C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

high mile 98 vette

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 09:39 AM
  #1  
VETTEBA's Avatar
VETTEBA
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: UNION NJ
Default high mile 98 vette

hi all,
I will be buying a corvette this Sat and want to learn as much as possible from this site. Is 54,000 miles high mileage? What do I have to worry about if so? Will a in dash GPS 7" screen fit in this car?

Thanks Bob
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 10:44 AM
  #2  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,401
Likes: 1,141
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by VETTEBA
hi all,
I will be buying a corvette this Sat and want to learn as much as possible from this site. Is 54,000 miles high mileage? What do I have to worry about if so? Will a in dash GPS 7" screen fit in this car?

Thanks Bob
54K for a 1998 is VERY low mileage......and a good find provided it does not have a questionable past i.e. accidents, flood damage, etc. I suggest reading the stickys at the top the tech section for common issues. Also, grab yourself a service manual, so you're not a slave to the forum. You can obtain one on ebay, the parts section, etc. I can't speak to the GPS, but there is great info in the audio section.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 12:27 PM
  #3  
dgrant3830's Avatar
dgrant3830
Tech Contributor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Default

I agree. 54k miles is low. Do the proper examination looking for the signs of abuse and so on, but other than that, its got a long ways to go and just getting broken in. I also agree with obtaining the manuals for it as its money saved in the long run. Whomever owns it now before you, didn't drive it very often with those few miles.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 03:08 PM
  #4  
Oldvetter's Avatar
Oldvetter
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Default

I have a 98 with 124,000 miles on it. Only things that went bad were 1 headlight gear and 1 oil pressure sensor. Very reliable.

You do know that 1998's do not have HUD and only some have active handling.

Other than that, same as later year C5s (except for minor changes).
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 03:26 PM
  #5  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Bob

Lucky, DGrant and Oldvetter have good advice.

If I can add this, it may help. The C5 platform is phenomenal and when you buy a NEW one off the lot, it’s a dream to drive. That being said,, if you drive the car and experience ANY strange or abnormal experiences,, bad noises etc,,, something is rotten in Denmark!

Here are a couple of things that you can do to increases your chances of purchasing a quality well cared for car rather than one that you will regret after you get to know the car better.

First,,,Post your location in the country! I’m sure someone local will be more than willing to help you out.

See if you can find a seasoned C5 owner to take a look at the car with you or at least show you what to look for.

Learn to read and understand your Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) The C5 has the ability to display ALL DTCs that have or are having issues. You can tell a LOT about the vehicle just by reading and understanding what the DTCs mean. CLEAR THEN, take it for a drive and see if ANY return. At the end of this post,, I will include a "DTC HOW TO" to help you out.

You can down load a copy of your 98 owners manual for free on line. I will PM the link to you when I get home. Read the OWNERS MANUAL and get famular with the car.

The car should drive STRAIGHT and SMOOTH. It should NOT pull LEFT or RIGHT on a straight level road. It should stop straight with out any pulling. There should be ZERO dash warnings. DO NOT be afraid to stomp the brakes and activate the Anti Lock Breaking System! If that isnt working,,,expect to pay $100-$1500 at the dealer.

C5's can have issues with water intrusion into the passenger and sometimes the drivers foot wells. Run the AC if you can during the test drive and if it's cool outside run the defrost with the heat on. That will check condensate leaks from the HVAC system. Feel the jute carpet under layment that is below the drivers and passengers seat under the carpet. If its damp,,, you have issues.

Make sure that the AC system functions correctly. Operate all modes and all levels. Make sure you get the air to change in all vent positions that you select.

Look at the frame, the PCM and wiring directly below the battery in the engine compartment. If you see RUST on the frame,, or acid residew on the wiring, there was a leaky battery in the cars past and that can quickly add up to a LARGE cash outlay!!

Do an inspection on the BOTTOM of the car and look for damage. Look at the FRONT running gear. There LOW and contact parking curbs and driveways.

Make sure you bring a flash light and inspect the car in the DAY LIGHT!!

I hate to sound like DOOM AND GLOOM but,,, the bad cars are out there!

If there are any doubts,,, ask us questions. If you lived close to me,,, hell,, lets go LOOK!

Heres how to read your DTCs:

READING YOUR Engine Diagnostic Codes



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 ect)
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 C code indicates a malfunction is present and active 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 English/Metric (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 and hold the RESET button 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. You can GOOGLE the DTC and also find information on it.




Here is very good site that explains the DTCs:


http://www.corvette-web-central.com/C5DTCcode.html


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



Make sure to include the H or C suffix!!



BC

Last edited by Bill Curlee; Dec 8, 2009 at 03:34 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 03:38 PM
  #6  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Heres a list of common DTCs that can be displayed. Its LONG but, I want you to be able to see anything thas wrong:

DTC B0016 RF Deployment Loop Resistance Low DTC B2723 PASS-Key Detection Circuit
DTC B0017 RF Deployment Loop Open DTC B2735 PASS-Key Programming Mode Active
DTC B0018 RF Deployment Loop Short to Ground/Voltage Out of Range DTC B2795 Suspension Control Select Switch Circuit Malf
DTC B0022 LF Deployment Loop Resistance Low DTC B2852 Telescop Column In Switch Shorted to Ground
DTC B0024 LF Deployment Loop Short to Ground/Voltage Out of Range DTC B2857 Telescop Column Out Switch Shorted to Ground
DTC B0026 LF Deployment Loop Open DTC B2860 Telescoping Column Position Sensor Failure
DTC B0051 Deployment Commanded DTC B3109 Keyless Entry Transmitter Low Battery
DTC B0053 Deployment Commanded with Loop Malfunctions Present DTC B3577 Suspension Control Select Switch Contact Malf
DTC B0090 Active Switch Voltage Out of Range DTC C0550 ECU Malfunction
DTC B0091 Active Switch: Wrong State DTC C0563 Calibration ROM Checksum Error
DTC B0432 Rear Defogger Relay Circuit DTC C0615, C0620, C0625 or C0630 Suspension Position Sensor Circuit
DTC B0433 Rear Defogger Relay Circuit DTC C0665 Chassis Pitch Signal Circuit
DTC B0502 RH DRL Relay Circuit DTC C0690 Damper Control Relay Circuit Malfunction
DTC B0503 RH DRL Relay Circuit DTC C0691 Damper Control Relay Circuit Range
DTC B0507 LH DRL Relay Circuit DTC C0693 Damper Control Relay Circuit High
DTC B0508 LH DRL Relay Circuit DTC C0695 Position Sensor Overcurrent (8 volt supply)
DTC B0516 Speedometer Signal Circuit Malfunction DTC C0710 Steering Position Signal Malfunction
DTC B0521 Tachometer Signal Circuit Malfunction DTC C0750, C0755, C0760, or C0765 Tire Pressure Sensor Circuit
DTC B0605 BCM Internal Memory Malfunction DTC C1214 Solenoid Valve Relay Contact or Coil Circuit Open
DTC B0846 Battery 2 Out of Range DTC C1217 Pump Motor Relay Contact Circuit Open
DTC B0846 or B0851 Battery Out of Range DTC C1218 Pump Motor Circ Shorted to Volt or Motor Ground Open
DTC B0851 Battery 1 Out of Range DTC C1221-C1235 Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
DTC B0856 +5 Volt Reference Out of Range DTC C1236 Low System Supply Voltage
DTC B1000 ECU Malfunction DTC C1237 High System Supply Voltage
DTC B1001 Option Configuration Error DTC C1241 MAGNA STEER Circuit Malfunction
DTC B1512-B1537 Driver Information Center (DIC) Switch Circuit DTC C1242 or C1243 Pump Motor Circuit
DTC B1542 Oil Temperature Circuit Short to Ground DTC C1247 Brake Pressure Differential Switch Activated
DTC B1543 Oil Temperature Circuit Open DTC C1248 DRP Disabled
B2187, B2192, or B2197 Power Seat Switch Circuit DTC C1254 Abnormal Shutdown Detected
DTC B2187, B2192, or B2197 Power Seat Switch Circuit DTC C1255 or C1256 ECU Malfunction
DTC B2202-B2208 Window Switch Circuit DTC C1261-C1274 EBCM Internal Solenoid Circuit
DTC B2222-B2224 Mirror Select Switch Circuit DTC C1276, P1644, or P1689 Delivered Torque Circuit
DTC B2226-B2234 Mirror Switch Circuit DTC C1277 or P1571 Powertrain Indicated Traction Control Malfunction
DTC B2236-B2239 Door Lock Switch Circuit DTC C1278 TCS Temporarily Inhibited By PCM
DTC B2242-B2244 Memory Switch Circuit DTC C1281, C1283, or C1286 VSES Sensors Uncorrected
DTC B2252-B2253 Door Key Cylinder Circuit DTC C1282 Yaw Rate Sensor Bias Circuit Malfunction
DTC B2262-B2265 Mirror Position Sensor Signal Circuit DTC C1284 or C1285 Lateral Accelerometer Circuit
DTC B2272-B2273 Mirror Motor Control Circuit DTC C1287 or C1288 Steering Position Sensor Circuit
DTC B2274-B2275 Window Motor Control Circuit DTC C1291 Open Brake Lamp Switch Contacts During Deceleration
DTC B2276-B2277 Door Lock Control Circuit DTC C1292, C1293, or C1296 Master Cylinder Pressure Sensor Circuit
DTC B2278-B2279 Door Switch Control Circuit DTC C1294 Brake Lamp Switch Circuit Always Active
DTC B2282 Battery #1 Circuit DTC C1295 Brake Lamp Switch Circuit Open
DTC B2282-B2285 Battery Supply Voltage Circuit DTC P0101 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Performance
DTC B2283 Battery #1 Circuit DTC P0102 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low Frequency
DTC B2284 Battery #2 Circuit DTC P0103 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit High Frequency
DTC B2285 Battery #2 Circuit DTC P0106 Manifold Absolute Pressure) Sensor Performance
DTC B2286-B2287 Mirror Position Sensor Circuit DTC P0107 Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Volt
DTC B2403 Front Fog Lamp Switch Circuit DTC P0108 Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High Volt
DTC B2408 Rear Fog Lamp Switch Circuit DTC P0112 Intake Air Temp Sensor Circuit Low Voltage
DTC B2482 Backup Lamp Relay Circuit DTC P0113 Intake Air Temp Sensor Circuit High Voltage
DTC B2483 Backup Lamp Relay Circuit DTC P0117 Engine Coolant Temp (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage
DTC B2527 Horn Relay Circuit DTC P0118 Engine Coolant Temp Sensor Circuit High Voltage
DTC B2528 Horn Relay Circuit DTC P0125 Engine Coolant Temp insufficient for Closed Loop
DTC B2567 Folding Top Release Switch Circuit DTC P0128 Coolant Temp Below Thermostat Regulating Temp
DTC B2573 Hatch Release Switch Circuit DTC P0131 or P0151 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage
DTC B2578 Right Front Turn Signal Monitor Circuit DTC P0132 or P0152 HO2S Circuit High Voltage
DTC B2583 Left Front Turn Signal Monitor Circuit DTC P0133 or P0153 HO2S Slow Response
DTC B2587 Column Lock/Unlock Drive A DTC P0134 or P0154 HO2S Circuit Insufficient Activity
DTC B2588 Column Lock/Unlock Drive A DTC P0135, P0141, P0155, or P0161 HO2S Heater Performance
DTC B2592 Column Lock/Unlock Drive B DTC P0137 or P0157 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage
DTC B2593 Column Lock/Unlock Drive B DTC P0138 or P0158 HO2S Circuit High Voltage
DTC B2597 Traction Control System Switch Circuit DTC P0140 or P0160 HO2S Circuit Insufficient Activity
DTC B2600 Seat Motor to Battery Voltage DTC P0171 or P0174 Fuel Trim System Lean
DTC B2605-B2607 Seat Position Sensor Circuit DTC P0172 or P0175 Fuel Trim System Rich
DTC B2647 Ambient Light Sensor Circuit Low DTC P0200 Injector Control Circuit
DTC B2648 Ambient Light Sensor Circuit High DTC P0218 Transmission Fluid Overtemperature
DTC B2721 PASS-Key Detection Circuit DTC P0230 Fuel Pump Relay Control Circuit
DTC B2722 PASS-Key Detection Circuit DTC P0300 Engine Misfire Detected
DTC P0325 Knock Sensor Module Performance DTC P1134 or P1154 HO2S Transition Time Ratio


DTC P0335 Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Circuit DTC P1220 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 2 Circuit
DTC P0336 Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Performance DTC P1221 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 1- 2 Correlation
DTC P0341 Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Performance DTC P1258 Engine Coolant Overtemperature - Protection Mode Active
DTC P0342 Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage DTC P1275 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1 Circuit
DTC P0343 Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Circuit High Voltage DTC P1276 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1 Performance
DTC P0351-P0358 Ignition Coil Control Circuit DTC P1280 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 2 Circuit
DTC P0410 Secondary Air Injection (AIR) System DTC P1281 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 2 Performance
DTC P0418 Secondary Air Injection (AIR) Pump Relay Control Circuit DTC P1285 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 3 Circuit
DTC P0420 or P0430 Catalyst System Low Efficiency DTC P1286 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 3 Performance
DTC P0440 Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System DTC P1336 Crankshaft Position (CKP) System Variation Not Learned
DTC P0442 Evaporative Emission System Small Leak Detected DTC P1380 Misfire Detected - Rough Road Data Not Available
DTC P0443 Evaporative Emission Purge Solenoid Control Circuit DTC P1381 Misfire Detected - No Comm with Brake Control Module
DTC P0446 Evaporative Emission Vent System Performance DTC P1415 or P1416 Secondary Air Injection (AIR) System
DTC P0449 Evaporative Emission Vent Solenoid Control Circuit DTC P1431 Fuel Level Sensor 2 Performance
DTC P0452 Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Voltage DTC P1432 Fuel Level Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage
DTC P0453 Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Circuit High Voltage DTC P1433 Fuel Level Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage
DTC P0461 Fuel Level Sensor Performance DTC P1441 Evaporative Emission System Flow During Non-Purge
DTC P0462 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Low Voltage DTC P1514 Throttle Body Performance
DTC P0463 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High Voltage DTC P1515 Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance
DTC P0480 Cooling Fan Relay 1 Control Circuit DTC P1516 Throttle Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance
DTC P0481 Cooling Fan Relay 2 and 3 Control Circuit DTC P1517 Throttle Module Performance
DTC P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit DTC P1518 Throttle Module Serial Data Circuit
DTC P0502 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Low Input DTC P1574 Stoplamp Switch Circuit
DTC P0503 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Intermittent DTC P1575 Extended Travel Brake Switch Circuit
DTC P0506 Idle Speed Low DTC P1626 Theft Deterrent Fuel Enable Signal Lost
DTC P0507 Idle Speed High DTC P1630 Theft Deterrent Learn Mode Active
DTC P0522 Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage DTC P1631 Theft Deterrent Start Enable Signal Not Correct
DTC P0523 Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) Sensor Circuit High Voltage DTC P1635 5 Volt Reference 1 Circuit
DTC P0530 Air Conditioning Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit DTC P1637 Generator L-Terminal Circuit
DTC P0562 System Voltage Low DTC P1638 Generator F-Terminal Circuit
DTC P0563 System Voltage High DTC P1639 5 Volt Reference 2 Circuit
DTC P0567 Cruise Control Resume Switch Circuit DTC P1652 Powertrain Induced Chassis Pitch Output Circuit
DTC P0568 Cruise Control Set Switch Circuit DTC P1810 TFP Valve Position Switch Circuit
DTC P0571 Cruise Control Brake Switch Circuit DTC P1860 TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical
DTC P1627, P1680, P1681, or P1683 ECU Malfunction DTC P1870 Transmission Component Slipping
P1627, P1680, P1681, or P1683 ECU Malfunction DTC U1000 and U1255 Class 2 Communication Malfunction
DTC P0608 Vehicle Speed Output Circuit DTC U1001-U1254 Lost Communication with XXX
DTC P0645 Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Relay Control Circuit DTC U1300 Class 2 Short to Ground
DTC P0650 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit DTC U1301 Class 2 Short to Battery
DTC P0654 Engine Speed Output Circuit
DTC P0704 Clutch Switch Circuit
DTC P0706 Trans Range Switch Performance
DTC P0711 TFT Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
DTC P0712 Transmission Fluid Temp (TFT) Sensor Circuit Low Input
DTC P0713 Transmission Fluid Temp (TFT) Sensor Circuit High Input
DTC P0719 Brake Switch Circuit Low Input
DTC P0724 Brake Switch Circuit High Input
DTC P0740 TCC Enable Solenoid Circuit Electrical
DTC P0742 TCC System Stuck On
DTC P0748 Pressure Control Solenoid Circuit Electrical
DTC P0751 1-2 Shift Solenoid Valve Performance
DTC P0752 1-2 Shift Solenoid (SS) Valve Performance - No 2 Or 3 Gear
DTC P0753 1-2 Shift Solenoid Circuit Electrical
DTC P0756 2-3 Shift Solenoid Valve Performance
DTC P0757 2-3 Shift Solenoid (SS) Valve Performance - No 3 Or 4 Gear
DTC P0758 2-3 Shift Solenoid Circuit Electrical
DTC P0785 3-2 Shift Solenoid Circuit Electrical
DTC P0801 Reverse Inhibit Solenoid Control Circuit
DTC P0803 Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit
DTC P0804 Skip Shift Lamp Control Circuit
DTC P1111 Intake Air Temp Sensor Circuit Intermittent High Voltage
DTC P1112 Intake Air Temp Sensor Circuit Intermittent Low Voltage
DTC P1114 Engine Coolant Temp Sensor Circuit Intermittent Low Volt
DTC P1115 Engine Coolant Temp Sensor Circuit Intermittent High Volt
DTC P1120 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 1 Circuit
DTC P1125 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) System
DTC P1133 or P1153 HO2S Insufficient Switching
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 04:55 PM
  #7  
road dog's Avatar
road dog
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 798
Likes: 2
From: Notorious Miami sunny south florida
Default

I got 74 k and omly think that has gone wrong also a headlight gear .
it can still get it on I have no complants i love it because there are some things easyer to work on and change then the later years fuel filter is one.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 05:41 PM
  #8  
SPS's Avatar
SPS
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 133
Likes: 2
From: Winsdor ON
Default

I once read in a car magazine, an article on how to buy a Corvette. They said "Corvettes are either babied or abused - there is no in-between"

One more easy thing to check - that the parking brake works. They have a tendency to not grab when you pull up on the handle.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 09:06 PM
  #9  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Corvette Action Center is your friend!!!

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ual-links.html

You can get a copy of the 98 Owners Manual in a PDF file for FREEEEEE!

Give it a whirl and read about your C5 before you plop down the cash.

NOTE! Your car should have wheel LOCKS. The key for the wheel locks is (should be) in the rear compartment in the LEFT hand storage compartment in a small compartment under the carpet.

BC
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 09:46 PM
  #10  
Carcass's Avatar
Carcass
Drifting
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
Default

My 98 had 57k on it when I bought it a little over a year ago,which I saw as pretty low miles for a ten year old car.

2 months after I bought it I had to put a starter in it(it was the original,so no biggie)

And about 2 months ago,I put a clutch in it,not because the clutch was bad(it was only about 50% worn),but because the slave cylinder went bad,and "while I was in there" I figured I'd replace whatever I could get to with the drivetrain out(if the one you're getting is an auto,you won't have to deal with this).

If the Vette you're buying has the Dual Climate Control,you will want to check it's operation-they are great when they work right,not so much when they don't-make sure air comes out where it should,when it should,and at the temp it's set for.(mine sorta has a mind of it's own sometimes)

If, on the other hand,it's got the 3 ***** for the a/c (this is actually a plus) ,you're probably ok as long as it blows cold air.

Other than those few things,and a few light bulbs,there have been no other problems.
One more thing -if the column lock is still working,think about getting a column lock bypass (50$/easy install)-not necessarily because you need it right now,but because you MAY need it someday,and there really isn't any "good" place to be stranded in your Vette.
Do a search on the forum for "CLB" to learn more about this.
Good luck with the Vette,and have fun!
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2009 | 06:25 AM
  #11  
kg54trains's Avatar
kg54trains
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 4
From: EXTON PA
Default

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
Corvette Action Center is your friend!!!

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ual-links.html

You can get a copy of the 98 Owners Manual in a PDF file for FREEEEEE!

Give it a whirl and read about your C5 before you plop down the cash.

NOTE! Your car should have wheel LOCKS. The key for the wheel locks is (should be) in the rear compartment in the LEFT hand storage compartment in a small compartment under the carpet.

BC
This is great advise to check for wheel lockes and test the key for fit. Bought my 98 Coupe saw there were wheel locks but there was a key. Problem I found out months later it was not the key for the locks on the car. Surprise and the previous owner did not what or where the correct key was.
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2009 | 06:56 AM
  #12  
rws.1's Avatar
rws.1
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Default

130K (s)miles on my '01
Problems have been
dim HVAC display
oil pressure sensor
bad door control module
wheel position sensor
leaking oil cooler
air conditioner clutch

apart from that everything has been normal maintenance or mods
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2009 | 12:13 PM
  #13  
SebringSixSpeed's Avatar
SebringSixSpeed
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 5
From: Denver, North Carolina
Default

I have a 98 with not too many more miles than the one you are looking at. Within the past 3 years I have encountered the following problems:
-stripped headlight gears
-deteriorated finished on the plexiglass top
-seat track insulating rubber deteriorated (rocking seats)
-shifter out of adjustment
-no hold parking brake
-water intrusion on passenger footwell due to clogged wiper tray drain
-outside air temperture sensor gone bad
-Dual climate control blows cold on pass hot on driver (bad actuator)
-bad factory connection at brake light switch terminal caused all sorts of intermittant problems including no brake lights, EBTCM malfunction warnings, TCS inop, etc.
-Oil pressure sending unit kaput (not easy to get to)
-and lastly I have been trying to trace down the reason my car will intermittantly not start.

That being said, I still love the car despite it's issues. Just be prepared to do the work yourself or pay to have it done. So far I have been able to avoid paying anyone else to work on my car, largely due to the help and advice I have received on this forum.
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2009 | 02:15 PM
  #14  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by SebringSixSpeed
I have a 98 with not too many more miles than the one you are looking at. Within the past 3 years I have encountered the following problems:
-stripped headlight gears
-deteriorated finished on the plexiglass top
-seat track insulating rubber deteriorated (rocking seats)
-shifter out of adjustment
-no hold parking brake
-water intrusion on passenger footwell due to clogged wiper tray drain
-outside air temperture sensor gone bad
-Dual climate control blows cold on pass hot on driver (bad actuator)
-bad factory connection at brake light switch terminal caused all sorts of intermittant problems including no brake lights, EBTCM malfunction warnings, TCS inop, etc.
-Oil pressure sending unit kaput (not easy to get to)
-and lastly I have been trying to trace down the reason my car will intermittantly not start.

That being said, I still love the car despite it's issues. Just be prepared to do the work yourself or pay to have it done. So far I have been able to avoid paying anyone else to work on my car, largely due to the help and advice I have received on this forum.
Good Data. PM SENT on your start issue!

BC
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2009 | 10:52 PM
  #15  
TGstring's Avatar
TGstring
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 32
From: cruising between USA and Canada... SAVE THE WAVE!
Default 54k miles is nothing.

54k miles is nothing if the car hasn't been beat up.

My '98 has 100,000 miles on it.
Does not burn a drop of oil.
does not leak a drop of oil.
Pulls VERY hard. Has zero engine mods.

I just forked over some $$ for some long tubes.
While I was in there, I took a pic of the inside of the exhaust port-
I was expecting to see black, sooty or gunky stuff.

What I saw was remarkable.

I'd say at 54,000 the car's barely broken in
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2009 | 06:30 PM
  #16  
Timbrooks720's Avatar
Timbrooks720
Cruising
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach CA
Default

My 98 has 103k miles and has had these problems:

Stripped Headlight Gear (Last week! Easy fix)
Bad A/C Tensioner
Buggy front right turn signal
Rocking Seats
Noisey rear (Fixed with some limited slip additive and fresh oil)
Typical HVAC problems but functions when passenger side is set to middle setting
New clacking sound from engine that just happened. No one knows what it is so far (3 mechanics)
Has thrown a few transmission codes which resulted in check engine light.

Other than that, it pulls hard, runs smooth, gets great gas mileage.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 12:04 PM
  #17  
Dragon Daddy's Avatar
Dragon Daddy
Intermediate
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Danville CA
Default

[QUOTE=SPS;1572367861]I once read in a car magazine, an article on how to buy a Corvette. They said "Corvettes are either babied or abused - there is no in-between"

Reply

Get notified of new replies

To high mile 98 vette





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:57 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE