Need some wisdom
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Need some wisdom
I have a 2002 corvette C5,automatic. im having an issue where when I start or attempt too I lose power to my whole dash and ac/ radio lights. I did some research before asking you guys. I assumed it would be ignition switch. I swapped it out yesterday with a used compatible switch and matching key and tried starting it same issue…I have checked battery it’s fresh and good so based on further research next idea would be starter replacement or maybe the vats issue ? I’m just trying to figure out what would cause this from someone with more wisdom and knowledge than me thank you from a young corvette owner !
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
Are you losing power to ONLY the stuff you mentioned or is the entire car going dead and you haven't really noticed any other stuff but have not checked much?
Would be really strange to only lose the dash and center console.
Would not be too strange to lose power everywhere. That points to battery, cables, grounds maybe.
Would be really strange to only lose the dash and center console.
Would not be too strange to lose power everywhere. That points to battery, cables, grounds maybe.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Are you losing power to ONLY the stuff you mentioned or is the entire car going dead and you haven't really noticed any other stuff but have not checked much?
Would be really strange to only lose the dash and center console.
Would not be too strange to lose power everywhere. That points to battery, cables, grounds maybe.
Would be really strange to only lose the dash and center console.
Would not be too strange to lose power everywhere. That points to battery, cables, grounds maybe.
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,430
Likes: 3,981
From: Cape Coral, Florida
What do you have for tooling ??...a DVOM and a 12 volt test light ??...you will have to access the starter for some testing...if this is over your head seek out an auto electric specialist.
Last edited by C5 Diag; Jun 14, 2025 at 04:21 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,761
Likes: 24,681
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
Moved to C5 Tech for assistance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,127
Likes: 799
From: Espanola New Mexico
You may have an issue with the starter, only way to verify is having a meter connected to the purple wire at the starter solenoid and ground. You should have 12v when the key is held on the start position. Many people assume that the car just go's dead when the key is turned to start the car, that is normal because the Ignition switch only supplies power to systems needed to start the car.The Ignition switch contacts do not supply power directly to the dash, and radio and hvac, there are relays in the fuse box that the Ignition switch contacts power.on.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski