just wondering what are the first major mechnical problems that usually occur on higher mileage LS1 corvettes (mn6).

here are a few things im aware of:

needle bearings, clutch (although this is just maintenance), leaky diff.

i currently have 105k miles, and if something goes wrong i want to have an idea of what it could be.

thanks!
-Dan

 

WOW! Theres not a LIST of things that go wrong in XXX miles or XXXX time. There are some very common issues that happen. There are also people who have not had those common issues.

So,,,,giving you a list of failures to expect, isn't what you need. Learn to read your car and feel when its performing differently and being able to read the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) is what you really need.

Heres a write up that you should use to read the DTCs;

READING YOUR Engine Diagnostic Codes (DTCs)

The Diagnostic Display Mode is entered with the following procedure:
1) Turn on the ignition but don't start the engine.
2) Press the RESET button to turn off any warning messages. (i.e. door open, trunk open etc…)
3) Press and hold OPTIONS
4) While holding OPTIONS, press FUEL four times within a 10-second period.

Initially, on-board diagnostics go into an Automatic Mode which shows diagnostic codes in a pre-set sequence: PCM - TCS - RTD - BCM - IPC - RADIO - HVAC - LDCM - RDCM - SCM - RFA. All codes will be displayed for each. ( i.e. PCM = 4 codes)
If none are present in a given module, you will see No More Codes on the display.
There are two kinds of diagnostic codes, Current and History designated with a letter suffix, C or ;H. A current code indicates a malfunction is present in the module displaying data. A history code indicates a problem existed sometime in the last 40 or 50 ignition cycles. When not accompanied by a current code of the same number, it's potential evidence of a previous problem, now resolved, that was not removed by clearing the codes.
More likely it's an indication of an intermittent malfunction.
Intermittent codes are the most challenging of the diagnostics. An intermittent code may have happened once, may have happened more than once but is inconsistent or may be happening on a regular basis but not at the time the codes are displayed. History codes can also be caused by a current malfunction in a system that is not operating at the time codes are displayed. An example is the rear window defogger which doesn't operate until the Body Control Module detects engine rpm. For history codes set by a module that does not operate with the key on and engine off, a special diagnostic tool called a Scan Tester is necessary to properly diagnose the malfunction.
Once the system has displayed all modules, it goes into the manual mode which allows selection of each module using combinations of Driver Information Center buttons. Manual mode can also be entered during the automatic sequence by pressing any button except E/M. Once the display shows Manual Diagnostics, select a module by pressing the OPTIONS button to go forward or the TRIP button to go back. Once a module is selected, a code is displayed, and if more than one are present;
press GAGES to go forward or FUEL to go back.
To exit the diagnostic mode at any time, press E/M. If you want to erase codes in a given module, press RESET
To reset the codes once in manual mode, press and hold RESET until it displays NO CODES Press OPTIONS to go to the next module. Repeat the steps until you have reset the codes in all the computer modules.
NOTE!! Only reset the codes IF you want to - it is NOT necessary to do this. Clearing a code does not repair a problem. You are simply erasing the evidence of it in the module's memory. If you clear the code/s, and extinguish the Check Engine Light, your emissions status ready will NOT allow you to pass an emissions test until you have completed the required driving cycles.
Once you have the codes, the next question is: What to do with the information?
First, consult the factory service manual. Any serious C5 Do-It-Yourself owner should invest in the Corvette Service Manual of the appropriate model year. The Service Manual is really a requirement if you want to understand and work on your C5.

Here is very good site of DTC definitions:


http://www.gearchatter.com


Make sure to include the H or C suffix!!
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Keep your fluids clean and properly topped off, perform all the recommended maintenance when called for and you should be good to go.


Drive and enjoy your car and when it isn't running properly, turn to the form to help you get the correct repair and guidance.

BC

 

i know how to read codes. i guess a better question would be what kind of failures dont show up on the DIC.

 

I know of C5s with almost 200,000 miles and have only had to replace the water pump, brakes, and tires.
Maybe you will have a good one.

 

i just noticed i have a transmission fluid leak between the two halves of the transmission case like 5 minutes ago...

 

My a/c display has been gone for awhile now.

 

 

I dont know about major, but.....

Headlight gears
headlight switch
hazard/turn relay
harmonic balancer
leaky diff
oil pressure sender
EBCM traction control/ AH
Just a few I have had.

BTW, one code when I sometimes get a 1214 AH/TC I can reset it and I can hear and feel the ABS module doing something like reseting. After that it works fine. However in my case it may just be the ignition switch.