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Need advice. Soon to be a first time Corvette owner.
Hello everyone, my name is Sean from Southern IL. I am going to be buying my first Corvette this weekend, Lord willing. It's a 2002 C5. Has some issues but seems to be a good deal. Hoping I can get some good help here with it.
Issues as currently known:
1) The engine light is on. The gentleman that owns it says its due to a traction control module issue and a service monitor issue (Wheel sensor for tire pressure im assuming?) No other lights on but the engine light.
2) When the headlights close the make noise for a few seconds after they shut.
3) Passenger door wont lock without doing it manually.
Any words of wisdom on these issues would be greatly appreciated.
We'll the light could be am easy fix. If the noise from the light sounds like a gear slipping that is normally because the teeth of the gear is worn down. You can either buy a $12 plastic replacement gear (dorman 42400) or a $25-30 metal gear and it'll fix that problem.
for the check engine light, do a search on how to pull the diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) on the driver information center (dic). With the codes you can search the forum or google for what they mean.
for the lock, i would check if you can hear a sound from the mechanism inside. It may just be disconnected and will requires removal or the panel to reattach, not to hard and there videos and info on the web and forum as well.
Thanks for all the friendly advice. Seems simple enough. One more question: I haven’t seen the car in person yet but I asked the owner to send me videos of it starting up and stuff. I noticed the oil pressure gauge was almost pegged while at idle. Probably around 70-80pai. Never see one with that much pressure. Oil sensing unit perhaps?
I agree with the above all but the check engine light issues are relatively minor and can be repaired in your garage if you are so inclined. The check engine light is another matter though and could be as simple as the gas cap or as complex as a blown head gasket. You won't know anything until you pulled the codes and then run the appropriate diagnostics. Since the seller is disclosing the fact that the check engine light is on but seems to think it is due to the tire monitor system it is clear he is either trying to pull one over on you or does not know a thing about the car. You may also want to pull a CarFax report to check if it has an accident or flood history.
Remember, if a deal is too good there is a reason. If you are not handy in the garage I'd recommend you look for a car from a local Corvette dealer that will provide some level of warranty even if it is only 30 days. Drive the car and make sure everything works.
If the car is reasonably close, it is worth the trip to see it in person and drive it.
Pull the DIC codes using the video provided by 8VETTE7 . Post the codes here so members can try to assist you with evaluating the problems. As Big_George_S said, the Check Engine Light issue could be cheap and simple or expensive. Better to find out before hand.
Best wishes with your efforts to find the Corvette right for you!
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