Help! My C5 just QUIT!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 6
From: Lutz FL
Help! My C5 just QUIT!
2004 Torch Red Coupe. 130,000 miles. Automatic.
Was driving along and it just quit! Everything. No lights, engine, hvac... nothing.
Just like disconnected battery. Tested battery, it is good. Cleaned terminals and reconnected. Worked for a bit, then revved a bit (2200 rpm) and it quit again. Got out of the car and shut the door, and then it would start again.
Anybody have this happen to you?
Thanks!
Was driving along and it just quit! Everything. No lights, engine, hvac... nothing.
Just like disconnected battery. Tested battery, it is good. Cleaned terminals and reconnected. Worked for a bit, then revved a bit (2200 rpm) and it quit again. Got out of the car and shut the door, and then it would start again.
Anybody have this happen to you?
Thanks!
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: CA
Did you mean to say, "wouldn't start again"???
Otherwise I'm confused.
My first thought was fuse, but you said it started and ran to 2200 rpm. So that's not likely.
Maybe a short in the ignition area?
Or, could be something nasty going on with the engine control module. (Is it called drive train control module in c5? DTCM?)
Otherwise I'm confused.
My first thought was fuse, but you said it started and ran to 2200 rpm. So that's not likely.
Maybe a short in the ignition area?
Or, could be something nasty going on with the engine control module. (Is it called drive train control module in c5? DTCM?)
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: CA
If you've got a good buddy with a similar ride you could try swapping in the ecm from his/hers to yours.
That would be a pretty easy way to rule that out.
Note: That's my opinion as a computer technician and not as a mechanic. lol
That would be a pretty easy way to rule that out.
Note: That's my opinion as a computer technician and not as a mechanic. lol
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: CA
LoL, thus the disclaimer. It's cheap for us because we always have spare parts!
Also, I did say "if you have a friend near by" to test out a known good part.
And to answer your question: The Military.
We don't get much training in all honesty.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Swapping in a PCM and or BCM is a lot more involved than just un-plugging and plugging in the modules. Besides, he said that more than just the engine was not working. The PCM has NOTHING to do with the lights. You have to perform a GM HAND SHAKE PROCEDURE so the BCM recognizes the PCM.
"(Is it called drive train control module in c5? DTCM?)
???????????
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
GEMcLean
If the car turned OFF just like you turned the ignition key to OFF, I would highly suspect that you have a BAD or FAILING ignition switch. When they fail the usually don't leave any tail- tell DTC (because the car thinks you turned it OFF like normal.
You really need to better define the statement: (Was driving along and it just quit! Everything. No lights, engine, hvac... nothing. )
If you turn the headlight to ON do the headlight doors pop up and lights come on? Horn work?? Emergency flashers work???
Bill
"(Is it called drive train control module in c5? DTCM?)
???????????Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
GEMcLean
If the car turned OFF just like you turned the ignition key to OFF, I would highly suspect that you have a BAD or FAILING ignition switch. When they fail the usually don't leave any tail- tell DTC (because the car thinks you turned it OFF like normal.
You really need to better define the statement: (Was driving along and it just quit! Everything. No lights, engine, hvac... nothing. )
If you turn the headlight to ON do the headlight doors pop up and lights come on? Horn work?? Emergency flashers work???
Bill
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Sep 5, 2017 at 02:26 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 331
Likes: 19
From: Navarre Florida
I had something similar happen to mine about a year ago. I found that the positive lead from the batter that goes to the fuse box beside the batter was loose. I tightened it down, cranked right up, and never had that issue again.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Bill
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 6
From: Lutz FL
Beam Me Up, Scotty_Z06!
Bless you! Bless you! Bless you!
I opened up my fuse box next to the battery and was able to turn the nut on the positive post with my pinkies!
Took my trusty 13mm socket and tightened that sucker.
Time will tell whether that is the only issue, but that was a wonderful call.
Another great result of being on this forum. A blessing to all of us.
Also thanks to Bill Curlee, your insight is always right on.
I opened up my fuse box next to the battery and was able to turn the nut on the positive post with my pinkies!
Took my trusty 13mm socket and tightened that sucker.
Time will tell whether that is the only issue, but that was a wonderful call.
Another great result of being on this forum. A blessing to all of us.
Also thanks to Bill Curlee, your insight is always right on.
It was Scotty_Z06 who hit the nail on the head... 
I just sent the pictures. 
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 331
Likes: 19
From: Navarre Florida
Bless you! Bless you! Bless you!
I opened up my fuse box next to the battery and was able to turn the nut on the positive post with my pinkies!
Took my trusty 13mm socket and tightened that sucker.
Time will tell whether that is the only issue, but that was a wonderful call.
Another great result of being on this forum. A blessing to all of us.
Also thanks to Bill Curlee, your insight is always right on.
I opened up my fuse box next to the battery and was able to turn the nut on the positive post with my pinkies!
Took my trusty 13mm socket and tightened that sucker.
Time will tell whether that is the only issue, but that was a wonderful call.
Another great result of being on this forum. A blessing to all of us.
Also thanks to Bill Curlee, your insight is always right on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Bless you! Bless you! Bless you!
I opened up my fuse box next to the battery and was able to turn the nut on the positive post with my pinkies!
Took my trusty 13mm socket and tightened that sucker.
Time will tell whether that is the only issue, but that was a wonderful call.
Another great result of being on this forum. A blessing to all of us.
Also thanks to Bill Curlee, your insight is always right on.
I opened up my fuse box next to the battery and was able to turn the nut on the positive post with my pinkies!
Took my trusty 13mm socket and tightened that sucker.
Time will tell whether that is the only issue, but that was a wonderful call.
Another great result of being on this forum. A blessing to all of us.
Also thanks to Bill Curlee, your insight is always right on.