Every DIC Message & Dripping Water
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Every DIC Message & Dripping Water
Friday while my wife and I were driving in my 1999 C5 coupe (out-of-state, on vacation), I began to receive every message on the DIC. The horn began to honk, chimes sounded, the hatch released, the security light began to flash, and the gauges began to sweep.
My wife realized water was dripping under the right dash and the blower motor began to make a sloshing sound. I stopped the car and realized a lot of water had dripped into the computer compartment in the right foot well.
I came upon a Chevrolet dealership (Lexington Kentucky) and the car was left for the service department. The dealership arranged for a rental car and will not be able to examine the car until Monday.
Has anyone else had this trouble? I believe the A/C condesant drain became clogged, causing the water to drip under the dash.
Ironically, the day before I while driving to our destination, I received a "charge system fault" message and stopped at a different Chevrolet dealer. The mechanic determined the alternator was bad and replaced it.
Any ideas? I am really aggravated that this problem ruined my vacation driving trip. Right now I'm driving a Toyota SUV rental.
Thanks.
1999 White C5 Coupe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (1999 White C5 Coupe)
Bummer.. It sure sounds like the AC drain is clogged. There is a lot of electronics below the passenger footwell. Sounds like you has some seepage into the BCM. The clog is easy to fix... Things will pobably be fine when they dry out...
mike :chevy
mike :chevy
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (1999 White C5 Coupe)
I agree with C~5 Missle...All the items mentioned are controlled by the BCM,and that is the path the water will take should you have a clogged evaporator drain tube.Unfortunatly,sounds like a BCM melt down :mad ...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 5
From: Satellite Beach, FL, USA
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (1999 White C5 Coupe)
The BCM is unprotected when it comes to water or even condensation. This is a joke since the stereo head unit is totally protected from condensation, but will not operate unless the BCM is working.
I just bought a spray can of conformal coating. I am going to remove my BCM circuit board from it's cheap housing and spray it with the conformal coating.
I just bought a spray can of conformal coating. I am going to remove my BCM circuit board from it's cheap housing and spray it with the conformal coating.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,429
Likes: 1
From: God's Replica
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (99HT)
Yup you lost your BCM. I did the dry out thing a few times (with a blowdryer), but my lazy **** caught up with me. Water finally ruined it and the BCM needed to be replaced. Make sure they use compressed air and really get all the water out of the pipe. Also have them run the a/c full bore for about and hour to check all the water is flowing out the bottom. Will take a couple days for the BCM to arrive and then they have to program it to your car.
Bummer....I believe mine was around $500. :(
Bummer....I believe mine was around $500. :(
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Dublin Ca.
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (1999 White C5 Coupe)
my buddys 2000 torch red convertible had a simliar prob. Turned out to be the BATTERY leaking, so I hope for your cars sake it is the ac drain, But check your battery... Tray.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (chuckoc)
The service advisor told me last night that the BCM is bad. The technician will replace it, clear the clog in the a/c line, and check the blower motor.
Apparantly this is a common C5 defect. When it happens - you are stranded. I am very irritated with the poor quality and reliability of the C5.
Ironically, my battery leaked acid last year and caused other damage.
Wish me luck - my car is still in Lexington Kentucky and I'm in Ohio. I will have to take a day off from work (at my expense) to get the C5 and return the rental.
I have been stranded several times while out-of-state when my C5 malfunctioned. The new car warranty does not provide compensation for lost time, lodging and meals, and other costs related to the break down.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore MD
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (1999 White C5 Coupe)
I had a similar problem with my 99 coupe. The day was extremely humid (97%) and hot. With the A/C running, water was dripping fast from under the right side dash into the passenger footwell. I parked the car. When I attempted to start it, it would not start. I let it sit for about 4 hrs. Then it did start.
Given that several people have had this problem, it would be helpful for someone to post the procedure for clearing the A/C evaporator drain tube, or getting it aligned properly. I'm reluctant to take the car to the dealer, but I don't know how difficult it might be to do it myself.
So, how about some help, C5-Tech?
Thanks, GWier
Given that several people have had this problem, it would be helpful for someone to post the procedure for clearing the A/C evaporator drain tube, or getting it aligned properly. I'm reluctant to take the car to the dealer, but I don't know how difficult it might be to do it myself.
So, how about some help, C5-Tech?
Thanks, GWier
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Dublin Ca.
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (1999 White C5 Coupe)
BCM= ? I think I am not awake yet, as I don't know that one.. What is it and what can we all do that have not had the prob. yet.. Is there some maintenance we can do to PREVENT this?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (GWier)
When the water began to drip under the dash, the outside tempature was in the mid 90's with very high humidity. I had been running the a/c for about an hour.
The car is never left outside and I keep it very clean. I can not figure out why the drain tube clogged. It can be seen exiting the firewall, on the passenger side, behind the engine.
The service advisor said the technician will "fix" the tube. I'm not sure what will be done as I have not picked the car up yet.
C-5 Tech - how can C5 owners prevent this water back-up and the catastophic damage?
The car is never left outside and I keep it very clean. I can not figure out why the drain tube clogged. It can be seen exiting the firewall, on the passenger side, behind the engine.
The service advisor said the technician will "fix" the tube. I'm not sure what will be done as I have not picked the car up yet.
C-5 Tech - how can C5 owners prevent this water back-up and the catastophic damage?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,395
Likes: 2
From: Stockbridge GA
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water
I had lots of water dripping into my passenger compartmet a few weeks ago. Took it in to the dealer, they said there was something clogging the drain that looked sort of like a rock.
I don't know how well that fixed me up, since they still have my Vette, over three weeks later! See my other posts if you want the whole sordid story of a man, GM, and a Vette STILL in the @$%^ shop.
I don't know how well that fixed me up, since they still have my Vette, over three weeks later! See my other posts if you want the whole sordid story of a man, GM, and a Vette STILL in the @$%^ shop.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 852
From: New Jersey
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (1999 White C5 Coupe)
An easier fix :1) Buy the foam intake air filter for the cowl intake, to reduce debri entry into the HVAC system.
2) Wrap the BCM in a plastic bag, easy non-invasive protection.
2) Wrap the BCM in a plastic bag, easy non-invasive protection.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (1999 White C5 Coupe)
When I picked up my car, the service advisor said they replaced and reprogramed the PCM. He also said the technician cleaned "sediment" out of the a/c drain. I have one of the foam filters over the air intake and do not park under trees or where any debris could fall on the car. The advisor said the sediment was probably from "road dust". Go figure.
When I got the car home, I realized the right side carpet and padding was water soaked. I removed the right seat and carpet and the carpet is now drying. The dealer failed to replace or dry the carpet.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (GWier)
The outlet whole for the drain tube is very small.Simply enlarging it will prevent any future clogging unless you get a leaf in there.
It is important to keep the windshield cowl area free of debris,particulary leaves.Dirt,road grime,small pebbles,and decomposed leaves can work their way into the evaporator case through the cowl inlet.Removing leaves from blower motors is a common practice.
Aftermarket foam cowl inserts are available and seem to work well to prevent this...Try Ecklers or Mid-America...
It is important to keep the windshield cowl area free of debris,particulary leaves.Dirt,road grime,small pebbles,and decomposed leaves can work their way into the evaporator case through the cowl inlet.Removing leaves from blower motors is a common practice.
Aftermarket foam cowl inserts are available and seem to work well to prevent this...Try Ecklers or Mid-America...
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (99HT)
The 90 degree drain tube comes out of the right side of the fire wall,in the area reward of the right cylinder head.It is easy to get to if you remove the plastic battery side protector...
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati OH
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (C-5 TECH)
GM really had their collective heads up their a-$-$es when they did 2 things:
1) Put the BCM under the A/C unit - so water can drip on it.
2) Put the Main Computer under the battery where ACID can drip on it.
Come on guys????? WTF???? Am I the ONLY person who see's this as a BIG potential for trouble. Sometimes I wonder... I really do! :mad
1) Put the BCM under the A/C unit - so water can drip on it.
2) Put the Main Computer under the battery where ACID can drip on it.
Come on guys????? WTF???? Am I the ONLY person who see's this as a BIG potential for trouble. Sometimes I wonder... I really do! :mad
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 40,128
Likes: 3
From: Frisco, TX
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '26
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (VetteMan2k1)
I had this happen last summer. The tech pulled the computer from the floorboard and water literally ran out. Active handling was going on and off as were all sorts of strange electrical problems.
Lots of parts were required for the replacement.
Another good example of quality GM engineering.
Oh, my passenger got a shoeful of water as this was going on.
Lots of parts were required for the replacement.
Another good example of quality GM engineering.
Oh, my passenger got a shoeful of water as this was going on.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Every DIC Message & Dripping Water (1999 White C5 Coupe)
The "Trac/Act Hand Off" message was the first one I received, followed by door ajar, hatch ajar, service engine soon, chimes, etc.
Now the car is at home, with the right seat and carpet removed. The carpet is drying in the sun. I'm really aggravated that the dealer did not remove and dry the carpet.