Looking to buy C5
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
These are some common problems that should've been resolved in an older C5:
Column lock failure (steering wheel locks-up): If it's an auto (A4), then the dealership should've removed the mechanism and installed a block-off plate. If it's a 6-speed (MN6), the dealer cannot do the same, so make sure the previous owner installed a Column Lock Bypass (keeps the locking pin in the retracted position).
Leaky differential gaskets: These should have been replaced, as factory seals leaked by 20,000 miles.
Door lock modules: When they fail, arming the car with the remote fails to lock one or both doors. This is a relatively simple installation, but make sure both door locks work.
Fuel gage/sender unit malfunction: Make sure the fuel gage reads accurately when the tank is below half-full. Earlier years had problems.
Oil pressure sender unit. If this fails, the oil pressure gage will show 80 psi. If so, the sender unit needs replacement.
Horn not working when the steering wheel center hub is pressed - probably a relay; I need to get mine fixed.
That's all I can think of right now.
Column lock failure (steering wheel locks-up): If it's an auto (A4), then the dealership should've removed the mechanism and installed a block-off plate. If it's a 6-speed (MN6), the dealer cannot do the same, so make sure the previous owner installed a Column Lock Bypass (keeps the locking pin in the retracted position).
Leaky differential gaskets: These should have been replaced, as factory seals leaked by 20,000 miles.
Door lock modules: When they fail, arming the car with the remote fails to lock one or both doors. This is a relatively simple installation, but make sure both door locks work.
Fuel gage/sender unit malfunction: Make sure the fuel gage reads accurately when the tank is below half-full. Earlier years had problems.
Oil pressure sender unit. If this fails, the oil pressure gage will show 80 psi. If so, the sender unit needs replacement.
Horn not working when the steering wheel center hub is pressed - probably a relay; I need to get mine fixed.
That's all I can think of right now.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 786
Likes: 6
From: Manassas VA/Flagler Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '13,'19
Early C5 problems
Some people have said don't get a C5 earlier than 2001, although 2001 are the most common for sale. I found the thread on problems, but would still love to hear from you 99 FRC owners.
Last edited by Gray Fox; Jan 22, 2008 at 11:03 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 22,907
Likes: 0
From: Texas
CI 5-6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
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Although such activity does not directly affect the forum, it does promote a procedure which the forum deems to be inappropriate.
Carfax is used as an example, but, the rule will apply to any similar activity or business.
