I'm in Alexandria, VA and am a first time Corvette owner (1997 C5). I bought this car out of a collection with only 3500 miles! It stalled the other day, but eventually did restart. Also seemed to run hot. Can anyone recommend a dependable, easy to work with, reasonably priced (ok, that may asking too much) Corvette mechanic within 50 miels of me?

Thanks!

jmowery@savantage.net

 

good luck with a tech and a car that was never driven

 

What do you see as OPERATING TOO HOT? You do know that the normal operating temp is right around 200-210

Before you start shelling out cash at the STEALERSHIP,,, read and post your DTCs.

Here is how you do it:

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. NOTE! You can read the DTCs with the engine running and or driving down the road but it can distract you. BE careful! Some DTCs clear themselves when you turn the ignition OFF!

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!!

If you have a significant long list of history DTCs, clear ALL of them and take the car for a drive and see what comes back. Post those DTCs

Bill

 

Before you take the car to anyone, you can learn a lot off this Forum if you take the time, and perhaps not have to rely on the tender mercies of a dealer/shop. With the stalling, is there a chance (with that mileage) that the gasoline is so old/stale it is causing problems?

As Bill said, your codes will tell you a lot. If you are indeed running hot, check your radiator for build-up of debris blocking the air flow. Unlikely with that mileage but not impossible.Then check for a stuck thermostat.

Be warned that '97s can have problems the later models do not. And once your current issues are remedied, find out what if anything has been done to the steering column lock and proceed from there with a By-pass, new K-harness, etc. so you won't be stranded some day.

Change ALL your fluids as soon as possible.

Good luck

 

Wow. You guys really know your Corvettes. I'm impressed and grateful for the advice. I took it for its first State inspection yesterday and it didn't pass emissions test. Guy said right side oxygen sensor was bad. Kind of strange for a car with 3500 miles. Does this sound right to you? Check engine light was on...

I'm a long time British car restorer and racer but never had such a cool American car as this Vette. I have high hopes that it will be a terrific example of the breed and serve me well for many years, after which I may know enough about it to help others through this forum.

Thanks again.

Jerry
"Yellow240z"

 

READ AND POST YOUR DTCs!!

Thats the FIRST thing to do to start the troubleshooting procedures. Your likely going to have a LOT of DTCs.. Clear ALL of them and take the car for a drive and see what comes back.

POST THOSE DTCs

Bill