Is technology killing the early C5?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,738
Likes: 217
From: Arizona AZ
Is technology killing the early C5?
I've been searching for an early C5 FRC and I've noticed 2 posts so far which are making me take a moment of pause buying one.
I've noted 3 posts regarding the difficulty obtaining parts for the active handling system, the EBCM and now the Steering Wheel Position Sensor.
I'm only posting what I've read regarding GM no longer supporting these components and there appears to be no aftermarket to fill the void.
So, where do we go from here? Will this problem soon become a problem for the 2001-2004 C5s?
My posting comes from these 3 posts so I suggest you read what they have posted.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...on-sensor.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...e-removed.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...cm-repair.html
I've noted 3 posts regarding the difficulty obtaining parts for the active handling system, the EBCM and now the Steering Wheel Position Sensor.
I'm only posting what I've read regarding GM no longer supporting these components and there appears to be no aftermarket to fill the void.
So, where do we go from here? Will this problem soon become a problem for the 2001-2004 C5s?
My posting comes from these 3 posts so I suggest you read what they have posted.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...on-sensor.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...e-removed.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...cm-repair.html
Last edited by azmusclecar; Mar 25, 2012 at 12:38 PM. Reason: added 1 other post
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 450
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From: SOUTH NJ
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
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From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I will bet someone will come up with a way to by-pass, adapt the newer sensor, or fabricate a replacement. There are just too many C5's still on the road to ignore the potential market. Or at least I hope so. 
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,337
Likes: 1,590
From: Western NY
Yeah, me too!! I don't rack up the miles, and plan on keeping my '01 for at least another 5-6 years....unless the ancient Mayans are correct. More importantly, on a serious note, what would you do with, or how would you sell, a car with a major electrical component failure??
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 911
Likes: 27
From: Southern IL
The 97-98 models are "ugly ducklings" as far as the electronics go.
There probably just isnt enough market going around to keep those parts in production. The later model years probably have a better chance not being discontinued...Just IMO.
There probably just isnt enough market going around to keep those parts in production. The later model years probably have a better chance not being discontinued...Just IMO.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Yeah, me too!! I don't rack up the miles, and plan on keeping my '01 for at least another 5-6 years....unless the ancient Mayans are correct. More importantly, on a serious note, what would you do with, or how would you sell, a car with a major electrical component failure??
just out of curiosity I went online to Autozone to see if they had a Steering Wheel Position Sensor for my 2000. They listed one as a "special order" for the bargin price of $268. Hope mine last longer than me.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,337
Likes: 1,590
From: Western NY
Dont know. We may have start "de-evolving" our C5's back to vaccum hoses, distributors and points! just out of curiosity I went online to Autozone to see if they had a Steering Wheel Position Sensor for my 2000. They listed one as a "special order" for the bargin price of $268. Hope mine last longer than me.
just out of curiosity I went online to Autozone to see if they had a Steering Wheel Position Sensor for my 2000. They listed one as a "special order" for the bargin price of $268. Hope mine last longer than me.Corvette Stories
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,079
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From: Niagara Falls ON
Nobody makes these components for any C5, not just the early ones. Once these parts are sold out then there will be alot of C5s being parted out or collecting dust.
Not sure if any company will make a bypass for these features. These are safety features. If a company produces a bypass then they would be liable in the event of an accident.
Not sure if any company will make a bypass for these features. These are safety features. If a company produces a bypass then they would be liable in the event of an accident.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 2
From: Jacksonville Florida
Nobody makes these components for any C5, not just the early ones. Once these parts are sold out then there will be alot of C5s being parted out or collecting dust.
Not sure if any company will make a bypass for these features. These are safety features. If a company produces a bypass then they would be liable in the event of an accident.
Not sure if any company will make a bypass for these features. These are safety features. If a company produces a bypass then they would be liable in the event of an accident.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,237
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From: Lacombe Louisiana
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 1
From: Niagara Falls ON
If a car is unsafe for the road then it is up to the individual to remove it from operating on public roads.
As I suggested, products created to bypass safety features in a vehicle in which they are required to operate on the vehicle would put that aftermarket company in a very bad legal position.
I am sure that one reason for the lack of parts has to do with the fact that Old GM isn't making anything and New GM is interested in selling C6's and soon C7's.
As I suggested, products created to bypass safety features in a vehicle in which they are required to operate on the vehicle would put that aftermarket company in a very bad legal position.
I am sure that one reason for the lack of parts has to do with the fact that Old GM isn't making anything and New GM is interested in selling C6's and soon C7's.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh PA
An electrical part won't total a car...the driver can though. While active handling and traction control may be considered safety items, they are also options. Not all cars come with it and not all C5s have active handling. I've rebuilt several Pontiac Grand Prixs. Some have ABS/TC and some don't. Depends on the option package. So it would be hard to argue the car is inherently unsafe because an optional system is broke.
My friend has a 69 427 tri power he got as a graduation present from his father. It has none of these electronic devices and yet survived 43 years without so much as a cracked fender.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Overwhelmed as one would be, placed in my position.... DFW, TX
St. Jude Donor '05
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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Try to find a part for a TV, even a fairly new one. As these cars age, this problem will be a larger issue for sure. The OEM's of these parts (GM was not the maker of many of these modules) do NOT publish specs or even PART NUMBERS on the chips inside these modules. Reverse engineering them is almost impossible for the amount of return there might be. I'm guessing that what will happen is what GM does today with generic ECM's for the LSx engines in other cars. You will remove/bypass or disconnect much of the factory elecctic/electronic systems and use a generic ECM to run things. Even this will cost more than the car is worth to refit.
It's easier to find parts for a C3.
It's easier to find parts for a C3.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I've been searching for an early C5 FRC and I've noticed 2 posts so far which are making me take a moment of pause buying one.
I've noted 3 posts regarding the difficulty obtaining parts for the active handling system, the EBCM and now the Steering Wheel Position Sensor.
I'm only posting what I've read regarding GM no longer supporting these components and there appears to be no aftermarket to fill the void.
So, where do we go from here? Will this problem soon become a problem for the 2001-2004 C5s?
My posting comes from these 3 posts so I suggest you read what they have posted.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...on-sensor.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...e-removed.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...cm-repair.html
I've noted 3 posts regarding the difficulty obtaining parts for the active handling system, the EBCM and now the Steering Wheel Position Sensor.
I'm only posting what I've read regarding GM no longer supporting these components and there appears to be no aftermarket to fill the void.
So, where do we go from here? Will this problem soon become a problem for the 2001-2004 C5s?
My posting comes from these 3 posts so I suggest you read what they have posted.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...on-sensor.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...e-removed.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...cm-repair.html
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,738
Likes: 217
From: Arizona AZ
now since I have no idea what to buy or do. Funny how once you start down the rabbit hole with technology, how it leads deeper and deeper....and before you know it......you are too far in to back out......and that's what seems to be inevitable with all this C5 technology.We can always hope the aftermarket picks up the pieces but like what was posted before..........liability with sue happy lawyers will make the aftermarket think twice about filling our voids.
So do the 97's and 98's without active handling now become more attractive??????? Or do we just turn the Active Handling off and go back to old school and use our talents to drive these cars knowing we can run out of skills a lot faster thanks to their increased performance but without all the "***-saving" technology to back us up?
I wonder what kind of issues the insurance companies will raise
once they find out the "safety features" of the C5 may someday be inactive.Once again...down the rabbit hole we go. We always assume someone will be there to help us with our problems. Now......with this....will they??????? AND WHEN?
That's a rhetorical question there boys and girls........
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 247
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
EBCM Questions for 2000 coupe
Ive had my 2000 coupe for less than a month and while taking a nice sunday drive, I got the "check ABS/TRACTION CONTROL warning and ive had the car @ the dealer for over a week- they changed out the bad wheel bearing but still getting a C1232 code which got me wondering if my EBCM could be going with a C1232 code rather than the classic C1214 code that many have reported??? also have any forum members had good luck with some of these rebuild services like...Automotive Scientific Inc or Auto ECU ?? please let me know Thanx
