Hello I am new to the forum, and not being a "car guy", I could really use some advice. I will try to be brief. I own a 2001 C5
with 96,000 miles on it. I seems for the last year, things have been breaking. My dilemma, to trade in or fix. I hate car payments, but I don't want to dump a bunch of money into a car that keeps needing more and more work. Here's what is wrong with it now.

1. ABS/traction/engine check lite remain on (computer?)
( I can live with the warning lights being on)
2. head lights don't pop up with out several tries
3. Air conditioning/heater work fine. (replaced air conditioning
condenser/evap 7 years ago. It blows cold but just not very hard. (module?)

I did spend a bunch of money last year replacing rear seal, gaskets, and all oil leaks.

The car runs great. I don't expect a detailed reply with all of the possible diagnostics for the above, just reasoned opinions on whether the engine/transmission etc. should last a while
or should I just bail.

Routine maintenance has been performed through out life of car.

Thanks sooooo much.

 

As a basic reply without going into a bunch of details - ABS module can be fixed for about $150, headlight gear repair kit is around $50 per side and your air probably just needs recharged probably around $150 at a shop.

A lot of more info is required to properly diagnose your issues but these are quite common issues. Your engine will most likely last at least another 100k miles. Do the fixes and keep it!

 

1. You have the "three amigos". ABS module can be repaired. I used ABSFixer.com. Brandon does excellent and has it turned around in a matter of days ($150).
2. Rodney Dickman has a gear set better than the stock plastic. $96 for the pair if I remember right. Got his kit when my headlights were not going up or down like they were supposed to.
3. Sounds like a blower motor. Haven't had that issue so I can't respond to that.

IMHO if the car is still running fine and you're happy these minor issues can be fixed at minimal cost. The dealership is definitely a deterrent unless you have some type of service plan. Of course durability does depend on your driving habits. If you're hard on it on a regular basis then yes...you will be doing more maintenance as with any car. Definitely agree with 8VETTE7 on checking the codes first. Just my .02

 

It would be helpful if you filled out your profile too. (give us your location) Someone in your area would likely be happy to help you out with these problems.

that's what we do here.

 

While it is hard to say how long your engine/drivetrain may remain problem free, the C5 is historically a pretty reliable car in those areas. Only you can determine when it is time to quit putting money into the car and try and get something else.

 

Profile updated

 

Thank you so much for your help.
I followed the directions in video. Here's what happened
codes
10-PCM = NO CODES
28-TCS = C1214 HC.... CI225 H
40-BCM = BO432 H...B2721 H...B2723 H
58-SDM = U1040 H
60-IPC = N/C
80-RADIO = N/C
99-HVAC = N/C
AO-LDCM = B2252 H.....U1064 H
A1-RDCM = B2283 H....B2285 H...U1064H
A6-SCM = B2172 H
BO-RFA = N/C

I reset all codes to 0. The only one that wouldn't clear was
28-TCS - C124 HC

Started car. Check engine light was off. ABS and Traction
warning light still ON.

zzzaaappp

 

Here's what each one means:

10-PCM = NO CODES
28-TCS = C1214 HC.... CI225 H (C1214 is Solenoid Valve Relay Contact or Coil Circuit Open in the Electronic Brake Control Module. C1225 is excessive LF Wheel Speed Variation.)
40-BCM = BO432 H...B2721 H...B2723 H (B0432 is Rear Defogger Relay Circuit. B2721 is Pass Key Detection Circuit as is B2723. All fall under the Body Control Module)
58-SDM = U1040 H (I wasn't able to find a reference for this one.)
60-IPC = N/C
80-RADIO = N/C
99-HVAC = N/C
AO-LDCM = B2252 H.....U1064 H (B2252 is Key Cylinder Switch Fault in the Left Door Control Module. U1064 is Normal Software Function, History Status Upon Ignition Cycling. This one falls under All Modules.
A1-RDCM = B2283 H....B2285 H...U1064H (B2283 is 12V Power Feed #1 Fault and B2285 is 12V Power Feed #2 Fault in the Right Door Control Module.)
A6-SCM = B2172 H (B2172 is Seat Up Switch Shorted to GND) in the Sensing & Diagnostic Module.)
BO-RFA = N/C

The "H" or "HC" is HISTORY. Your ABS and TCS warnings are staying on because your ABS Module needs to be repaired or replaced. GM wants about $1200 for the part alone. Have it repaired with updated components ($150)...issue resolved. Had to have mine done back in April. No issues since. The car is still drivable without it, just annoying to have the warning lights. Six torx screws to remove the ABS Module. The two in the middle are tricky, but use an actual torx screw driver (T15 if I remember right) because one with attachments will be difficult getting into the space for the two screws in the middle. Here's the link for the place I used. Fast turn around. http://www.absfixer.com/

 

As I mentioned, I am NOT a car guy.
In simple terms, do any of the codes that you
identified, point to anything urgent that needs to be fixed?
I'm trying to decide to fix it up or sell. I would like to
keep it, if I can. I doubt if I even put 15,000 miles on it per year.

I will do the ABS fix.

 

No problem. You can do this. Like I said...you can drive your car without the ABS module on it while it's getting repaired. If I was down there I'd show you how easy it is. I didn't have a clue either when mine went out. I thought I was going to have to get raped by the dealership or other shop for the GM part and labor to install it. Once I read the "how to" I got it done and saved myself what was easily going to be a $1500+ repair bill. Total time to do the job was about 40 minutes (that's removal and re-installation). Total investment $150 for the repair and $7 shipping. You do the math

 

That math is EASY !! lol
Can you respond to the first part of my email concerning whether any of those other codes mean anything serious?

 

lol...no, I'm Mechanically Challenged. Do you think that there are any other major problems based on the other codes?
And, yes, that WAS a typo, I am Technically Challenged as well.

 

See...a second recommendation for ABSFIXER. As far as your other codes you'll see the TCS codes disappear once you repair/replace the ABS Module. The others are more annoying than operational hindrances. Check your PMs.

 

to my "problems' question, thanks

 

Thanks, you've all been a great help to me.

 

Let us know when you've gotten your ABS Module done. Take pictures as you do it and post. Helps you get smarter about it as well. Soon you'll be one of the guys telling someone else asking how to do what you're about to do..."here's what I did on mine and this may help you..."

 

Since everyone here has been so nice, I would like to
add something to the forum that might help other people here.
If there are any guitar players out there, I will be happy to offer
advice on playing/equipment questions etc. My way of
"giving back"

Is there a special place that I should post something like that?
Or maybe one of Ya'll (that's Texas talk) could put the word out there.

 

I agree, all easy to fix. Keep it and enjoy your Vette.

 

Some of those codes are just nuisance codes. Only worry about the ones that repeat. As far as the rest I agree with everyone else.