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I finally completed the purchase of a 2000 FRC, Black on Black today. The sale had been in the works for a few weeks as my schedule would not allow me to go get the car until this weekend. I flew into Pittsburgh this morning and the owner (a forum member) picked me up at the airport. The car is everything I thought it would be. After a couple hours of running around getting titles notarized and all that, I jumped in the car and drove it home to KY. 6 hours later she is all washed up and put away in the garage.
I noticed a few things on the drive home that I'd like a little feedback on. I know many of you will tell me to do a search. I've been up since 4 AM and the searches won't happen tonight! If you want to give me the info, that'd be great, if not I'll search it another day. So here's what I noticed:
BTW: The car is extremely clean and well cared for, 31,800 miles, Corsa cat back exhaust, Widebody fenders on the rear, and 2008 Z06 wheels. Thats about it for mods. The stock wheels and fenders came with the deal.
1. A/C comes on, blows cold, all fan speeds work. The switch to select where the air comes out does not work. I know the temp controls in these cars are a common issue. Are they still available? Can you use one of the 02-up versions with dual controls? I've seen a 2000 with those controls and didn't know if it was an option then?
2. The cigarette lighter does not appear to have power, tried to charge my phone and it did not show that it was charging. The power outlet in the center console does not appear to work either. I tried with and without the car running. I thought I saw some threads on this being a common issue. I assume it's repairable?
3. I noticed after I had gotten off the Interstate that when I'm at a light I can really feel the engine vibration through the tunnel and in the bottom of the drivers seat, is this normal for these cars or is that an indication of a worn or loose mount somewhere?
For the record, I'm real happy with the car and the price I got it for. It's a 20 year old car, I didn't expect it to be new but I would like to get these little things corrected.
Beautiful car, and welcome to the forum. I bet you enjoyed that drive!
I don’t know the answer to your ac issue, but the others it sounds like you’ll just have to look into to find the cause. If the PO took the console apart, maybe the wires for the accessory and lighter plugs are loose or disconnected, or maybe a fuse is blown.
If it turns out to be more involved, search or post these type questions in the C5 tech section.
1. Whether you have the automatic or manual climate control, the AC vent selection is controlled by vacuum valves. This system is actually quite lengthy, but mainly the vacuum lines break and no longer can produce vacuum to switch the vents
2. Probably a fuse
3. It's hard to say without seeing in person. I did notice that apparently the slight shake is pretty normal. It's a light car, with a powerful engine, minimal sound deadening, and straight-coupled torque tube setup. Coming from a Lexus, I was surprised at all the extra noises. The fuel pump noise, wind noise, tire noises, and others, but I've come to not mind any of them once I start feeling the driving experience. If your shake is real bad, it could be a motor mount.
Maybe find a local guy with a C5 and compare them
Last edited by 02torchred; Aug 10, 2019 at 10:27 PM.
Welcome to the forum and the world of owning a corvette! She’s a beautiful car and congratulations on getting her! There’s quite a few good knowledge people on this forum and I’m sure they will chime in and start giving you ideas of what things to check.
Congrats and welcome! The C5 platform is easy to work on, loves and reponds to mods well and lastly looks timeless when driving around town! You will have many great memories!
Congrats on the car and a successful post. The guys with the “this post is useless without pictures” emojis must be pretty disappointed. Clearly you have good attentional abilities which will serve you well as you drain your bank account on mods. Have fun!
Last edited by Brunello; Aug 11, 2019 at 08:09 AM.
Very nice! IMO the FRC (& Z06) will wind up being the sought after C5 in yrs to come. They were fewer in numbers produced and have a unique look. Not that they will increase in value.. but that they won't decrease as much as a coupe or vert might. Just my opinion..
Welcome and have fun driving it in those Ky hills.
Congrats on your C5 purchase! Still the worlds best deal on a performance car. Love black on a C5, I have one, but it is a miserable PIA to keep looking good, but when clean a very complimentary color for the C5. Just my opinion of course! Well, she is a looker! Have fun! .
Oh...as for the cigarette lighter, he k the fuse first. But if that isn't the issue, it may be unplugged. If console has ever been apart for any reason, it is very easy to forget to plug it back in.
Congrats and welcome to the C5 and FRC club. The asylum indeed. About your #1 issue, have you checked the **** itself? Pull it gently and check the "half-moon" shaped keyed hole. Part of the plastic could be broken or cracked and as you try to turn the **** it can't secure the **** control shaft and just spins. The ***** are fragile. Ask me how I know
Last edited by turabo87; Aug 12, 2019 at 04:59 PM.
Great looking car op, congrats to you. Sorry no advice on issues, have had my 02 z06 for 5 years without one problem [knock on wood] so no hands on experience, but start with fuses and connections and go from there. Or check with previous owner maybe he knows what happened.
turabo87: Thanks for the tip, I tried it and that does not seem to be the issue. I'll have to look into when I get some free time. Moving the daughter into her college apartment this weekend so the C5 will have to wait!
First Corvette Purchase Complete!
