C5 Base Electrical issues
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City Ok
C5 Base Electrical issues
Good day everyone!
I just purchased my first Vette and I love it! I'm trying to figure out a problem and having no success. Mostly have this problem when it is cold outside.
I'll start the car and several things will not work:
Gauges, gauge back lighting, tail lights, blinkers, power windows, power locks and trunk release. However, the little lights work, ie seat belt, parking brake, 1 - 4 skip light, ect.
After I drive for several miles then everything comes on and starts working.
Previous owner installed a new battery and alternator. I corrected the 2 multi-wire ground connectors and ground studs, with minimal corrosion. I put the charger on the battery last night and it load tested good. Anyone else run into this problem?
Thank you for your time!
~Chris
I just purchased my first Vette and I love it! I'm trying to figure out a problem and having no success. Mostly have this problem when it is cold outside.
I'll start the car and several things will not work:
Gauges, gauge back lighting, tail lights, blinkers, power windows, power locks and trunk release. However, the little lights work, ie seat belt, parking brake, 1 - 4 skip light, ect.
After I drive for several miles then everything comes on and starts working.
Previous owner installed a new battery and alternator. I corrected the 2 multi-wire ground connectors and ground studs, with minimal corrosion. I put the charger on the battery last night and it load tested good. Anyone else run into this problem?
Thank you for your time!
~Chris
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 353
From: Little Rock Arkansas
This will likely get moved to tech...
Have you checked the DIC for any stored codes? A communications anomaly between the cluster and the controls on the doors will throw a code from the BCM (not a check engine light, but a stored DTC code). If you are not sure how to check DIC codes you can go on YouTube and find some good how-to videos on checking the DIC. They do not require a code reader and can be retrieved in just a few minutes' time.
Report back any stored codes retrieved once you've finished and we can assist further.
Have you checked the DIC for any stored codes? A communications anomaly between the cluster and the controls on the doors will throw a code from the BCM (not a check engine light, but a stored DTC code). If you are not sure how to check DIC codes you can go on YouTube and find some good how-to videos on checking the DIC. They do not require a code reader and can be retrieved in just a few minutes' time.
Report back any stored codes retrieved once you've finished and we can assist further.
Last edited by Velocity_Vette; Feb 20, 2018 at 04:10 PM.
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Yes, this belongs in Tech. Moving it there and hope you get your issue resolved.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
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St. Jude Donor '08
Most of us HATE to GUESS what the issues is. We need some additional info.
PLEASE examine the DTCs. Clear ALL of them and then, when you expierence the issue IMMEDIATELY (without turing off the ignition), read and post ALL the DTCs.
If you have messages in the DIC, press and HOLD RESET until it goes away and then read the DTCs
Bill
PLEASE examine the DTCs. Clear ALL of them and then, when you expierence the issue IMMEDIATELY (without turing off the ignition), read and post ALL the DTCs.
If you have messages in the DIC, press and HOLD RESET until it goes away and then read the DTCs
Bill
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Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City Ok
Thank you everyone! I pulled the panel and the previous owner has destroyed the harness! Butt connectors, scotch locks & added wires. Would anyone have a copy of the wire Harness diagram I could buy? The car is worth fixing, I just cant find a Helm manual for this car.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 497
From: Fords, NJ
Thank you everyone! I pulled the panel and the previous owner has destroyed the harness! Butt connectors, scotch locks & added wires. Would anyone have a copy of the wire Harness diagram I could buy? The car is worth fixing, I just cant find a Helm manual for this car.
( Congrats BTW
) you will be better off purchasing a Factory Service Manual. You didn't post what year C5 you have but if you look on eBay or here in the C5 Parts for Sale/Wanted section I'm sure you can find a used one as buying them new of costly...like in the $200 to $500 dollar range.Good Luck ,
Lou
Last edited by SG Lou; Feb 24, 2018 at 11:33 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Chris, I'm sure someone will chime in and post PDF's or pictures of the harness, no need to buy. On the other hand, being you just purchased the car
( Congrats BTW ) you will be better off purchasing a Factory Service Manual. You didn't post what year C5 you have but if you look on eBay or here in the C5 Parts for Sale/Wanted section I'm sure you can find a used one as buying them new of costly...like in the $200 to $500 dollar range.
Good Luck ,
Lou
( Congrats BTW
) you will be better off purchasing a Factory Service Manual. You didn't post what year C5 you have but if you look on eBay or here in the C5 Parts for Sale/Wanted section I'm sure you can find a used one as buying them new of costly...like in the $200 to $500 dollar range.Good Luck ,
Lou
I agree
Each year of C5 has its OWN THREE VOLUMN SET of manuals made by HELM. Your best bet is to purchase a good used set. I have found out that you can use the 97,98,99 manuals for any of those years as they are pretty much the same.. 2000 was a little different C5 and I would use that manual.. 2001, 2002 and early 2003 work for those years. 2004 was it own car/manual as a LOT of things up-graded (fuel system)
Its BEST to find your exact year set of manuals.. IF, you cant find your exact year, sometimes you can purchase a close modle year and get by.
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Feb 24, 2018 at 02:40 PM.