My 1999 C5 Convertible is starting to show it's age in wear and tear.

A couple things that have been nagging me recently, and I was hoping to get some info from you guys before I head over to the Chevy dealer with my checkbook.

1. My Antenna stopped going down... when I turn the car off it just kinda makes a clicking noise and doesn't move. What is the cost to repair this? and if instead I wanted to replace it with the short permanent Z06 type antenna what would that cost? or are there any after market antennas that I should use that would be better/cheaper than either of the previous options?

2. I have the 6 speed manual tranny, and my reverse is screwed up somehow... I have to Arnold Schwarzenegger it just to get it in gear, and even then as soon as it gets in gear and I start to back up, it will slip out and I ram it back in and then it works fine. No problems with any other gears, just reverse... Is this a problem with just that gear? the whole tranny? the clutch? I plan on selling my car in December, is it even worth it to fix it now, or would I be better off just dealing with it and let the next guy fix it? Is there I should be worried about like the whole tranny blowing up in the mean-time?

Thanks in advance. -Chase

 

#1 no can help, I am a Coupe man.

#2 - there is an electronic lockout on reverse. If it is bad or wire is loose, it takes about 15 pounds force to overcome. Sounds like your's is not working.

Document ID# 424458
1999 Chevrolet/Geo Corvette


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Reverse Lockout Solenoid
Removal Procedure
Tools Required
J 41099 Gear Select/Reverse Lockout Solenoid Socket






Caution
Before servicing any electrical component, the ignition key must be in the OFF or LOCK position and all electrical loads must be OFF, unless instructed otherwise in these procedures. If a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with a live exposed electrical terminal, also disconnect the negative battery cable. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.


Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the intermediate exhaust pipe to muffler bolts.
Tie off the mufflers to the underbody to support out of the way.
Remove the rear transverse spring. Refer to Rear Transverse Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.
Disconnect the wiring harness and brake pipe clip retainers from the rear suspension crossmember.
Position a transmission jack under the rear suspension crossmember and firmly secure the crossmember to the jack.
Using ONLY HAND TOOLS, remove the rear suspension crossmember mounting nuts.

Important
Observe the clearance between the driveline and the driveline tunnel closeout panel.


Slowly lower the rear suspension crossmember, along with the attached driveline, approximately 4 cm (1½ in). (Lower the rear suspension crossmember and driveline for access to the reverse lockout solenoid.)



Disconnect the reverse lockout solenoid electrical connector.



Using the J 41099 , remove the reverse lockout solenoid.
Installation Procedure
Tools Required
J 41099 Gear Select/Reverse Lockout Solenoid Socket






Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


Using the J 41099 , install the reverse lockout solenoid. Tighten
Tighten the reverse lockout solenoid to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).





Connect the reverse lockout solenoid electrical connector.



Slowly raise the rear suspension crossmember to seat to the vehicle frame rails.
Using ONLY HAND TOOLS, install NEW rear suspension crossmember mounting nuts. Tighten
Tighten the rear suspension crossmember mounting nuts to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

Remove the transmission jack from the rear suspension crossmember.
Connect the wiring harness and brake pipe clip retainers to the rear suspension crossmember.
Install the rear transverse spring. Refer to Rear Transverse Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.
Remove the tie-off retainers from the muffler assemblies.
Install the intermediate exhaust pipe to muffler bolts. Tighten
Tighten the intermediate exhaust pipe to muffler bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.
Connect the negative battery cable. Tighten
Tighten the negative battery cable bolt to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

Program the transmitters. Refer to Transmitter Programming/Synchronization in Keyless Entry.

 

I would think that its just your antenna motor going bad but im not sure how much they are to replace or how much a shorty antenna is. Maybe someone with a shorty antenna can chime in

The reverse problem your having is something im not sure about but I know mine is a little difficult to get in a times. I have found that if you first put it in second gear then to reverse it goes much smoother. Mine has never popped out of reverse though.

Hope some of this helps.

Chris

 

My high mileage '99 was having issues with the reverse jumping out as well. I had them tear it down only to find a burned bushing within that caused a bunch of wear on other components. I ended up going with a new tranny. My '99 does not have the external antenna rather, the antenna in the windshield.

 

There's a website called bradscorvettes.com sells used corvette parts if you feel a new antenna is too big of a stretch.


Does it grind when you try to put in reverse? If not, you could try taking the console apart and checking the alignment of your shifter.

Check out this post. It has a lot of talk about aftermarket shifters, but about half way down, it tells how to adjust your shifter. There is also the "antivenom" mod, which may help. It's all in this post.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1603157

 

I'm glad I read through this, I didn't realise that my links for the pics were broke on those posts!!! I got em fixed now! THat's kinda like walking around town with a booger hanging on your face and no one telling you!

OH and while I'm here;

1. Your antenna motor took a dump. If you don't mind the look of the shorty antennas that's the best way to go, less stuff to go wrong or break! Here's one for $19.00;
http://www.corvettepartz.com/992004-...enna-p-20.html

2. Try to align it first and change the fluid in it. I’ve heard great things about the new Dexron VI, lots of opinions out there on fluid brands. Just be careful because of your cellulose blocker rings… If your selling it, then that’s as far as I would go but be aware that if the above procedures do not clear up the problem the prospective buyer is going to use that as leverage against the bottom line with you, which should still be cheaper then a new tranny…. Just my .02

 

Great looking car 2000C-5! Love that color combo!

 

Thanks for the reply's guys.

For that antenna it says that it is only for hardtop and Z06 models. Will this work on my car?

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As for the Reverse slipping out of gear, I am glad to hear that I may not need a whole new transmission... but I would rather not have to starting tearing the console myself. I just want to be able to tell the dealer what to do without him trying to stick me with a new transmission I don't need to buy.

 

Yeah I noticed that, but I see no reason why it wouldn't fit. Hopefully someone with some FRC/Vert knowledge will step in help you out there.

I did just see a replacement electric antenna going for the same price on the big auction site...

OK, good luck with your sale!

 

That shorty antenna won't work on your car unless you change the whole ***'y underneath too. Your's is a hollow shaft that pulls down into itself with a plastic belt-like strip. The shorty antenna has to already have the threaded base like the hardtop. I have bought the repair kit that includes the antenna shaft and the strip and replaced that on other cars, but never tried on the Vette. The teeth are probably stripped on the plastic. If you have someone put a little downward pressure on the antenna when you turn off the radio, will it go down then? If so, you have a small stripped area on that strap that pulls the antenna down. Chevy may have a repair kit, doesn't hurt to ask.
As far as reverse is concerned, I have a friend with a Z06 who had the same issue. He replaced the reverse lock-out solenoid and it took care of the problem. Don't remember the price, but it wasn't a shocker.

 

Thanks. It's kind of ironic that you say that because I always said that if I ever bought a vette it would be pewter. I never wanted any other color. When I decided to buy one, I narrowed my choices down to 5, 4 were pewter and the green one.

In the end, I had no choice. :o It was the same money as the others, but it was 1 or 2 years newer and came with every option that was available on a convertible except for body side moldings. It was immaculate when I went to look at it. Like I said, I had no choice (that's what I told my wife anyway).


Sorry for the hijack.