C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

C5 codes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 06:37 PM
  #1  
Dontblink7's Avatar
Dontblink7
Thread Starter
6th Gear
 
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default C5 codes

Hello. I have a 2000 Corvette and I am getting a service vehicle soon message in the display.
I scanned it and have two codes:
- C1255 ebcm internal malfunction
- C1281 vses sensors uncorrelated
does anyone know what the fix is on these?
thanks guys
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2022 | 09:11 AM
  #2  
grinder11's Avatar
grinder11
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 4,661
Default

Oh NO!!! IIRC, the C1255 is the kiss of death for the EBCM. I may be wrong, but I dont think so. If I am, someone will be here-SOON-to correct me!!!

Last edited by Vetteman Jack; Aug 9, 2022 at 06:37 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2022 | 09:19 AM
  #3  
runner140*'s Avatar
runner140*
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Default

Originally Posted by grinder11
Oh NO!!! IIRC, the C1255 is the kiss of death for the EBCM. I may be wrong, but I dont think so. If I am, someone will be here-SOON-to correct me!!!
You are not wrong....
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2022 | 11:20 AM
  #4  
Dontblink7's Avatar
Dontblink7
Thread Starter
6th Gear
 
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default

kiss of death? Meaning what? No fix? Or that it needs to be replaced? Any insight on the other code? Thank you

Last edited by Vetteman Jack; Aug 9, 2022 at 06:38 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2022 | 03:25 PM
  #5  
grinder11's Avatar
grinder11
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 4,661
Default

Correct. It can't be fixed, and will need a $900.00, give or take) USED part to replace it. No new SWPS, or EBCMs are available, and this is why many favor the '01-'04 models over the '97-'00 models. FYI, I dont think either parts are available new for the '01-'04 models, either. BUT....The EBCM can repaired on the newer ones. I have a 2000 C5 Vert. As for the C1281, I believe that this code indicates an issue with the SWPS, IIRC.....

Last edited by Vetteman Jack; Aug 9, 2022 at 06:38 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2022 | 03:44 PM
  #6  
Smoken1's Avatar
Smoken1
.
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,025
Likes: 1,151
From: Oregon
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
Default

I think I would look into what is causing the C1281 code first. Have you done any work to the car such as add headers or something that would require disconnecting your steering?
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2022 | 04:31 PM
  #7  
rrwirsi's Avatar
rrwirsi
Melting Slicks
Veteran: Army
10 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Default

This is why I will never buy another GM Car. The EBCM is an important part in the high profile Corvette line and not to have a replacement option either by the original manufactyurer or by giving licensing to an after marker is just dispicablke.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2022 | 08:54 PM
  #8  
Ciro's C5's Avatar
Ciro's C5
Advanced
 
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 65
Likes: 34
From: Egg Harbor Township, NJ
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Does the C1255 ebcm internal malfunction mean that the car is no longer drivable? Can it be by passed? It's crazy that this can cause something as serious as everyone states.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 7, 2022 | 09:05 PM
  #9  
Dontblink7's Avatar
Dontblink7
Thread Starter
6th Gear
 
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default

Do you know if the ebcm has to be programmed by a dealer once installed? Also, I should note that the vehicle drives perfect with no issues other than the message that comes up on the dic.
also, any other insight on the other code?
Thanks for the help
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2022 | 09:40 AM
  #10  
Dontblink7's Avatar
Dontblink7
Thread Starter
6th Gear
 
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by grinder11
Correct. It can't be fixed, and will need a $900.00, give or take) USED part to replace it. No new SWPS, or EBCMs are available, and this is why many favor the '01-'04 models over the '97-'00 models. FYI, I dont think either parts are available new for the '01-'04 models, either. BUT....The EBCM can repaired on the newer ones. I have a 2000 C5 Vert. As for the C1281, I believe that this code indicates an issue with the SWPS, IIRC.....
Do you know if the ebcm has to be programmed by a dealer once installed? Also, I should note that the vehicle drives perfect except for the message on the dic. Any insight on the other code? Thank you
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2022 | 09:43 AM
  #11  
Dontblink7's Avatar
Dontblink7
Thread Starter
6th Gear
 
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Smoken1
I think I would look into what is causing the C1281 code first. Have you done any work to the car such as add headers or something that would require disconnecting your steering?
when I purchased it, it had/has borla exhaust and k&n air intake
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2022 | 12:17 PM
  #12  
grinder11's Avatar
grinder11
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 4,661
Default

Originally Posted by Ciro's C5
Does the C1255 ebcm internal malfunction mean that the car is no longer drivable? Can it be by passed? It's crazy that this can cause something as serious as everyone states.
No, it is still driveable, but the anti-lock brakes will now be plain old school brakes. If the state you live in has an annual inspection, and the yellow icon showing a skidding corvette is lit, the car will not pass. If you don't want to chance a $1,000 used EBCM, remove the gauge cluster and then remove the bulb that lights the skidding car. Hopefully, the inspector won't notice the light no longer illuminates. Good luck.......
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2022 | 06:36 AM
  #13  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,946
Likes: 24,702
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

Moved to C5 Tech.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C5 codes





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:35 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-1
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE