What years are Bad Computer years?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
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From: Question Government
What years are Bad Computer years?
I'll be looking to move up to the C5 in a couple years. I've heard horror stories about a computer that runs just about everything on the early year C5s and is no longer available, or extremely hard to find. What years had this bad and elusive computer? I'll want the next year or two that fixed this problem.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2018
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From: Fort Gordon, Ga
99+ computers are alot faster than pre 99 and from what Ive read make tuning better/easier. Like going from windows 95 to XP
EBCM modules fail in all c5s, but the 97-00 cant be bought new and are impossible to find under $1000
It depends on you, the absolute worst thing when EBCM fails is having to hit reset on the service vehicle button IMO
When it comes to all around having better things on the car, you cant go wrong with 2001+, youll have an easier/cheaper repair on the EBCM, the ECU will be better/faster, and youll also get slightly better flowing heads + the ls6 intake.
With that being said, I bought a 98 I have no issues with, ls6 intake swap took an hour and $250, I also installed headers/full exhaust and got it tuned with no issues.
EBCM modules fail in all c5s, but the 97-00 cant be bought new and are impossible to find under $1000
It depends on you, the absolute worst thing when EBCM fails is having to hit reset on the service vehicle button IMO
When it comes to all around having better things on the car, you cant go wrong with 2001+, youll have an easier/cheaper repair on the EBCM, the ECU will be better/faster, and youll also get slightly better flowing heads + the ls6 intake.
With that being said, I bought a 98 I have no issues with, ls6 intake swap took an hour and $250, I also installed headers/full exhaust and got it tuned with no issues.
Last edited by BuzC5; Apr 24, 2019 at 02:53 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2018
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Computer
I believe the years you may have hear about are
97~00 . I also believe that starting with the 2001 ~2004 models they made some major changes to some of the electronics. Some of the early models had a sub par traction control system that was expensive to replace if it could be found. Also I understand it was nearly impossible to repair. I know the newer C5s had much better reliability 01’s up. Please verify my statements with more experienced forum members as I’m not a mechanic, I’m a auto collision tech by trade. You’ve done the right thing by checking here, there are some real experts on this site and I’m sure more will step up and help you. Welcome and good luck in your search.
97~00 . I also believe that starting with the 2001 ~2004 models they made some major changes to some of the electronics. Some of the early models had a sub par traction control system that was expensive to replace if it could be found. Also I understand it was nearly impossible to repair. I know the newer C5s had much better reliability 01’s up. Please verify my statements with more experienced forum members as I’m not a mechanic, I’m a auto collision tech by trade. You’ve done the right thing by checking here, there are some real experts on this site and I’m sure more will step up and help you. Welcome and good luck in your search.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Northville, MI
There are about 12 different type of computers on the C5, the major changes occurred on the 99+PCM, 01+TC and EBCM, etc. Some of the earlier subcontractors used proprietary electronics and encased them in an epoxy and the later ones were mandated to use a more open architecture. Generally speaking the 01+ have more parts currently available in GM's inventory but as they runn out of parts they are not being replenished. In the 2001+ C5's the second generation traction control was installed. While it was technically better in some aspects especially for street driving, those who were driving competitive Corvettes preferred the original system.
Once the last model years is more than 10 yrs old, there is no incentive for a large company to tie up funds in a product that is not turning over quickly....Spark plugs and wires are being used on millions of cars while a 1997 EBCM might require only 100 sales a year but requires a production run of 10,000. No company today can be competitive with having money tied up for a 100 yrs.
Once the last model years is more than 10 yrs old, there is no incentive for a large company to tie up funds in a product that is not turning over quickly....Spark plugs and wires are being used on millions of cars while a 1997 EBCM might require only 100 sales a year but requires a production run of 10,000. No company today can be competitive with having money tied up for a 100 yrs.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Little Rock Arkansas
1997-2000 model C5s will still run and drive with EBCM issues - 99% of instances. EBCM issues typically create ABS and Active Handling, if equipped, issues. The car is still going to start up, run, move, and stop, just like it would normally. I've been going on five years now dealing with it and I drive my car year round, rain or shine.
What you should be MORE worried about is SWPS issues, which for 1997-2000 the SWPS has been discontinued. If it fails completely, it can both limit the top speed of the car and also since it controls steering make it where it's not safe to attempt to steer the car.
What you should be MORE worried about is SWPS issues, which for 1997-2000 the SWPS has been discontinued. If it fails completely, it can both limit the top speed of the car and also since it controls steering make it where it's not safe to attempt to steer the car.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Knoxville Tn
What people are saying about the drivability not being affected with a failed EBCM is not quite true. Yes, the car will still run and drive under normal conditions quite well. However, when the EBCM fails, you lose anti lock braking function, and traction control. The 2001 and up C-5's have a EBCM that is generally fixable. (The pre 2001's are not fixable to my knowledge). With that said, several people that "recycle" salvaged C-5s usually have some of these parts available (at a high price). FWIW, In my opinion, anti locking brakes are a safety feature that we all should have. (It's here for a reason) The traction control is also a feature that should help those who are not used to them HP of Vettes.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
Last edited by Phanni; Apr 25, 2019 at 11:19 AM.
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Last edited by Phanni; Apr 25, 2019 at 01:58 PM.
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Steering wheel position sensor. It’s at the base of your steering column and tells the computer exactly where the wheel is turned. If you are skidding the active handling will use that information. If that sensor doesn’t work it causes major issues such as one brake caliper locking up making you lose control (that glitched happened when I was driving once, luckily it was quick)
Early cars don’t have new sensors available, only used ones. And when you put a used sensor in a car it isn’t calibrated. Meaning you need a tech2 computer to know that the wheel is pointed 10 degrees incorrectly. You have to pull the entire column out again, reposition the sensor and check again. Okay it’s now good, or... is now off by 2 degrees which means pulling the column again. Plus the used sensors cost $400+ not to mention you need to pay a shop that has a tech2 to do the work. The labor cost can be quite high as you can imagine.
Early cars don’t have new sensors available, only used ones. And when you put a used sensor in a car it isn’t calibrated. Meaning you need a tech2 computer to know that the wheel is pointed 10 degrees incorrectly. You have to pull the entire column out again, reposition the sensor and check again. Okay it’s now good, or... is now off by 2 degrees which means pulling the column again. Plus the used sensors cost $400+ not to mention you need to pay a shop that has a tech2 to do the work. The labor cost can be quite high as you can imagine.
Racer
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From: St. Paul (smokey!) MN
I have a 98 without active handling. What does the SWPS do in this case? I haven't been able to find any info indicating what happens if mine fails. Does it just disable Magnasteer?
Racer
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From: Gilbert, AZ
Im curious as well, as mine has been throwing a code for my adjustable ride, which I am going to delete anyways
Last edited by skittlenips; Apr 26, 2019 at 01:26 AM.
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^ that’s good to know however my experiences always deal in looking for specific GM part numbers regardless what car... the part number is the topic. One 97 computer in particular I could choose from only 2 places after nearly a week of exhaustive search.
I passed the information to the customer to buy it himself, I wanted no part of it as both places had a restocking fee (one was 30%) regardless of your complaint. You could stand to lose hundreds even if there was an issue with it. You’d have to sue them basically with them saying it checked out fine when it left, any issues must have happened when plugged into the car. I wanted no part of that deal. He ordered the computer, it worked, and that one ended well.
I passed the information to the customer to buy it himself, I wanted no part of it as both places had a restocking fee (one was 30%) regardless of your complaint. You could stand to lose hundreds even if there was an issue with it. You’d have to sue them basically with them saying it checked out fine when it left, any issues must have happened when plugged into the car. I wanted no part of that deal. He ordered the computer, it worked, and that one ended well.
Safety Car
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From: Rocky Mountains
The TC has however kicked in several times. Almost always when the street is wet and I'm accelerating from a standstill. Not even getting on it hard, it's just easy to spin the rear tires when the street is wet. I don't think it's the hp so much as the torque. My first car was a C3 and I remember once pulling out of a parking lot after it had rained, I was heavy on the throttle and accidentally did a 180 degree spin. Luckily I didn't hit anything.