Guys:

I have a problem I need your help with. I know there is a sticky for the Column Lock/BCM, however this relates to MUCH more, I think, than that.

I brought my 2000 Lingenfelter-converted Vette to the Chev dealership (h/c car, see sig) up here in NH as there is no performance-related shops here to work on it (I relo'ed from Dallas 1 yr ago as part of a company 'promotion'). I live out in Hicksville USA so there are no reputable performance places to trust this car around. So, for those of you want to live in an icy abyss, NH and VT are your places to go.

So, I brought it in for service since after winter storage because it seemed the entire computer display lit up on me, with ABS/TCS lights coming on, the pass window does not go down, the 'service tire monitor' message as well as 'svc steering lock' message also showing. I also knew it needed a new battery since it had died twice over the winter.

So, the dealership is working on these issues and they tell me the BCM (body control module) is more than likely burnt out since I had to jump start it to run it in my garage last winter (a la the reason the windows wont work and wont communicate with the other computers)...ok, I have no idea about this, but I'm along for the ride at this point. So they replace the steering lock under recall, and reflash one of the 400 computers on this thing (supposedly NOT the main computer that has all the a/f ratios and perf mods in it, again I have no clue). He is trying to make sure that the steering/column lock replacement kit from GM works properly, so maybe that will make the rest of the car work and not throw codes once the setup is reflashed.

Does this make sense so far?

Well, here is where I stand so far on Sat early am...I can't sleep and am a total grouch. I got into to REALLY bad argument with the tech working on the car as he totally demeaned my wife and I when we had the audacity to ask questions because we didnt understand what was going on (Im not even going to go through the part about what he said to us or the fact he threated to throw the keys at us). The Svc guys/managers admit the guy is a DH and they always have issues with his attitude, but "due to his high quality tech work" he is the best the Chev shop has...whatever.

So, besides the fact I now have to trust this assface with the only other thing that means anything to me other than my family, I am concerned I am being screwed to get unneeded repairs out of my wallet, in addition to this guy possibly sabotaging my car in some ominous way I can only nightmare about. Even if I totally trust this guys' integrity, I dont know much about cars to agree or deny with their assessments, and the scary part is the Svc Mgrs dont either since he is there 'vette tech'.

I guess what I need help with is this...Does the reasoning he is giving make sense, any at all? He is also telling me when the Body Control module fried do to voltage surge (from the jump start over the winter) it may have also damaged the brake control module, whatever the heck that is. Again, I dont know anything about this, but I see big bills and my ignorance waving at me right now.

Advice is welcome and certainly appreciated.

 

i dont know how far you are from acs racing in hanover, ma. these guys have done everythiing from one off 1000 hp vipers to every stroker package for every c4-c5 and mustang over the years. Al one of the owners is a decent guy...if your not to far under ($$$) at the dealer you may want to check these guys out...

just my .02

 

First thing you have done was come here for recommendations and help.

But it is too late for that now. At the first sign of trouble you should have pulled the codes.

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

Call the tech and get your codes.

I doubt you have a damaged brake control module. It is common that they have some problems that can be fixed by the ABSfixer for $150 bucks.

Corvette's are very needy on a good battery. The first thing is to change the battery and buy your-self a good battery tender to keep everything charged up.

I bet most of, if not all of your problems are being caused by a bad battery.

BTW, I would take my car out of the dealer before you end up with $3,000 repair bill. The brake part that he wants to replace is $1,500 dollars and can be repaired elsewhere for $150.

 

Thanks for the advice, but in all honesty, was it necessary to kick me while I was down with the "you should have..." comment?

 

Not a kick at all, just advice for the future.

Also a little knowledge so that you don't go in there blindly when you have to deal with the ahole tech.

 

Hey, some of us on the forum can be as bad a DH as the mechanic at your dealership ..., the big difference is ... we don't care ... you ain't paying us ... so whatever advice you get is honest (may be wrong ... but it is an honest attempt to help) .... and believe me I'm probably one of the worst for "tact and diplomacy" .... I've called people "stupid" on this forum before ......

OK ... putting all that aside .... what ajg1915 is saying is good advice.

Whenever you have a problem with your Corvette ... or even think you might have a problem .... check for DTC data. The C5 Corvette is a very smart car and the computers in it will give you data that usually helps pinpoint a problem very quickly.

If you don't know how to display the DTC data go here .....

https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=26&TopicID=1

I could be wrong ... but it sounds like your dealer is either trying to rip you off (intentional) or are a bunch of idiots (unintentional) but either way they will be charging you thousands of dollars to "fix" problems that probably can be fixed for a few hundred dollars.

Get the car back from the dealer and display the DTC data .... write it down and post it here .... there are many members who will then help you diagnose the problem and either help you fix it yourself, or pay a competant mechanic to fix it.

 

Thanks for the support. I didn't think I was being an a$$.

 

you must pull your codes and post them in order for any of us to be of any assistance. I had similar problems with tons of codes and after going round and round for a while mine was in fact the BCM. When I changed it and had it reprogrammed everything worked just like it was susposed to.

The key to my success in solving the problem on the forum was by posting codes and talking on the phone with Bill C. He pointed me in the right direction.

After changing the BCM I opened it up and it was fried.

Good luck, and get the codes for us and we can help you get it stright.

P.S. Hows the weather in NH, I was born and raised in Manchester.