C5 Problems I should look for.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: Trussville AL
C5 Problems I should look for.
Hi folks. I just joined and looked around a bit. I'm the happy new owner of a 2001 Conv. (waited 41 years).
Any way, what are things I should look for? I read that batteries are a problem child. So I pulled the battery, sprayed, scrubbed, cleaned and protected. What are some other things that the C5 family has issues with so I can head them off.
Thanks for any words of wisdom.
Any way, what are things I should look for? I read that batteries are a problem child. So I pulled the battery, sprayed, scrubbed, cleaned and protected. What are some other things that the C5 family has issues with so I can head them off.
Thanks for any words of wisdom.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1
From: You know your drunk when you swerve to miss the tree then you realize its your air freshener! Covington Ga
I was going to say do a search and you will find more than enough stuff to read. Also welcome to the forum. We need some pictures of the car. Its a un written rule....
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 53
From: Warrington Pa.
Grounds can also be a problem, udders/utters in the front cow, airconditioner condensor drain, radiator blocked with leaves or trash. Hers's some reading everyone should look at. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ak-checks.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...tion-long.html
There's a ton of info in both threads. Bill
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...tion-long.html
There's a ton of info in both threads. Bill
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 225
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From: Dennis from Hesperia Ca
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,121
Likes: 672
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Welcome to the forum. So many will very soon offer you a lot of preventative and mechancal information. The one big problem that springs into mind is the battery. As soon as I had about a year on my 2003 50th AE I pulled the water/acid AC delco battery and replaced it with a Optima Red Top battery. A lot of folks don't like them or whatever, Mine has been a excellant battery for the last few years, (But I never let the car sit for more than 10 days without hooking up the battery float charger to it).
But no matter what, a lot of the guys here can steer you into a AGM or gel type battery. the problem as you noted is that the PCM and a huge wiring harness sits right below the battery shelf and some early 1997 - 2001 AC Delco batteries leaked from the positive terminal. But at this point I'm sure your original battery is long gone. A really top of the line battery is the 'Odyssey' it's a AGM type and is designed for a 8-10 year lifespan. Pricey, but you won't need to replace it for ten years. Just my $0.02 and enjoy your new toy.
But no matter what, a lot of the guys here can steer you into a AGM or gel type battery. the problem as you noted is that the PCM and a huge wiring harness sits right below the battery shelf and some early 1997 - 2001 AC Delco batteries leaked from the positive terminal. But at this point I'm sure your original battery is long gone. A really top of the line battery is the 'Odyssey' it's a AGM type and is designed for a 8-10 year lifespan. Pricey, but you won't need to replace it for ten years. Just my $0.02 and enjoy your new toy.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
A column lock bypass would be a good first mod,unless it's already got one.
(if you don't hear the column lock motor run when you put the key in the switch,or pull the key out,it may already have a clb installed)
Do a search,read all about it
And welcome to the Forum-Let's see some pix of that Vette!
(if you don't hear the column lock motor run when you put the key in the switch,or pull the key out,it may already have a clb installed)
Do a search,read all about it
And welcome to the Forum-Let's see some pix of that Vette!
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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Congrats on the purchase of the '01. Hope you get many miles of driving pleasure out of the car.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Buy the Helm Factory Service Manual set (3 Books). The information is worth its weight in gold and then some.
Is it a 6 spd or Auto? To check CLB issue can you turn the steering wheel with the key removed. If you can then it has had the bypass install or phase C of that recall, (http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24) this link will help you understand where and what.
Midway on this page, center, you'll find the segments of the '02 Z06 Owner's video. Most of the items apply to yours, be good to watch them (right click and save to watch them on your own time): http://www.z06vette.com/media.php
There is only one model of alternator (110amp) if you ever have to replace it must be the one made in France, see stickies at top of C5 General for more detailed info. But hopefully just this mention will keep a mention note its not a normal alternator.
If someone says '01 burn oil, before you freak read this service bulletin (understand it affects several year models and more specifically certain situations - not just '01s) [http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...l+Consumption]
And this link will provide you a more comprehensive list of service bulletins and recalls: [http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../1997+-+2004/]
Enjoy your vert and welcome.
Is it a 6 spd or Auto? To check CLB issue can you turn the steering wheel with the key removed. If you can then it has had the bypass install or phase C of that recall, (http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24) this link will help you understand where and what.
Midway on this page, center, you'll find the segments of the '02 Z06 Owner's video. Most of the items apply to yours, be good to watch them (right click and save to watch them on your own time): http://www.z06vette.com/media.php
There is only one model of alternator (110amp) if you ever have to replace it must be the one made in France, see stickies at top of C5 General for more detailed info. But hopefully just this mention will keep a mention note its not a normal alternator.
If someone says '01 burn oil, before you freak read this service bulletin (understand it affects several year models and more specifically certain situations - not just '01s) [http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...l+Consumption]
And this link will provide you a more comprehensive list of service bulletins and recalls: [http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../1997+-+2004/]
Enjoy your vert and welcome.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster County Pennsylvania
Congrats! Love the classic look of a white convertible. As soon as I got mine I replaced the Delco with Optima Red Top and installed the column lock bypass. Enjoy your new ride, sweet looking!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
congrats and welcome to the family
-oil pressure sensor gets pegged... replace sensor
-remote won't unlock door repair/replace door control module
-AC lights get dim... fix cracked cold solder joints
-Install oil catch can to prevent oil misting in rocker valley to cause excess carbon deposit in engine
-leaking seal on drivers side of rear diff
-outdoor temperature reading off... replace sensor
-front head light gears wear out... replace
-leaking battery due to over torquing of side connector bolts
-gas gauge acts up do to use of poor quality gas.... use a good fuel line cleaner and use either Shell V-Power or Cheveron gasoline to prevent the problem.
-front turn signals burn out frequently because heat of bulbs melts housing letting water short out bulbs... repair holes.
ALL of these have easy DIY fixes with complete instructions here on the forum....
-oil pressure sensor gets pegged... replace sensor
-remote won't unlock door repair/replace door control module
-AC lights get dim... fix cracked cold solder joints
-Install oil catch can to prevent oil misting in rocker valley to cause excess carbon deposit in engine
-leaking seal on drivers side of rear diff
-outdoor temperature reading off... replace sensor
-front head light gears wear out... replace
-leaking battery due to over torquing of side connector bolts
-gas gauge acts up do to use of poor quality gas.... use a good fuel line cleaner and use either Shell V-Power or Cheveron gasoline to prevent the problem.
-front turn signals burn out frequently because heat of bulbs melts housing letting water short out bulbs... repair holes.
ALL of these have easy DIY fixes with complete instructions here on the forum....
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 32
From: cruising between USA and Canada... SAVE THE WAVE!
I haven't read it yet in here but as an '01 you might want to start to check and see if your car consumes any oil.
check how low it gets between oil changes...
I remember reading on here that '01s were known for being a little oil happy.
There's a chance it may not affect you but it might be something you're interested in checking out.
other than that, most of the other stuff mentioned pretty much goes without saying
check how low it gets between oil changes...
I remember reading on here that '01s were known for being a little oil happy.
There's a chance it may not affect you but it might be something you're interested in checking out.
other than that, most of the other stuff mentioned pretty much goes without saying
