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This may be a better question in the C5 Tech section, but, a few things to check before posting in Tech to give the members as much diagnostic info as possible.
Have you pulled DIC codes? (If you have not tried pulling codes before, see this:
List any codes that are showing up. Be sure and identify whether they show H (history) or C (current).
How long have you had your car and did this just start happening or has it been doing it?
Any changes (modifications) to your car?
Do you notice any loss of power going uphill?
First guess is possibly the 02 sensors, but the experts in Tech will have better ideas.
Best wishes for an easy fix.
I just got the car last weekend 98 convertible. I will try to pull codes Sunday.
I took tc off and in perf mode can't enter compition mode as I have a error message to service traction control system and abs system. The previous owner said it needs wheel speed sensors ..
At first I thought the same thing, but thought car ran rough/bad when you applied the brakes, then read it again.
If car is shut off, if you press brake pedal, is it easy to push like when car is running, or hard to push, you should have enough vacuum left in it for at least one power brake assist.
Then it will get harder to push as the vacuum is used up after a couple of pumps of brake pedal or so, let us know if that's what happens or if something different happens.
This has absolutely nothing to do with your power brakes. If you want to power brake you will need a visit to a tuner. There are some parameters in the pcm that will need to be changed.