Bought a used C5, need some advice
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Bought a used C5, need some advice
Hello, Im new to the forum and also a new Corvette owner. Its truly a fabulous and beautifil car.
However I just bought a -99 C5 model and I have some problems. The car has a manual transmission.
First the display gives me a warning about low oil level but the gauge shows 250-350 kpa which I believe is within the accepted parameters. So what is wrong here, the gauge or the display?
Also I have noticed that when I run 15-20 km/h (9-12 MPH) and ONLY during this interval I hear a low rassling noise from the back of the car.
Anyone got a clue what these errors could be about and if it is serious enough for me not to use it until a certified mechanic examines the car?
I did perform a standard test on the car by mechanic before I bought it and he did not note any serious issues.
However I just bought a -99 C5 model and I have some problems. The car has a manual transmission.
First the display gives me a warning about low oil level but the gauge shows 250-350 kpa which I believe is within the accepted parameters. So what is wrong here, the gauge or the display?
Also I have noticed that when I run 15-20 km/h (9-12 MPH) and ONLY during this interval I hear a low rassling noise from the back of the car.
Anyone got a clue what these errors could be about and if it is serious enough for me not to use it until a certified mechanic examines the car?
I did perform a standard test on the car by mechanic before I bought it and he did not note any serious issues.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,503
Likes: 2
From: Oklahoma City OK
First the display gives me a warning about low oil level but the gauge shows 250-350 kpa which I believe is within the accepted parameters. So what is wrong here, the gauge or the display?
Also I have noticed that when I run 15-20 km/h (9-12 MPH) and ONLY during this interval I hear a low rassling noise from the back of the car.
Also I have noticed that when I run 15-20 km/h (9-12 MPH) and ONLY during this interval I hear a low rassling noise from the back of the car.
1. This is a common problem with the oil level indicator. Check your dip stick to be sure...
2. This could be a loose exhaust bolt back there. Go back there and try to look for anything that could rattle and tighten it.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy your new car, It is awesome
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Alton Illinois
my 99 does this every once in a while after it is parked on an incline. just check the dip stick and reset the message. i agree with the muffler/exhaust rattling either due to lose or someone backed over a parking block and shoved one of the mufflers out of position and it is rubbing. thats what happened to mine.
welcome aboard!
welcome aboard!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 181
Likes: 3
From: Cocoa Beach Florida
Until I had the oil changed at the Mobil oil shoppe, I got the same indications. Best thing to do is to have a top vette mechanic check it out bumper to bumper. You now have the key to happiness, start gleaning thru the forum for all kinds of great info from a bunch of fun people who take ownership very seriously. Put the fun in dysfuntional sometimes too. Welcome!!!
Welcome!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Oil level has nothing to do with oil pressure (until your oil gets lower than the pickup tube, then you have serious problems). When your low oil level comes on, check your oil level using the dip stick.
Your noise could be tire noise, have an experienced C5er check your car. I would also check level of differential fluid, leaking differentials is a common problem. Be sure to check the differential and not the transmission (they are next to each other).
Your noise could be tire noise, have an experienced C5er check your car. I would also check level of differential fluid, leaking differentials is a common problem. Be sure to check the differential and not the transmission (they are next to each other).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles
THANK YOU!. I was wondering why no one had mentioned this so far!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 8
From: Gardner KS
Hello, Im new to the forum and also a new Corvette owner. Its truly a fabulous and beautifil car.
However I just bought a -99 C5 model and I have some problems. The car has a manual transmission.
First the display gives me a warning about low oil level but the gauge shows 250-350 kpa which I believe is within the accepted parameters. So what is wrong here, the gauge or the display?
Also I have noticed that when I run 15-20 km/h (9-12 MPH) and ONLY during this interval I hear a low rassling noise from the back of the car.
Anyone got a clue what these errors could be about and if it is serious enough for me not to use it until a certified mechanic examines the car?
I did perform a standard test on the car by mechanic before I bought it and he did not note any serious issues.
However I just bought a -99 C5 model and I have some problems. The car has a manual transmission.
First the display gives me a warning about low oil level but the gauge shows 250-350 kpa which I believe is within the accepted parameters. So what is wrong here, the gauge or the display?
Also I have noticed that when I run 15-20 km/h (9-12 MPH) and ONLY during this interval I hear a low rassling noise from the back of the car.
Anyone got a clue what these errors could be about and if it is serious enough for me not to use it until a certified mechanic examines the car?
I did perform a standard test on the car by mechanic before I bought it and he did not note any serious issues.
The rattling noise you're hearing 15-20 km/h is probably normal... but without hearing it I'm not sure. There are several threads about the rattling noise from the rear (I get it too and never goes away until above 10mph or so) I'm pretty sure thats what it is... it affects all M6 C5's
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Bolton Ontario
Rattling exhaust
If its a stock exhaust you might have a baffle broken inside the muffler. Happened to my 02, Give each one a hit with your fist or rubber hammer. That will tell you if its loose inside. If so, what a great excuse for new aftermarket system.