I picked up a 97 a few weeks ago. I wanna love this car, I enjoy driving it and my wife and I wanna be Vette owners.
So far I have had problems with the right fuel level sending unit ($700 dealer part) which I found only seems to fail when the tank is full...so I dont fill it.
I keep getting the following codes

PCM P1571 ASR desired torque
TCS C1281 Steering Sensor uncorrected
Radio U1016

I keep getting these even after dumping them. I need a scantool according to the manuals to troubleshoot them.

On the way home Sunday I had to get on the brakes a bit and the ABS went active....1/4 mile later the ABS and TCS knocked off and I had a Service Engine Soon on the DTC. I thought okay, I'll take it out again tonight and see if maybe the computer just resets after a few more miles, the cars been running great. Nothing, 5 miles down and back and it didnt reset itself, so I start digging in. I jack the car up (we all know how much fun that is) check in the back near the ABS motor for some loose connections or something. Everything seemed tight. I did tug on one splice point behind the right rear tire, it was tight, secured to the car like it should be in its clamp.
I did see that the rear leaf spring right hand mount had a bolt coming loose, so I got out to tighten it and I noticed the dash lights had now gone out. I ran through the DTC list again and sure enough I had TCS comm again.
I guess on the good side if I hadnt jacked it up I wouldnt of found the bolt loose.
But has anyone else had such nightmares with this electrical system??

 

alini

I feel for ya! If you look in the C5 Tech "STICKY" section under "IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL INFO" you will see my post that explains my 98 electrical issues

You think you have issues! Mine takes the cake! Or should I sad TOOK the cake!
Shes all fixed now as will be yours!

So,,,,lets start at the fuel gage. You need to purchase three bottles of Chevron Techron Fuel System cleaner, Install one bottle in an empty tank and then fill the tank. Do this for THREE tank fulls.. It should clear up the fuel gage issue! If not, I have a couple more things to try.

The PCM P1571 ASR desired torque & TCS C1281 Steering Sensor uncorrected; does your steering wheel need to be off set from center when your driving straight down a flat level road. In other words, do you need to off set it left or right to allow the car to go straight?

The other question is, what modifications have been done to the car that you know about?

You DO NOT need a scan tool! All the tools that you need are the Diagnostic Trouble Codes and a service manual.

Here is how to and read use the DTCs:

This is the absolute best C5 Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) web site!!!

http://www.corvettedoctor.com/Code_Main.html
http://www.corvettedoctor.com/index.html


Go to “technical data base” and then to “Corvette ECM Computer Codes”. Then select your year car. Read the instructions and then scroll down to the "READ MORE" window to view the code definitions.\

Here is another very good site:

http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_cod...d-ii-codes.php

Make sure to include the H or C suffix!!


Write down and post your DTC’s Then clear them ALL!

Sound effects are cool too! 


Its true that the GM Tech II is a very powerful tool and will help solve a lot of issues but, there $3000 and you don't need to have one unless, your LOADED!

Try clearing all the DTC using the reset button while your in MANUAL mode. Then see what comes back after you take the car for a drive. Also make sure that you include the H history or C current suffix when you post the DTC results.

It would really help your car if you followed all the C5 chassis ground cleaning procedures especially the grounds under the hood. If you have the OEM AC Delco battery I STRONGLY recommend getting rid of it as they have a very bad tendency of spilling acid and rurning your PCM and wiring READ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

BC

 

FWIW, I read that P1571 is normal on a 97 as long as it is a History code.

 

Well they are all history codes. Thanks for the info, I'll bookmark those sites and check them out. We'll see what happens.

 

I would like to add an additional note pertaining to the checking of electrical connections. This includes the battery terminal posts and plug-in connectors.

You MUST disconnect the connector to properly inspect an electrical connection. Simply looking to see if a connector is plugged together and then tugging on it will NOT reveal a bad connection.

While the connection is apart, look for signs of a loose connection between individual pins, as well as inspecting for corrosion.

Personally, I add dielectric silicone grease to the connector pins (male & female) prior to reconnecting them back together.