I have a 1997 Corvette A4 with 20k miles and it started giving me problems yesterday. I had just pulled out of the gas station and getting on the highway going around 65 mph when my dash pops up with the message Traction System Activated and nothing will happen I floor the gas pedal and the rpm's dont even budge. This has happened a couple of times now within the last couple of days but I have realized I can turn the TCS off and back on and it corrects the problem when it happens but I don't know what is wrong exactly. Also, I did notice a liquid substance under the back of my car this morning. Can somebody please help me out and tell me what is wrong with my car?

 

Time for

 

Your killing me tonight with the logos

 

Any codes, speed sensors???

 

You need to determine what fluid is under the car. If it is not related, check for trouble codes for the tcs. You may have a wheel speed sensor going out intermittently. The codes will give you some direction.

 

See what codes you have.
Pay particular attention to whether the code ends in an "H" or "HC"
Here is the proceedure which is quite easy:
The IPC display, the 20-character, vacuum florescent screen above the steering column that says "Corvette by Chevrolet" every time you turn on the key is a powerful device.

DIY Service Techs are going to be most interested in the LPG’s ability to show diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) for all the modules that transmit them.

The "diagnostic display" mode is entered with the following Procedure: Page 8-500

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" and
4) While holding "options", press "fuel" four times within a 10-Second period.

For each module, all DTCs will be displayed. If none are present in a module, you will see "no more codes" on the ICP display.
There are two kinds of DTCs, "Current" and "History," designated with a letter suffix, "C" or "H". A current code indicates that the malfunction is present in the system whose module is displaying data.
Once the IPC has displayed all 11 modules, the system goes into the manual mode, which allows selection of each module, using combinations of DIC buttons. The manual mode can also be entered at any time during the automatic sequence by pressing any button except "E/M". Once the IPC displays "manual diagnostics", you may select a particular module by pressing the options button to go forward or the "trip" button to go back. Once a system is selected and a DTC is displayed, if more than one are present; press "gages" To move forward or "fuel" to go back. To exit the diagnostic mode at any time, press E/M". If you want to erase or "clear" codes, press "reset". Clearing a code does not repair a problem. You are simply erasing the evidence of it in the module's memory.

 

For it to give me codes wouldn't the Service Engine Soon light come on? Sorry just got the Vette recently haven't had a problem yet and that's how my Camaro worked.

I'll go through these steps tomorrow though to see if anything comes up.

By the way thanks for the help

 

No, depends on the code. You can have a ton of codes and no check engine light.

 

Ok I did as Richin Chicago said and I came up with 10 codes but now how do I figure out what these codes mean?

Also what is Quick Configure code?

 

The codes are...

60-IPC U1160 H
99-HVAC B0361 H C
A0-LDCM U1064 H
A1-RDCM U1064 H
A6-SCM B2605 H
B0-RFA U1096 H
B0-RFA U1064 H
B0-RFA U1016 H
B0-RFA C2115 H C
10-PCM P1571 H

 

Okay, go here to decode the codes

http://www.97vette.com/howto/codes/index.html

This is what you have.

U1160 Loss of Communications with LDCM
B0361 Left Actuator Feedback Short to GND
U1064 Loss of Communications with BCM
U1064 Loss of Communications with BCM
B2605 Seat Front Vertical Position Sensor Failure
U1016 Loss of Communication with PCM
U1064 Loss of Communication with BCM
U1096 Loss of Communication with IPC
C2115 Left Rear TPM Sensor Malfunction
P1571 ASR Desired Torque

The "H" codes are History and "C" or "HC" is current or History\Current.

The good news is you can check a couple things first that are easy. It looks like you might have some electrical issues. The battery might be leaking on your wires and computers so check that first. If you see white powder stuff around your battery and cables yank that sucker out and clean the area with baking soda mixed with water.
You should also check all your grounds first. There is a good thread that I will find later and post which shows all the 13 grounding points. I am actually going to do that this weekend also.
One good thing...if you have a 97, like I do, the P1571 code is normal and you won't be able to get rid of it.
Good luck...

 

Everything you need to know about your grounds

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...al+information

My thread about the same thing..almost

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1010042

 

Too many codes for a specific area of trouble. I agree with "Crispy" start looking for general battery failure/leakage or some bad ground connections.

 

The numerous instances of LOSS OF COMMS is a sure bet that you either have a weak/bad battery OR you have compromised chassis grounds! The loss of comms happens when one of the electronics modules see's less than 9 VDC. To properly diagnose your problem, you need to eliminate the problem that is causing you to throw mulitiple codes. Some of the modules will NOT function properly when a DTC is set. A good example of this issue is the Column Lock circuit! Been there!

Your probably asking yourself " Wow,,,my car starts fine!!! How can I have less than 9 volts DC??" The less than 9 VDC situation only happens for a very brief period of time, probably miliseconds but it still happens and the module resets it self.

When you start the car the starter draws LOT's of current as it starts to turn the engine. As the engine RPMs raise and the cylinders fire and the starter has to work less and it draws less and less current and your battery voltages increases back to some voltage that allows the modules to work normaly. All of the electronics modules work normaly and you do not see any issue. The only evidence is the DTC's that are in memory.

Have your battery checked out at one of the Auto Parts stores. Make sure that they preform a LOAD test to check out the reserve capacity of the battery.

As stated previously, you need to examine the area under the battery for any leakage of battery acid that is there or has happened in the past.

How old is your battery and what type do you have?? (Hope it is NOT the original AC Delco )


Your 97 has a rear mounted Electronic Brake Traction Control Module (EBTCM) The ground for that module is on the rear frame rail, just behind the passengers rear tire. Here is a picture of the one on the drivers side rear tire area:



You will have a STUD with a NUT securing the ground wire to the frame. When I removed mine it was so corroded that it rung off and I had to replace it with a self tapping screw. I would HIGHLY recommend cleaning the ground fitting on the drivers side at the same time!! Wire brush the stud and nut, soak it in WD-40, remove the nut and clean the eyelet, the nut seating area and the area on the frame where the eyelet connects.

This seems like a lot to do but it is necessary.

There are other thing that need to be check and cleaned (the other Chassis grounds) if this does not clear up the problem. This is the first step.

You also need to figure out what fluid is leaking out back. That also is a priority! Wipe everything down and monitor the area for leaks.

If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Bill Curlee

 

Thanks a lot guys I will make sure and check all of this Tomorrow.. Also I am having this problem right now do yall think it could be related or might be electrical also?

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1004622

 

Sean, This is Wade from back in the day. lol

Give me a call, PM me.

 

Ive had that traaction control problem as well. It comes and goes. I jsut reset all my codes and it went away, dealer had no clue

 

Your best bet for the window problem is to pull the door panel off and inspect the regulator assy and the window track/

Bill