Passenger seat
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,050
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles CA
Not sure what's messed up on yours. Is it just the motor not running? You can try to replace the fuse. That shouldn't cost too much. Sometimes water damage will clear it self after it completely dries over a few days. If you really worried you can take out the seat and see just how bad the water got to the motor and if there is anything to accelerate the drying. Otherwise if the seat motor is bad I hear it's welded onto the seat track and that it's expensive to replace. Mine just quit working one day. So I unplugged the fuse and forgot about it for now.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
I presume you are talking about the seat motor?
It depends on what is causing the problem.
We can help you help yourself, yes sir.
First, I gather you are new to the car.
Any previous experience with Corvettes?
How about your mechanical skills?
Do you know how to pull diagnostic codes (DTCs)?
It depends on what is causing the problem.
We can help you help yourself, yes sir.
First, I gather you are new to the car.
Any previous experience with Corvettes?
How about your mechanical skills?
Do you know how to pull diagnostic codes (DTCs)?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Thank you for your response.
This is my first Corvette I have had it for 7 years now. Its been running perfectly just lately with the economy being bad it's hard to maintain it. It rained really bad one day and water got in through the back window its a convertible. Behind the seat was soaked. It's been a few months now. I would just leave it alone but the seat is all the way to the front of the dash board. Nobody can sit inside.
The answer to your question if I know how to pull up diagnose codes no I don't. I have very basic skills.
I would have to look at the manual to see where the fuses are.
This is my first Corvette I have had it for 7 years now. Its been running perfectly just lately with the economy being bad it's hard to maintain it. It rained really bad one day and water got in through the back window its a convertible. Behind the seat was soaked. It's been a few months now. I would just leave it alone but the seat is all the way to the front of the dash board. Nobody can sit inside.
The answer to your question if I know how to pull up diagnose codes no I don't. I have very basic skills.
I would have to look at the manual to see where the fuses are.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
This will get you started, might want to copy/paste and print:
C5 Computer Diagnostic Codes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ability to view engine operating data such as oil pressure and coolant temperature, in digital form on the instrument panel has been a feature of Corvettes since 1984. Starting in 1992, the instrument panel could display limited diagnostic data relating to the car's on-board computer systems.
The C5's capacity to display diagnostic codes is significantly expanded. The new Corvette has 11 "Computer Modules" that transmit diagnostics:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Traction Control System (TCS), which combines traction control, ABS and, on cars built after 1997, the optional Active Handling System
Real Time Damping (RTD)
Body Control Module (BCM)
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)
Radio
Heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC)
Left Door Control Module (LDCM)
Right Door Control Module (RDCM)
Seat Control Module (SCM)
Remote Function Actuation (RFA).
The Instrument Panel Cluster display, the 20-character fluorescent screen above the steering column that says "Corvette by Chevrolet" every time you start the car, is an important device. Its primary function is to display warning and status messages from the various modules. For cars built before 12/15/97, there are 48 of these warning/status messages. A few additional messages come from cars built after that date and equipped with the Active Handling option. A list of the warning/status messages can be found in your Owner's Manual or in the Service Manual for your model year.
The display can show powertrain operating information and tire pressures by simply pressing different buttons on the Driver Information Center (DIC) to the right of the instrument panel. In addition, using the "options" button, you can configure the C5's keyless entry and security systems. Use of the display and buttons for these purposes is discussed in your Owner's Manual
Do-It-Yourself owners will be most interested in the display of diagnostic trouble codes for all modules that transmit them. The "Diagnostic Display Mode" is entered with the following procedure:
1) Turn on the ignition but don't start the engine.
2) Press the "RESET" button to turn off any warning messages
3) Press and hold "OPTIONS"
4) While holding "OPTIONS", press "FUEL" four times within a 10-second period.
Initially, on-board diagnostics go into an "Automatic Mode" which shows diagnostic codes in a pre-set sequence: PCM - TCS - RTD - BCM - IPC - RADIO - HVAC - LDCM - RDCM - SCM - RFA. All codes will be displayed for each module. If none are present in a given module, you will see "No More Codes" on the display.
There are two kinds of diagnostic codes, "Current" and "History", designated with a letter suffix, "C" or "H". A current code indicates a malfunction is present in the module displaying data. A history code indicates a problem existed sometime in the last 40 or 50 ignition cycles. When not accompanied by a current code of the same number, it's potential evidence of a previous problem, now resolved, that was not removed by clearing the codes. More likely it's an indication of an intermittent malfunction.
Intermittent codes are the most challenging of the diagnostics. An intermittent code may have happened once, may have happened more than once but is inconsistent or may be happening on a regular basis but not at the time the codes are displayed. History codes can also be caused by a current malfunction in a system that is not operating at the time codes are displayed. An example is the rear window defogger which doesn't operate until the Body Control Module detects engine rpm. For history codes set by a module that does not operate with the key on and engine off, a special diagnostic tool called a "Scan Tester" is necessary to properly diagnose the malfunction.
Once the system has displayed all modules, it goes into the manual mode which allows selection of each module using combinations of Driver Information Center buttons. Manual mode can also be entered during the automatic sequence by pressing any button except "E/M". Once the display shows "Manual Diagnostics", select a module by pressing the "OPTIONS" button to go forward or the "TRIP" button to go back. Once a module is selected, a code is displayed, and if more than one are present; press "GAGES" to go forward or "FUEL" to go back.
To exit the diagnostic mode at any time, press "E/M". If you want to erase codes in a given module, press "RESET".
To reset the codes once in manual mode, press and hold "RESET" until it displays "NO CODES". Press "OPTIONS" to go to the next module. Repeat the steps until you have reset the codes in all the computer modules. NOTE!! Only reset the codes IF you want to - it is NOT necessary to do this. Clearing a code does not repair a problem. You are simply erasing the evidence of it in the module's memory.
Once you have the codes, the next question is: What to do with the information? First, consult the factory service manual. Any serious C5 Do-It-Yourself owner should invest in the Corvette Service Manual of the appropriate model year. Unfortunately, it is an expensive set of three books totaling (1997 edition) 3890 pages and stacking 4 1/4 inches high. In spite of its cost and size, the Service Manual is a requirement if you want to understand and work on your C5. They are available through Chevrolet dealers and mail order sources, such as Ecklers and Mid America.
The diagnostics for some diagnostic codes call for a scan tester. Also known as "scan tools" or "scanners", these units are really hand-held diagnostic computers. A little larger than a portable cassette recorder, powered by the car battery and connected to the diagnostic link connector (DLC); they "scan" computer module data and display it on a small screen. Scan testers are operated by a small keypad. Software is usually in plug-in cartridges covering a specific model year.
Where you might get stuck needing one of these pieces of equipment is when the Service Manual calls for operating a specific module with a scan tester. If you are trying to solve a diagnostic code and determine that a scan tester is required but don't have access to one; take the car to a service facility for repairs.
Turn the key to the ON position, but don't start the engine. Clear any existing messages by pressing the RESET button. Hold the OPTIONS button down, and press the FUEL button 4 times. This will get you into the CODES section of the DIC. The computer will automatically display all the codes your car has created. It will cycle through each code every 3 seconds. Any code that ends in H is a history code (something that has occurred in the past) but is fine now. Once the computer has finished going through all of it's codes, press RESET to enter Manual Configuration mode. It should start with a module and show "NO CODES" or "# CODES".
To optionally reset the codes once in manual mode, press and hold RESET until it displays "NO CODES". Press OPTIONS to go to the next module. Repeat the steps in this paragraph until you have reset the codes in all the computer modules. NOTE!! Only reset the codes IF you want to - it is NOT necessary to do this.
C5 Computer Diagnostic Codes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ability to view engine operating data such as oil pressure and coolant temperature, in digital form on the instrument panel has been a feature of Corvettes since 1984. Starting in 1992, the instrument panel could display limited diagnostic data relating to the car's on-board computer systems.
The C5's capacity to display diagnostic codes is significantly expanded. The new Corvette has 11 "Computer Modules" that transmit diagnostics:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Traction Control System (TCS), which combines traction control, ABS and, on cars built after 1997, the optional Active Handling System
Real Time Damping (RTD)
Body Control Module (BCM)
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)
Radio
Heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC)
Left Door Control Module (LDCM)
Right Door Control Module (RDCM)
Seat Control Module (SCM)
Remote Function Actuation (RFA).
The Instrument Panel Cluster display, the 20-character fluorescent screen above the steering column that says "Corvette by Chevrolet" every time you start the car, is an important device. Its primary function is to display warning and status messages from the various modules. For cars built before 12/15/97, there are 48 of these warning/status messages. A few additional messages come from cars built after that date and equipped with the Active Handling option. A list of the warning/status messages can be found in your Owner's Manual or in the Service Manual for your model year.
The display can show powertrain operating information and tire pressures by simply pressing different buttons on the Driver Information Center (DIC) to the right of the instrument panel. In addition, using the "options" button, you can configure the C5's keyless entry and security systems. Use of the display and buttons for these purposes is discussed in your Owner's Manual
Do-It-Yourself owners will be most interested in the display of diagnostic trouble codes for all modules that transmit them. The "Diagnostic Display Mode" is entered with the following procedure:
1) Turn on the ignition but don't start the engine.
2) Press the "RESET" button to turn off any warning messages
3) Press and hold "OPTIONS"
4) While holding "OPTIONS", press "FUEL" four times within a 10-second period.
Initially, on-board diagnostics go into an "Automatic Mode" which shows diagnostic codes in a pre-set sequence: PCM - TCS - RTD - BCM - IPC - RADIO - HVAC - LDCM - RDCM - SCM - RFA. All codes will be displayed for each module. If none are present in a given module, you will see "No More Codes" on the display.
There are two kinds of diagnostic codes, "Current" and "History", designated with a letter suffix, "C" or "H". A current code indicates a malfunction is present in the module displaying data. A history code indicates a problem existed sometime in the last 40 or 50 ignition cycles. When not accompanied by a current code of the same number, it's potential evidence of a previous problem, now resolved, that was not removed by clearing the codes. More likely it's an indication of an intermittent malfunction.
Intermittent codes are the most challenging of the diagnostics. An intermittent code may have happened once, may have happened more than once but is inconsistent or may be happening on a regular basis but not at the time the codes are displayed. History codes can also be caused by a current malfunction in a system that is not operating at the time codes are displayed. An example is the rear window defogger which doesn't operate until the Body Control Module detects engine rpm. For history codes set by a module that does not operate with the key on and engine off, a special diagnostic tool called a "Scan Tester" is necessary to properly diagnose the malfunction.
Once the system has displayed all modules, it goes into the manual mode which allows selection of each module using combinations of Driver Information Center buttons. Manual mode can also be entered during the automatic sequence by pressing any button except "E/M". Once the display shows "Manual Diagnostics", select a module by pressing the "OPTIONS" button to go forward or the "TRIP" button to go back. Once a module is selected, a code is displayed, and if more than one are present; press "GAGES" to go forward or "FUEL" to go back.
To exit the diagnostic mode at any time, press "E/M". If you want to erase codes in a given module, press "RESET".
To reset the codes once in manual mode, press and hold "RESET" until it displays "NO CODES". Press "OPTIONS" to go to the next module. Repeat the steps until you have reset the codes in all the computer modules. NOTE!! Only reset the codes IF you want to - it is NOT necessary to do this. Clearing a code does not repair a problem. You are simply erasing the evidence of it in the module's memory.
Once you have the codes, the next question is: What to do with the information? First, consult the factory service manual. Any serious C5 Do-It-Yourself owner should invest in the Corvette Service Manual of the appropriate model year. Unfortunately, it is an expensive set of three books totaling (1997 edition) 3890 pages and stacking 4 1/4 inches high. In spite of its cost and size, the Service Manual is a requirement if you want to understand and work on your C5. They are available through Chevrolet dealers and mail order sources, such as Ecklers and Mid America.
The diagnostics for some diagnostic codes call for a scan tester. Also known as "scan tools" or "scanners", these units are really hand-held diagnostic computers. A little larger than a portable cassette recorder, powered by the car battery and connected to the diagnostic link connector (DLC); they "scan" computer module data and display it on a small screen. Scan testers are operated by a small keypad. Software is usually in plug-in cartridges covering a specific model year.
Where you might get stuck needing one of these pieces of equipment is when the Service Manual calls for operating a specific module with a scan tester. If you are trying to solve a diagnostic code and determine that a scan tester is required but don't have access to one; take the car to a service facility for repairs.
Turn the key to the ON position, but don't start the engine. Clear any existing messages by pressing the RESET button. Hold the OPTIONS button down, and press the FUEL button 4 times. This will get you into the CODES section of the DIC. The computer will automatically display all the codes your car has created. It will cycle through each code every 3 seconds. Any code that ends in H is a history code (something that has occurred in the past) but is fine now. Once the computer has finished going through all of it's codes, press RESET to enter Manual Configuration mode. It should start with a module and show "NO CODES" or "# CODES".
To optionally reset the codes once in manual mode, press and hold RESET until it displays "NO CODES". Press OPTIONS to go to the next module. Repeat the steps in this paragraph until you have reset the codes in all the computer modules. NOTE!! Only reset the codes IF you want to - it is NOT necessary to do this.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
There are two electrical connectors at the outside rail. They may have gotten wet. It's not difficult to take the seat out, disconnect those two connectors, loosen the rear two bolts then the front it will be tight since it's not moving. With it folded forward just lift it out and free of the vehicle. You might want inspect under the seat to see what is going on perhaps things are still wet, or worst moldy. You can get one of those damprid containers at home depot that will draw out the moisture in the vehicle.
Examine the connectors once disconnected, may be corroded from the moisture. Electrical contact cleaner might help. And of course the fuse, since it may have shorted. Do the fuse first obviously.
Examine the connectors once disconnected, may be corroded from the moisture. Electrical contact cleaner might help. And of course the fuse, since it may have shorted. Do the fuse first obviously.
