EBCM question.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,686
Likes: 211
From: Mo.
EBCM question.
I know this question has been beat to death, but when I was searching for answers I noticed the 1999 model year had a lot less complaints of them going bad. I know all C5's are prone, but I am really thinking hard about buying this 1999 Vert in my area and the stupid EBCM issue has me scared of doing it. Am I crazy?
I can't believe we can't buy replacements! And my biggest worry is if mine craps out in a few years won't they be even harder to find,afterall you only have so many that were produced right.
Just need some sound advice on the subject guys.
Thanks, Seth.
I can't believe we can't buy replacements! And my biggest worry is if mine craps out in a few years won't they be even harder to find,afterall you only have so many that were produced right.
Just need some sound advice on the subject guys.
Thanks, Seth.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,686
Likes: 211
From: Mo.
I know anything can go bad, I just need to get a feel of how often they go bad on the 99? Some controls are just prone to failure to the point you know what's wrong before you even use any diagnostic equipment.
I read here on the board the 2001-04 models have a lot more issues with them for instance.
I read here on the board the 2001-04 models have a lot more issues with them for instance.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,245
Likes: 1,092
From: Dyer, IN
Perhaps. The reality is, the EBCMs have dried up from GM. While the 2001+ EBCMs are repairable (from a C1214 perspective), it seems that no one is capable of completely evaluating an EBCM, and doing a comprehensive rebuilt. If you are scared of buying a car, based on the availability of replacement parts, then you should be looking at a current production run......not a past production run. 
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,686
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From: Mo.
Just sad that a beautiful car with 18,000 miles in mint condition will have to be passed up because of something as simple as a control. But if no one knows how to repair them and there is no new replacement...I just can't warrant the purchase.
Truly is pathetic.
Truly is pathetic.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,245
Likes: 1,092
From: Dyer, IN
So you are saying that this 18,000 mile car has an EBCM that has failed?
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Dyer, IN
Unless the vehicle has a weird history (i.e. ownership, maintenance, accidents, etc) I would not hesitate for a second, to pic up a 99 with that mileage. My 99 has 83k miles, and I have not had a single issue with the EBCM. Now, I am one of those freaks who does not drive their car in rain/snow, so my vehicle is corrosion free. That really makes a difference with a C5....like it or not. 2001+ EBCMs are much more prone to failure, than the earlier years, with the common issue being the solder joints on the power relay.
Tech Contributor
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From: Dyer, IN
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Portland OR
I don't think we know the failure rate on the earlier cars. Probably not solid data available on that. We only see posts about ones that have failed. I don't recall any posts about "My ECBM is Still Working". Perhaps I should start one.
It is sad that you can't buy new ones. But these cars have excellent brakes, driving w/o ABS wouldn't bother me in the least.
Personally, I'd like to figure out how to fool cars with bad units into "thinking" it is working just to shut the DIC up when starting. That seems to be the biggest nuisance. Mine is still working however.........
I too believe someone will come up with a replacement. i just wonder what the legal ramifications would be if an aftermarket unit failed.
Ron
It is sad that you can't buy new ones. But these cars have excellent brakes, driving w/o ABS wouldn't bother me in the least.
Personally, I'd like to figure out how to fool cars with bad units into "thinking" it is working just to shut the DIC up when starting. That seems to be the biggest nuisance. Mine is still working however.........
I too believe someone will come up with a replacement. i just wonder what the legal ramifications would be if an aftermarket unit failed.
Ron
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
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From: Phoenix Arizona
The ECBM problem does exist on some cars, seemingly randomly, as do other problems. I don't think the potential for problems is enough to prevent you from buying that or any other C5. The C5 is a great car, and a very enjoyable one!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Oak Hill Virginia
If resale value is a factor in your decision then I would pass on any pre-2001 C5 for exactly the reason you stated above. If you plan on keeping the car for a long time I wouldn't hesitate to buy any year C5 except 97 if you found one in great condition.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: birmingham Alabama
St. Jude Donor '09 and '13
I have owned over 10 C5's and many were 98-00 models. I did not have one ebcm failure on any of those cars. The 01's are most prone to have the C1214.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Mo.