Automatic seat / steering adjustments
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36
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Automatic seat / steering adjustments
Sometimes when I put my key in my C5 it does not automatically adjust everything. The dealer says there is nothing wrong. Could this be a bad iginition switch? 
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 5
From: Mustang OK
Welcome to the Forum! 
I and several others that I know have found that the memory function is looking for certain events to happen in a certain order. If the events do not happen in this order, it can confuse the memory. Here's the procedure I try to follow and in doing so I seem to have few problems.
First, I try to always use the key fob to lock and unlock the car. Then I follow these steps. It is important to not start the next step until the current step is completed:
Entering the car:
1. Unlock with the key fob.
2. Enter and shut the door completely.
3. Fasten seat belt.
4. Insert key into ignition. Do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
NOTE: If the fob is not used to unlock the car (step 1), then you may need to press the appropriate memory button(s) in step 4 after inserting the key into the ignition. Again, do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
Exiting the car:
1. Turn the ignition to the off position.
2. Remove the key from the ignition. Do not open the driver's door until the seat and steering wheel have retracted (easy entry option on) and the memory cycle has completed.
3. Once step 2 is complete, unfasten seat belt and exit the car.
4. Shut the door and lock car using the key fob.
You may also want to review that portion of your owner's manual that covers operation of the memory function.
If after trying the above and your memory function still does not work properly, then you may have a problem somewhere. However, I would be more prone to thinking the problem would be in one or more of the modules (i.e., the RFA or RCDLR, SCM, BCM, etc.) rather than the ignition switch. You might want to run the on board diagnostics for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that might give you a clue to the problem. Here's how to do that: Corvette ECM Codes
Hope this helps.
I and several others that I know have found that the memory function is looking for certain events to happen in a certain order. If the events do not happen in this order, it can confuse the memory. Here's the procedure I try to follow and in doing so I seem to have few problems.
First, I try to always use the key fob to lock and unlock the car. Then I follow these steps. It is important to not start the next step until the current step is completed:
Entering the car:
1. Unlock with the key fob.
2. Enter and shut the door completely.
3. Fasten seat belt.
4. Insert key into ignition. Do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
NOTE: If the fob is not used to unlock the car (step 1), then you may need to press the appropriate memory button(s) in step 4 after inserting the key into the ignition. Again, do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
Exiting the car:
1. Turn the ignition to the off position.
2. Remove the key from the ignition. Do not open the driver's door until the seat and steering wheel have retracted (easy entry option on) and the memory cycle has completed.
3. Once step 2 is complete, unfasten seat belt and exit the car.
4. Shut the door and lock car using the key fob.
You may also want to review that portion of your owner's manual that covers operation of the memory function.
If after trying the above and your memory function still does not work properly, then you may have a problem somewhere. However, I would be more prone to thinking the problem would be in one or more of the modules (i.e., the RFA or RCDLR, SCM, BCM, etc.) rather than the ignition switch. You might want to run the on board diagnostics for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that might give you a clue to the problem. Here's how to do that: Corvette ECM Codes
Hope this helps.
Last edited by GrayC5; Oct 21, 2004 at 01:59 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,569
Likes: 0
From: Crofton MD
Originally Posted by GrayC5
Welcome to the Forum!
I and several others that I know have found that the memory function is looking for certain events to happen in a certain order. If the events do not happen in this order, it can confuse the memory. Here's the procedure I try to follow and in doing so I seem to have few problems.
First, I try to always use the key fob to lock and unlock the car. Then I follow these steps. It is important to not start the next step until the current step is completed:
Entering the car:
1. Unlock with the key fob.
2. Enter and shut the door completely.
3. Fasten seat belt.
4. Insert key into ignition. Do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
NOTE: If the fob is not used to unlock the car (step 1), then you may need to press the appropriate memory button(s) in step 4 after inserting the key into the ignition. Again, do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
Exiting the car:
1. Turn the ignition to the off position.
2. Remove the key from the ignition. Do not open the driver's door until the seat and steering wheel have retracted (easy entry option on) and the memory cycle has completed.
3. Once step 2 is complete, unfasten seat belt and exit the car.
4. Shut the door and lock car using the key fob.
You may also want to review that portion of your owner's manual that covers operation of the memory function.
If after trying the above and your memory function still does not work properly, then you may have a problem somewhere. However, I would be more prone to thinking the problem would be in one or more of the modules (i.e., the RFA or RCDLR, SCM, BCM, etc.) rather than the ignition switch. You might want to run the on board diagnostics for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that might give you a clue to the problem. Here's how to do that: Corvette ECM Codes
Hope this helps.
I and several others that I know have found that the memory function is looking for certain events to happen in a certain order. If the events do not happen in this order, it can confuse the memory. Here's the procedure I try to follow and in doing so I seem to have few problems.
First, I try to always use the key fob to lock and unlock the car. Then I follow these steps. It is important to not start the next step until the current step is completed:
Entering the car:
1. Unlock with the key fob.
2. Enter and shut the door completely.
3. Fasten seat belt.
4. Insert key into ignition. Do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
NOTE: If the fob is not used to unlock the car (step 1), then you may need to press the appropriate memory button(s) in step 4 after inserting the key into the ignition. Again, do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
Exiting the car:
1. Turn the ignition to the off position.
2. Remove the key from the ignition. Do not open the driver's door until the seat and steering wheel have retracted (easy entry option on) and the memory cycle has completed.
3. Once step 2 is complete, unfasten seat belt and exit the car.
4. Shut the door and lock car using the key fob.
You may also want to review that portion of your owner's manual that covers operation of the memory function.
If after trying the above and your memory function still does not work properly, then you may have a problem somewhere. However, I would be more prone to thinking the problem would be in one or more of the modules (i.e., the RFA or RCDLR, SCM, BCM, etc.) rather than the ignition switch. You might want to run the on board diagnostics for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that might give you a clue to the problem. Here's how to do that: Corvette ECM Codes
Hope this helps.
Perfect explanation.You have a certain number of minutes (I'm not sure how many) after you hit the "unlock" button on the key fob to get in - close the door - and insert the key. The system will not work automatically unless it is done in that order. But you can always hit the "memory" button.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 23,220
Likes: 3
From: HOUSTON
St. Jude Donor '06 thru '15, '19
Welcome and not to hijack your thread I have noticed that when the wife drives ,#1 driver ,the seat doesn't retract all the way back ,why I don't know.I just punch the unlock on my fob and it goes all the way back then?I also found a neat thing it will do ,I had to get out of the car and I left it running ,manually moved the seat back and when I got back in and shut the door it returned on its own to the driving position. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Originally Posted by GrayC5
Welcome to the Forum!
I and several others that I know have found that the memory function is looking for certain events to happen in a certain order. If the events do not happen in this order, it can confuse the memory. Here's the procedure I try to follow and in doing so I seem to have few problems.
First, I try to always use the key fob to lock and unlock the car. Then I follow these steps. It is important to not start the next step until the current step is completed:
Entering the car:
1. Unlock with the key fob.
2. Enter and shut the door completely.
3. Fasten seat belt.
4. Insert key into ignition. Do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
NOTE: If the fob is not used to unlock the car (step 1), then you may need to press the appropriate memory button(s) in step 4 after inserting the key into the ignition. Again, do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
Exiting the car:
1. Turn the ignition to the off position.
2. Remove the key from the ignition. Do not open the driver's door until the seat and steering wheel have retracted (easy entry option on) and the memory cycle has completed.
3. Once step 2 is complete, unfasten seat belt and exit the car.
4. Shut the door and lock car using the key fob.
You may also want to review that portion of your owner's manual that covers operation of the memory function.
If after trying the above and your memory function still does not work properly, then you may have a problem somewhere. However, I would be more prone to thinking the problem would be in one or more of the modules (i.e., the RFA or RCDLR, SCM, BCM, etc.) rather than the ignition switch. You might want to run the on board diagnostics for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that might give you a clue to the problem. Here's how to do that: Corvette ECM Codes
Hope this helps.
I and several others that I know have found that the memory function is looking for certain events to happen in a certain order. If the events do not happen in this order, it can confuse the memory. Here's the procedure I try to follow and in doing so I seem to have few problems.
First, I try to always use the key fob to lock and unlock the car. Then I follow these steps. It is important to not start the next step until the current step is completed:
Entering the car:
1. Unlock with the key fob.
2. Enter and shut the door completely.
3. Fasten seat belt.
4. Insert key into ignition. Do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
NOTE: If the fob is not used to unlock the car (step 1), then you may need to press the appropriate memory button(s) in step 4 after inserting the key into the ignition. Again, do not turn the key or attempt to start the car until the memory cycle has completed.
Exiting the car:
1. Turn the ignition to the off position.
2. Remove the key from the ignition. Do not open the driver's door until the seat and steering wheel have retracted (easy entry option on) and the memory cycle has completed.
3. Once step 2 is complete, unfasten seat belt and exit the car.
4. Shut the door and lock car using the key fob.
You may also want to review that portion of your owner's manual that covers operation of the memory function.
If after trying the above and your memory function still does not work properly, then you may have a problem somewhere. However, I would be more prone to thinking the problem would be in one or more of the modules (i.e., the RFA or RCDLR, SCM, BCM, etc.) rather than the ignition switch. You might want to run the on board diagnostics for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that might give you a clue to the problem. Here's how to do that: Corvette ECM Codes
Hope this helps.
Wow that is a lot to think about to just get in and out of your car.
If mine doesn't work then before I drop the EBrake I hit the button and that usually puts it back in the right position. I do know that if you are moving it will not move your seat with the memory button...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36
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Wow, Thanks
Thanks GrayC5! This has been bugging me since I bought the car a year ago on Ebay. I will give it a try. What you say makes sense. With all the sensors the micro computer probably can't handle that many combinations.
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If you unlocked the car with the fob, then it should work and adjust the seats, etc when you place the key in the ignition. If you did not unlock the car with the fob, then you have to push the memory button on the door to make it work.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 994
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Jaegerhuhn
Sometimes when I put my key in my C5 it does not automatically adjust everything. The dealer says there is nothing wrong. Could this be a bad iginition switch?
If it is not the seat/wheel will not move when you get out/in. It will stay wherever you put it.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
From: The Villages FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
If you unlocked the car with the fob, then it should work and adjust the seats, etc when you place the key in the ignition. If you did not unlock the car with the fob, then you have to push the memory button on the door to make it work.
Welcome....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 34,062
Likes: 4
From: Evans, GA
My 99 Cadillac SLS works flawlessly everytime without all that attention to deatail posted by another respondent.
But the 2004 Corvette Coupe is erratic at best regardless of the sequence of events - entering or leaving. What it is is engineering and like of testing on a marketed product. When it fails to function, repair is needed.
But the 2004 Corvette Coupe is erratic at best regardless of the sequence of events - entering or leaving. What it is is engineering and like of testing on a marketed product. When it fails to function, repair is needed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 750
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
One thing to remember is to wait until the car is completely stopped before removing the key. If you turn off the car too quickly and pull the key while it thinks it is still in motion, the seat/steering will not move.
-adrian
-adrian
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 785
Likes: 0
From: Hutschenhausen
In my 2000 Manual, it explains that the memory function is activated by the push of the FOB unlock button - has nothing to do with key entry.
That said, my Y2K is not remembering correctly. My seat erratically moves every time I unlock the doors and I can't wait to disable my memory function to the seat when my time allows.
That said, my Y2K is not remembering correctly. My seat erratically moves every time I unlock the doors and I can't wait to disable my memory function to the seat when my time allows.
