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Old Jan 19, 2009 | 05:57 PM
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I have a 1999 C5, 6 speed Corvette. I am getting four messages on the Driver Information Center. They are SERVICE ABS, SERVICE ACTIVE HNDLG, SERVICE TRACTION SYS, AND SERVICE TIRE MON. SYS. Yikes, I am freaked out. What could be the problem? Can my local GMC dealer fix this and what sort of cost I am looking at? One more thing, I have custom tires on the car, 19" on the back and 18" on the front. They are not run flat.
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Old Jan 19, 2009 | 06:20 PM
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The first thing you need to do is check the diagnostic codes on the car. To do this turn the ignition on without starting the car and then press and hold the options button while pushing the fuel button 4 times. This will put the car into On Board Diagnostic mode and the DIC will start flashing every code in every subsystem on the car. The codes consist of an Alpha Character followed by 4 numerical characters and one sometimes two more Alpha Characters. I.e, C1214 H.

Check the codes and list them here. A cheap code reader will not be able to read anything but powertrain codes so don't bother trying to use one.

Bill
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Old Jan 19, 2009 | 09:01 PM
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Gjman
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Originally Posted by Bill Dearborn
The first thing you need to do is check the diagnostic codes on the car. To do this turn the ignition on without starting the car and then press and hold the options button while pushing the fuel button 4 times. This will put the car into On Board Diagnostic mode and the DIC will start flashing every code in every subsystem on the car. The codes consist of an Alpha Character followed by 4 numerical characters and one sometimes two more Alpha Characters. I.e, C1214 H.

Check the codes and list them here. A cheap code reader will not be able to read anything but powertrain codes so don't bother trying to use one.

Bill

Bill,

Many thanks. I will attempt this.


Gjman
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Old Jan 19, 2009 | 09:08 PM
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I've had the same problem and am slowly finding out that chassis grounds are a big issue. The two on both fenders and the two in the acordion tubes between the doors and the dash. Don't for get the two in the passenger side floor board. Mine looks to be an ignition switch issue. (contacts) Look at the thread the the "Great Mr. Curlee" has had huge input on. I think you'll find everything you need to know there.
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Old Jan 20, 2009 | 10:42 PM
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Rick,

Many thanks for the great input. I am also wondering if it might be an ignition or key issue. Don't have a big reason for this, except, once in a while when I start the car the messages don't appear. I wondering if I need a new key or a new ignition switch. Is there any way to determine which?

Thanks,

Calvin
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Old Jan 20, 2009 | 11:40 PM
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Calvin, you need to go back and read post #2.
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Old Jan 21, 2009 | 12:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Gjman
Rick,

Many thanks for the great input. I am also wondering if it might be an ignition or key issue. Don't have a big reason for this, except, once in a while when I start the car the messages don't appear. I wondering if I need a new key or a new ignition switch. Is there any way to determine which?

Thanks,

Calvin
Until you know the codes you will not know where to look for the problem. The codes don't necessarily tell you what is wrong they indicate where to start looking.

Bill
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