New corvette owner with questions
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: Palm Springs California
New corvette owner with questions
Ok I tried to read and find all of the extensive research for each one of my problems and I have learned a lot but now it’s time for questions. Some of these I know we’ve went over so please be patient with me. I have a 1998 corvette with dual climate control 135k miles auto trans.
Key fob problem - I can buy another key fob but was looking to upgrade to the 01 - 04 system but can find the receiver module anywhere.
Alarm not working - not 100 percent sure I tested it right but I rolled down my window closed the door locked it with the key fob then reached in the door and manually unlocked it and open the door with the outside handle and no alarm went off.
Hvac - ac was blowing cold through the driver and hot through the passenger. I checked the codes and after some reading on the forum I see that it’s the blend door actuator. After a week of driving the cold switch to the passenger and hot to the driver. A few days later all hot air from all vents. Questions here are did both of my actuators go out ? I planed on replacing both of them but want to make sure my system doesn’t have a leak or a bigger problem. Not to good with working on cars but can follow instructions pretty well especially with pictures. Im seeing that I’m going to have to buy some gauges to check for leaks and checking to see if the compressor is spinning. Should I fixed the actuators and take it to the shop for hvac inspection or is it worth it to buy the tools and check it myself.
Passenger airbag - I want my son to ride with me but i can’t find any kits to turn it off. I know there used to be an kit that was sold on this forum but seem to be obsolete. I seen a third party company called aoi that you fill out some paper work and get approved then find a dealer to buy the switch from. Anyone have any experience with them ? Cost and how long it took to get approved. If it’s even easy to get approved ?
Hard to find parts - is there any website or place in Southern California that has hard to come by parts for the 1998 C5 corvette ? I cross reference gm part numbers and try looking everywhere online just seeing if someone has there go to websites.
Socal corvette shops - being new to a corvette and not knowing anyone else that has one I don’t really have someone to come and give it a look and just go over the cars overall health with me. I would love to find a place that is trustworthy for me to go just to get a good feel of where my cars is at and what else it may need. Eventually extra power as well lol.
any info is very much appreciated like I said before I really wanted a C5 corvette but didn’t decide to buy one until I found this forum. I am still very happy with my car and look forward to all of the wisdom that is to come. Thanks again in advance for all your help.
Key fob problem - I can buy another key fob but was looking to upgrade to the 01 - 04 system but can find the receiver module anywhere.
Alarm not working - not 100 percent sure I tested it right but I rolled down my window closed the door locked it with the key fob then reached in the door and manually unlocked it and open the door with the outside handle and no alarm went off.
Hvac - ac was blowing cold through the driver and hot through the passenger. I checked the codes and after some reading on the forum I see that it’s the blend door actuator. After a week of driving the cold switch to the passenger and hot to the driver. A few days later all hot air from all vents. Questions here are did both of my actuators go out ? I planed on replacing both of them but want to make sure my system doesn’t have a leak or a bigger problem. Not to good with working on cars but can follow instructions pretty well especially with pictures. Im seeing that I’m going to have to buy some gauges to check for leaks and checking to see if the compressor is spinning. Should I fixed the actuators and take it to the shop for hvac inspection or is it worth it to buy the tools and check it myself.
Passenger airbag - I want my son to ride with me but i can’t find any kits to turn it off. I know there used to be an kit that was sold on this forum but seem to be obsolete. I seen a third party company called aoi that you fill out some paper work and get approved then find a dealer to buy the switch from. Anyone have any experience with them ? Cost and how long it took to get approved. If it’s even easy to get approved ?
Hard to find parts - is there any website or place in Southern California that has hard to come by parts for the 1998 C5 corvette ? I cross reference gm part numbers and try looking everywhere online just seeing if someone has there go to websites.
Socal corvette shops - being new to a corvette and not knowing anyone else that has one I don’t really have someone to come and give it a look and just go over the cars overall health with me. I would love to find a place that is trustworthy for me to go just to get a good feel of where my cars is at and what else it may need. Eventually extra power as well lol.
any info is very much appreciated like I said before I really wanted a C5 corvette but didn’t decide to buy one until I found this forum. I am still very happy with my car and look forward to all of the wisdom that is to come. Thanks again in advance for all your help.
Last edited by Relly98C5; Jun 15, 2018 at 01:41 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
Passenger airbag - I want my son to ride with me but i can’t find any kits to turn it off. I know there used to be an kit that was sold on this forum but seem to be obsolete. I seen a third party company called aoi that you fill out some paper work and get approved then find a dealer to buy the switch from. Anyone have any experience with them ? Cost and how long it took to get approved. If it’s even easy to get approved ?
Socal corvette shops - being new to a corvette and not knowing anyone else that has one I don’t really have someone to come and give it a look and just go over the cars overall health with me. I would love to find a place that is trustworthy for me to go just to get a good feel of where my cars is at and what else it may need. Eventually extra power as well lol.
any info is very much appreciated like I said before I really wanted a C5 corvette but didn’t decide to buy one until I found this forum. I am still very happy with my car and look forward to all of the wisdom that is to come. Thanks again in advance for all your help.
http://www.97vette.com/howto/airbag/index.html
Corvette Forum members in the L.A. area have said good things about a couple of Corvette shops. I don't live in L.A. so can't vouch for them:
Warren/Spot 28 in Arcadia, CA (626) 447-0219
American Heritage Performance in Harbor City, CA (310) 326-2399.
If you do use one of these shops, please give us your feedback.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: Palm Springs California
Thanks
I found an old Corvette Forum link. Don't know if these parts are still available.
http://www.97vette.com/howto/airbag/index.html
Corvette Forum members in the L.A. area have said good things about a couple of Corvette shops. I don't live in L.A. so can't vouch for them:
Warren/Spot 28 in Arcadia, CA (626) 447-0219
American Heritage Performance in Harbor City, CA (310) 326-2399.
If you do use one of these shops, please give us your feedback.
http://www.97vette.com/howto/airbag/index.html
Corvette Forum members in the L.A. area have said good things about a couple of Corvette shops. I don't live in L.A. so can't vouch for them:
Warren/Spot 28 in Arcadia, CA (626) 447-0219
American Heritage Performance in Harbor City, CA (310) 326-2399.
If you do use one of these shops, please give us your feedback.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: Palm Springs California
Thanks for the response.
I have a 1998 and in that year there was no airbags cut off switch. And yes I have replaced the battery and checked the solder connections and it works when it wants too.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 89
Likes: 22
From: Forest, VA
My experience has been that I now drive/spend more $$$ to have a Corvette specialist work on my car rather than the less expensive closer-to-me everyday mechanic.
Not interested on letting a local mechanic "learn" about Corvettes on my car.
Contact the local Corvette Clubs near you and ask their advise about preferred mechanics before you allow some one to tear into your dash chasing a potentially simple A/C issue.
Not interested on letting a local mechanic "learn" about Corvettes on my car.
Contact the local Corvette Clubs near you and ask their advise about preferred mechanics before you allow some one to tear into your dash chasing a potentially simple A/C issue.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 16
Hard to find parts - is there any website or place in Southern California that has hard to come by parts for the 1998 C5 corvette ? I cross reference gm part numbers and try looking everywhere online just seeing if someone has there go to websites.
Socal corvette shops - being new to a corvette and not knowing anyone else that has one I don’t really have someone to come and give it a look and just go over the cars overall health with me. I would love to find a place that is trustworthy for me to go just to get a good feel of where my cars is at and what else it may need. Eventually extra power as well lol.
Your first question, where to find hard to find parts, Google and search are your best tools. There are a number of corvette dismantlers that have parts as well as a number of retail parts resellers that are as close as your fingertips. The other option is to ask here if you are looking for something specific many vendors monitor the forum and will reply if they have a piece you are looking for. I say this not to be a wise *** but as one with experience having to seek out pieces and parts including a rebuilt steering rack that my local "regular" shop told me was unavailable, I found what was probably the only one that was install ready in the U.S. with a Google search. I had it shipped direct to the shop.
As for a good Corvette specialty shop I rely on WestCoast Corvettes in Anaheim. They know these cars inside out and backward, they also are very honest when it comes to recommending performance options and what can be legally done here in California. I'm not sure what shops are in your area but I'd recommend you reach out to the car clubs around you and ask some of their members. I try to do as much as possible myself (fluid changes along with most things that can be unbolted and replaced), as that things get more complicated I rely on a good local shop for generic issues that are over my capabilities. When it comes to drivetrain issues I will defer to WestCoast Corvettes, they are not cheap but are very honest.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: Palm Springs California
Welcome to the Corvette Forum and Corvette ownership. I have a 2004 C5 with manual transmission and multiple modification. I turley enjoy every minute I drive the car.
Your first question, where to find hard to find parts, Google and search are your best tools. There are a number of corvette dismantlers that have parts as well as a number of retail parts resellers that are as close as your fingertips. The other option is to ask here if you are looking for something specific many vendors monitor the forum and will reply if they have a piece you are looking for. I say this not to be a wise *** but as one with experience having to seek out pieces and parts including a rebuilt steering rack that my local "regular" shop told me was unavailable, I found what was probably the only one that was install ready in the U.S. with a Google search. I had it shipped direct to the shop.
As for a good Corvette specialty shop I rely on WestCoast Corvettes in Anaheim. They know these cars inside out and backward, they also are very honest when it comes to recommending performance options and what can be legally done here in California. I'm not sure what shops are in your area but I'd recommend you reach out to the car clubs around you and ask some of their members. I try to do as much as possible myself (fluid changes along with most things that can be unbolted and replaced), as that things get more complicated I rely on a good local shop for generic issues that are over my capabilities. When it comes to drivetrain issues I will defer to WestCoast Corvettes, they are not cheap but are very honest.
Your first question, where to find hard to find parts, Google and search are your best tools. There are a number of corvette dismantlers that have parts as well as a number of retail parts resellers that are as close as your fingertips. The other option is to ask here if you are looking for something specific many vendors monitor the forum and will reply if they have a piece you are looking for. I say this not to be a wise *** but as one with experience having to seek out pieces and parts including a rebuilt steering rack that my local "regular" shop told me was unavailable, I found what was probably the only one that was install ready in the U.S. with a Google search. I had it shipped direct to the shop.
As for a good Corvette specialty shop I rely on WestCoast Corvettes in Anaheim. They know these cars inside out and backward, they also are very honest when it comes to recommending performance options and what can be legally done here in California. I'm not sure what shops are in your area but I'd recommend you reach out to the car clubs around you and ask some of their members. I try to do as much as possible myself (fluid changes along with most things that can be unbolted and replaced), as that things get more complicated I rely on a good local shop for generic issues that are over my capabilities. When it comes to drivetrain issues I will defer to WestCoast Corvettes, they are not cheap but are very honest.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 13,598
Likes: 1,353
From: Home of the VOLS ! Knoxville, TN. Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15, '16-'17-'18-'19
How old is your son ?
The airbag disconnect is only recommended for rear facing seats if I recall. If he sits in a front facing seat or a booster seat, he should be fine IMHO. I just would not move the seat all the way to the front.
The airbag disconnect is only recommended for rear facing seats if I recall. If he sits in a front facing seat or a booster seat, he should be fine IMHO. I just would not move the seat all the way to the front.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: Palm Springs California
hes 5 and he’s actually bigger than the average 5 year old he is probably fine but i need to better convince he wife lol.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 460
From: East Windsor NJ
Key fob - I had the one in my '00 "reprogrammed" when it was at the dealer for an AC compressor. It was working for a while and just stopped - the "2-button reset" didn't work either. I don't know what they did - but it now works like a sonofagun - even the trunk release (FRC). I also noticed that the horn beeps when locked - it didn't do this before so they did some kind of reset on it (don't worry - I know how to turn the horn off)....