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Electrical problems after header install

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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 04:35 PM
  #1  
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Default Electrical problems after header install

I finished the install of headers and X-pipe. I was ready to sit back and enjoy the new sound , but I’m getting:

Low fuel warning
Reduced engine power,
The engine temp is pegged
Fuel gauge reads empty (It’s a full tank)
Cranks, but will not start
My OBD scanner can not connect so there are not codes to help.

I’m sure there has to be a connection I missed, but I can’t see one.


Can someone lead me in the right direction? It took the day to put it on, I’d hate to spend all day redoing it, but it may come down to that. I suspect I shoved a ground behind the starter or something, but I thing I reconnected everything, and there is nothing loose that I can see. (Thusly why I thinking behind the starter)

The entire experience was really disappointing.

Any help appreciated.
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 04:53 PM
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Which make headers did you install that you had to remove the starter?

Did you remove the ground strap on the drivers side, during the install?
If so, did you re install it & tighten it snug?.

Lastly is your battery near death?
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 04:57 PM
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what kind of headers? what needed to be completed for the install? engine lifted or bottom feed install? check starter to verify all connections are on and tight, check engine grounds both sides between 6-8 and 5-7 cylinders, looks like battery ground on Pax side and 2 on drivers side
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 04:58 PM
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Here is a way to check your codes without a scan tool.
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C5 DTC Codes.pdf (137.4 KB, 161 views)
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by bumble-z
Which make headers did you install that you had to remove the starter?

Did you remove the ground strap on the drivers side, during the install?
If so, did you re install it & tighten it snug?.

Lastly is your battery near death?
They were XS-power (it was listed in the instructions to help get more room.

I did remove the ground strap on the driver side, and i did reconnect it.

The battery is good.
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 05:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Smoken1
Here is a way to check your codes without a scan tool.
I wish is could get that far.

It tells me "No Comm." on all modules.
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 05:09 PM
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Originally Posted by warlock007
what kind of headers? what needed to be completed for the install? engine lifted or bottom feed install? check starter to verify all connections are on and tight, check engine grounds both sides between 6-8 and 5-7 cylinders, looks like battery ground on Pax side and 2 on drivers side
It was an install from the bottom.

I have the battery ground on the passenger, and the driver side ground strap with an additional light gauge wire ground. They are the same spot on the driver side right?
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 05:12 PM
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I'm going to try to get the starter connections tight.

I can't think of any other electrical connection that was a PIA.
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 05:23 PM
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Make sure the starter has the wires in their proper locations.
Check to be sure the wires & connectors are in good shape.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...g-starter.html
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by bumble-z
Make sure the starter has the wires in their proper locations.
Check to be sure the wires & connectors are in good shape.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...g-starter.html
That where i have them, but i have the 3 on the positive terminal ordered differently.

I'm going to try to change order and see if they make a better connection. the headers make it a big PIA
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 07:19 PM
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update:
the connection was loose, i had to loosen the header to get to it and after all that I was able to get a ratchet on it, and thought well before taking it off, I'll tighten it up and see if that fixes the electrical issues.

Broke the stud off.

Made it to the parts store before they closed, but they didn't have the starter, So I'm dropping the head out of the way to get the new one in when it comes in tomorrow. Still not knowing if that was really my issue.

This time I'm checking the electrical system before the header goes on.

headers, easy upgrade right?
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by MoEngineer
update:
the connection was loose, i had to loosen the header to get to it and after all that I was able to get a ratchet on it, and thought well before taking it off, I'll tighten it up and see if that fixes the electrical issues.

Broke the stud off.

Made it to the parts store before they closed, but they didn't have the starter, So I'm dropping the head out of the way to get the new one in when it comes in tomorrow. Still not knowing if that was really my issue.

This time I'm checking the electrical system before the header goes on.

headers, easy upgrade right?
See if you can find a starter heat wrap & put that around the starter while you have the header out of the way.

Thermo-Tec 14150 Starter Heat Shield (7" X 22" Wrap Kit) : Amazon.com : Automotive Thermo-Tec 14150 Starter Heat Shield (7" X 22" Wrap Kit) : Amazon.com : Automotive

Last edited by bumble-z; Mar 16, 2014 at 07:39 PM.
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 07:57 PM
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Sending you a pm.
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by bumble-z
Sending you a pm.
PM replied
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 08:21 PM
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I feel your frustration. Every time it is supposed to be easy it ain't. Hang in there, it will be worth it.
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