't worry about water leaks in Huntington Beach. We don't get enough rain to worry.
Go to the Regional forum and look under So. Cal. You'll find a lot of events, cruises, etc. and you'll meet a lot of knowledgeable people who'll be glad to share experiences, advice, etc.
Enjoy the ride.

Dec 17, 2009 | 06:10 PM

#25

AlwaysbnChevy

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 21

Likes: 0

From: Virginia Bech VA

I got my 99 about a year ago. The Oil Pressure sending unit went out a week after I got it. I bought it from the Chevy Dealer and was under a 30 day warranty. No cost to repair. I had to fix my drivers side Sport Seat because it was draining my battery. I fixed that myself thanks to much help from this forum. Other than that, no problems. Still runs great. Fun to drive and I am glad I got it. Let the Mods begin! I will keep it a long time. Help from this forum and the Corvette club that I joined gives me confidence that I can fix things myself if something else ever goes wrong. This is the greatest car forum EVER!!!

Dec 17, 2009 | 06:13 PM

#26

lucky131969

Tech Contributor

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 19,470

Likes: 1,171

From: Dyer, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by saxtech

Hi Friends:
I just bought my first corvette only 13 days ago and love it. Since then I have scoured the classifieds for Chrome Wheels and aftermarket exhaust and have been excited to spend my nickles and dimes on my new (used) car.

I found what I was looking for and admire my beautiful 99 torch red Corvette every day.

But today I spent some time in the Tech Section of this forum and got VERY scared reading all of the inherent problems that guys are having with their c5's.

Everything from failing oil pressure gauges to water leaking into the car from poorly sealed body panels - and every other problem you could imagine.

MY GOSH ! did I buy something that is going to give me a life of misery if it is having problem after problem like you find in the tech section ?

I even saw many posts on guys having their oil pressure sending units go out on them several times in one month or more and they insist that they will continue to go out forever.

Just thought I would see if you guys are all doom and gloom here like seems to be in the Tech Section of this forum - I started getting depressed and shut my screen down after reading - NOT a happy place in that section - although it is a VERY HELPFUL place when you have a problem

I just hope I don't have a bunch of problems now - Kinda scared to start my car now to find out the Oil Pressure gauge is failed like all the others. Wondering also if my rear storage compartments are filled with water too.

I just want to shine it and drive it - not see it broke down in my garage.

Settle down..

Internet car forums predominantly discuss two major topics: Problems, and modifications. You can go to any car forum, and learn of common problems with that vehicle.....foreign and domestic.

Dec 17, 2009 | 06:13 PM

#27

Blue 92

Team Owner

Joined: May 1999

Posts: 22,830

Likes: 13

From: Columbus Ohio

CI 3-4, 8-9-10 Veteran

St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10

Quote:

Originally Posted by saxtech

But today I spent some time in the Tech Section of this forum and got VERY scared reading all of the inherent problems that guys are having with their c5's.

That's one of the primary reasons for the Tech section is to post problems.

If you go to the "Return Goods" section of a store after Christmas are you going to stop shopping there because everyone was returning merchandise?

Count up the number of C5 Corvettes made then count the posts for a particular problem. Calculate the percentage. It's not as bad as the Tech section would make you think.

Dec 17, 2009 | 06:21 PM

#28

rdline

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 2,411

Likes: 3

From: slidell louisiana

It is like anything on the internet, sometimes too much info is bad. I have had my c5 for 3 years and none of the problems everyone has mentioned. Bought it with 23k miles and have 61k now plus a bunch of money in it for mods. You will be fine and best of all if any of the things happen ( all cars have things happen) then you have a great resource for answers

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Dec 17, 2009 | 06:24 PM

#29

moserbe

Race Director

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 11,664

Likes: 15

From: Wellsboro Pa

Don't worry, be happy and enjoy your new ride.

Dec 17, 2009 | 06:31 PM

#30

rdwiv

Pro

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 554

Likes: 12

From: southeast

Quote:

Originally Posted by saxtech

Hey I am new also and digging through all of the information can be a bit much...but you get ok with it after a while. It is SOOOOOO valuable and will save you much time and $$$$. The experienced forum members are also extremely good and very helpful. C5s are great cars

Dec 17, 2009 | 08:23 PM

#31

saxtech

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 635

Likes: 14

From: Huntington Beach / Fountain Valley California

Quote:

Originally Posted by PONI ETR

I have a '99 coupe with 88k. Mostly good luck. Replaced oil pressure sending unit, steering column locked and I installed the bypass, fuel gauge is looney, but I haven't run any Chevron Techron through it yet.
I don't see where you listed the mileage. But you ought to change the trans and diff fluids. If they're original, follow the owner's manual.
Look under the firewall floorboard mat on the passenger side and see if the column lock bypass was installed. If not, DO THIS. It's the best $50you'll ever spend.
Since you probably don't know what you're looking for, take it to a Corvette shop--not a dealer, and ask them to look. It should take them 60 secs.
I've never been to this place, but Franks Performance Vettes in Costa Mesa is close to you. 949-646-5751.
And don't worry about water leaks in Huntington Beach. We don't get enough rain to worry.
Go to the Regional forum and look under So. Cal. You'll find a lot of events, cruises, etc. and you'll meet a lot of knowledgeable people who'll be glad to share experiences, advice, etc.
Enjoy the ride.

Thank you so much -

To address your Questions - My new (used) Vette is a 99 and it has only 24,000 miles on it (Like New) - I'm the 3rd owner.

Under the GM VIS History Report it says -

N2061 - SWITCH - COLUMN RELEASE (STEERING) REPLACE 5542 MILES .

V0743 - ECL RELAY HARNESS REPLACE 5542 MILES

Is this the Steering Lock Bypass re-call you guys talk of ? Does this mean it has been done ?

The guy who sold it to me did not give me ANY maintenance records - The Oil Life Indicator on the dash says oil life 38 percent (Do I need to Change The oil yet ? - it is slightly brown but not bad - not black) I don'thave ramps or a low profile jack yet so I want to wait a few months till after the holidays -

Remember - ONLY 24,000 miles on it.

Thanks again guys.

Dec 17, 2009 | 09:02 PM

#32

tail_lights

Race Director

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 10,581

Likes: 252

From: SE TEX

Drive it and have fun doing it

the miles of smiles will quickly make you forget what you read, but just in case, we are here to help

Enjoy!!!!!!

Dec 17, 2009 | 09:10 PM

#33

wcsinx

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 24,160

Likes: 78

With an 11 year old car with so few miles, I'd be concerned about all the rubber. Start by replacing all the coolant lines, plug wires, and tires (if they're original). You might even consider swapping in a new water pump while you have the lines out. They're cheap, and sitting for prolonged periods is not kind to them. Check the differential as well ... good chance the driver's side seal will be leaking.

Oh and FWIW, I'd say the same thing about ANY car that old with so few miles ... well with the exception of the diff seal.

Last edited by wcsinx; Dec 17, 2009 at 09:14 PM.

Dec 17, 2009 | 09:18 PM

#34

itzza427

Le Mans Master

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 7,604

Likes: 8

From: Belleville Il

Quote:

Originally Posted by saxtech

Not an expert on the recall numbers,,but the ELC replacement harness and column releas,,SOUND like you've had the infamous FACTORY FIXES!!! These are a first class invitation for getting stranded!!! The Column Lock Bypass,,CLB is an aftermarket fix that eliminates the problem!! To find it (there are threads on how to get there) Is just inside the dash knee pad where a small harness is connected to the new factory harness with a cube on it. They can and DO fail. This is replaced with the small after market unite. I've had mine in for a year and a half and not a hint of trouble. I had one that I had ordered,,was in no rush,,after all mine had had TWO recall fixes done before I bought it,,,BAM god stranded by the now programed in 2mph fuel cut off(I have the M6 transmission). A couple of tip offs are,,1- can you turn the wheel with the key off and out of the ignition? and 2- when you turn the key on or off do you hear a little Bzzzt of the solenoid trying to activate or retract the column locking pin? If you hear the sound and can still move the wheel when it should be locked ,,YOU ONLY have the factory fix

!!An aftermarket CLB,,is quiet!! If you want to ,,shoot me a PM.

Dec 17, 2009 | 09:29 PM

#35

Tigershark3

Melting Slicks

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 2,995

Likes: 61

From: Fort Wayne IN

My '99 has had it's share of issues but if I have the time I don't mind working on it..... my issues include headlight gears, passenger window, broken ignition wire, tire pressure sensor batteries, and oil pressure sensor plus now it's got a rough idle - sounds like a cylinder is missing. Given all of that I still enjoy driving the car every chance I get. $.02

Dec 17, 2009 | 09:41 PM

#36

Jistari

Safety Car

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 3,640

Likes: 83

From: . New York

I've heard this story a thousand times

Apparently, pretty normal turn of events. I did the same thing.

Buy the car, start frequenting the forums, read about problems people have, run downstairs, check car....nope....back up stairs. Next day...read some more...gah! does mine do that?

....go check the car...nope.....well what if it "starts" doing that

Relax

its all good. These are great cars. They are near bulletproof. Even when you hear of a problem, its rare that it disables the vehicle. And as stated above, you can generaly either find out for yourself here whats going on and what needs to be done about it or in very short order someone will tell you whats going on even if you have no idea despite looking.

Beats being at the mercy of whomever you bring it to if you have a problem. Always good to go into it with a little knowledge.

At any rate, we tend to skim over the "I love this car" info in posts and zero in on the "this weird thing happened the other day . . ."

Drive it, stare at it

and enjoy it, you're gonna love this car

Dec 17, 2009 | 09:45 PM

#37

craig04c5

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 3,012

Likes: 15

From: Jensen Beach FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by PONI ETR

I have a '99 coupe with 88k.
Look under the firewall floorboard mat on the passenger side and see if the column lock bypass was installed. If not, DO THIS. It's the best $50you'll ever spend.
Since you probably don't know what you're looking for, take it to a Corvette shop--not a dealer, and ask them to look. It should take them 60 secs.
I've never been to this place, but Franks Performance Vettes in Costa Mesa is close to you. 949-646-5751.
.

Actually the Column Lock Bypass (CLB) is located under the dash near the steering column on the left side. You need to remove the lower dash panel (easy to do) and you may or may not see it since it is a direct plug in and looks factory. The easiest way to determine if you have the CLB is to see if you can move the steering wheel with the ignition off and the key out of the lock. If you can turn the steering wheel manually you have the CLB. The poster is correct however that you should indeed get the CLB but beware some 97 and 98 C5's have had the dealer recall which involved installing a "K" harness which may not be compatible with the CLB. The "K" harness is located on the passenger side floor and a good Corvette shop as mentioned can tell you if you have that. The "K" harness is known to fail so if you have it you may want to take it out and replace it with the CLB. There is a very long post at the beginning of the General Section regarding the Column Lock issue. A lot of information can be found there.

Dec 17, 2009 | 09:47 PM

#38

Dominic Toretto

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 11,467

Likes: 8

From: 972 and 405

1997 - 2004 Chevrolet Corvettes are the ONLY cars on the planet with problems. You wasted your money.

-Alex

Dec 17, 2009 | 09:53 PM

#39

~~clayton1~~

Banned Scam/Spammer

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 4,285

Likes: 3

From: Fort St John B.C

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexSmith

1997 - 2004 Chevrolet Corvettes are the ONLY cars on the planet with problems. You wasted your money.

-Alex

*u***ng $h!t, I wasted my money too.

Dec 17, 2009 | 10:54 PM

#40

Choreo

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 6,774

Likes: 363

From: Midland TX

I would not worry too much... the spontaneous combustion problem only occurred in a small percentage of C5's and to be honest none of those drivers lived through the experience to complain - all were reported to have died with a smile on their face.

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