Hey guys, I have been a long time lurker of this site and finally I registered. I have a 1999 C5 Convertible, Black/Black/Black, 77k miles, and I live in Las Vegas. My first post is here in the Tech section because I have had a couple problems that have been nagging me, and I thought I ask you guys if they are easy fixes before I take it into the dealership service.

1. This just happened about a week ago, but now whenever I turn on my headlights, all the lights in my dash go dark, (Spedo, Tach, Radio, A/C, etc.). Durring the day time, it all works fine, the numbers on the radio buttons and everything else light up fine, but as soon as I turn on the headlights, off. Even though the button lights and digital screen go black, they still work perfectly normal. Could this be a simple fuse that burnt out? Or do I have a more serious electrical problem?

2. My car is a stick 6-speed, and whenever I pull away on slow starts, there is a breif metel on metal scratching sound. Is this the clutch slipping? Anyway to fix this without getting a whole new clutch?

Thanks in advance...

 

Welcome to the CF.

Your first problem sounds like a loose electrical connection. I would check my battery post to make sure the connections are clean and tight. If that doesn't solve the problem, I would then check the grounds to make sure they are clean and tight.

Your second problem could be a few things.

- Clutch Chatter, caused when the backing looses its flexing (absorbtion).
- Your Driven Disc is wore out and you're hitting rivets.

I would jack up car and revove inspection cover and check things out. You did not say if the clutch has ever been changed by the previous owner, so its hard to determine if you have a problem at all.

Some high performance clutches chatter a little.

Good Luck.

 

For #1 did you try the little push in ****/button on the left side of the dash with the pic of the light bulb above it? Turn that and it adjusts the dash light brightness...

 

Hahaha, that worked.... I feel so stupid now.

Thinking back, the morning before the lights stopped working I had the car washed. One of the guys wipeing down the interior must have twisted it to "off." I was afraid it was an electrical problem and an expensive repair.

 

Welcome aboard

First, after you've spent some time here you will realize that most of us would not let those trained monkeys at a car wash touch our cars Now you know why.

Second, with ajg1915 assessment of your clutch issue. IMHO I think your ready for a new clutch

Good Luck

 

Are you sure its not the CAGS?