Computer module getting wet from above????
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Computer module getting wet from above????
I got several codes yesterday and ominious messages on the DIC. I removed the passenger side kick panel and found everything wet in there. Even the carpet was soaking wet in the passenger's foot well.
I havent been driving in the rain so I'm pretty sure that the water is coming from the AC evaporator. The condenced water is probably not draining from ot the drain tube and somehow overflowing into this area where the computer module is. Where is the drain tube? Has anyone ever had this type of problem? I can get by temporially by not using the AC, but on Sunday I'm planning to drive to Charlotte to run at Lowes Speedway on Monday and Tuesday, and the thought of not using the AC on the trip is not to my liking.
If you have any knowledge of this subject, please HELP!
Thanks, Jim Helm, 2000 FRC
I havent been driving in the rain so I'm pretty sure that the water is coming from the AC evaporator. The condenced water is probably not draining from ot the drain tube and somehow overflowing into this area where the computer module is. Where is the drain tube? Has anyone ever had this type of problem? I can get by temporially by not using the AC, but on Sunday I'm planning to drive to Charlotte to run at Lowes Speedway on Monday and Tuesday, and the thought of not using the AC on the trip is not to my liking.
If you have any knowledge of this subject, please HELP!
Thanks, Jim Helm, 2000 FRC
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
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From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Re: Computer module getting wet from above???? (Jim 47)
This is a common problem that has fried more than a few BCM's. The below instructions were posted by another member a few months ago:
The drain hole is a plastic nipple that protrudes from the a/c evaporator case, with a 90 degree rubber elbow attached to it. It exits the firewall, on the right side, at the rear of the engine head.
It is best to raise the car and reach the drain from underneath (while the engine is cool). The tip of the rubber elbow is moulded and is very prone to clogging, causing water to back up and overflow into the passenger foot well and PCM computer compartment.
Remove the rubber elbow and cut off the end of the moulded tip (about the size of a split pea). This will allow the water to drain quicker, and not collect iin the case. You may find white "grainy" matterial inside the elbow - clean it out too.
The drain hole is a plastic nipple that protrudes from the a/c evaporator case, with a 90 degree rubber elbow attached to it. It exits the firewall, on the right side, at the rear of the engine head.
It is best to raise the car and reach the drain from underneath (while the engine is cool). The tip of the rubber elbow is moulded and is very prone to clogging, causing water to back up and overflow into the passenger foot well and PCM computer compartment.
Remove the rubber elbow and cut off the end of the moulded tip (about the size of a split pea). This will allow the water to drain quicker, and not collect iin the case. You may find white "grainy" matterial inside the elbow - clean it out too.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 52
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From: Lake Elsinore CA
Re: Computer module getting wet from above???? (Jim 47)
Jim,
My '00 is currently at the local Chevy dealer with the same problem. They have not found the problem (tube is unclogged) and are discussing having the windshield removed to take a closer look. I'm looking for other suggestions as I'm not convinced they're going to find the problem that way either. They've never had a C5 with this problem before.
I going to keep looking on the internet to see if I can find someone with some answers. If I'm successful, I'll let you know.
RW
My '00 is currently at the local Chevy dealer with the same problem. They have not found the problem (tube is unclogged) and are discussing having the windshield removed to take a closer look. I'm looking for other suggestions as I'm not convinced they're going to find the problem that way either. They've never had a C5 with this problem before.
I going to keep looking on the internet to see if I can find someone with some answers. If I'm successful, I'll let you know.
RW
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 119
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From: SOUTH JERSEY
Re: Computer module getting wet from above???? (Jim 47)
I had the same issue on my '99, and from what i have heard if the computer has had water in or around it, you can be stranded at any time. That is why my dealer replaced all the electronics when they fixed the problem. With this type of problem you may not want to be far from home. See previous postings on this topic, there were many replys. Best of luck.
[Modified by Johnny Vig, 3:09 PM 6/18/2003]
[Modified by Johnny Vig, 3:09 PM 6/18/2003]
Burning Brakes
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Re: Computer module getting wet from above???? (Jim 47)
I had this same problem last summer. Dealer replaced my BCM under warranty. So far, no further problems...(fingers crossed).
Rick :cheers:
Rick :cheers:
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
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From: Wilmington DE
Re: Computer module getting wet from above???? (Jigsaw)
Thanks, everyone for your comments and suggestions.
I unpluged the drain tube and tryed to dry out the passenger's foot well/ computer/fuseblock. When I reconnected the battery, the car would not start. The remote key fobs also will not work, but all other evectrical suff works. Yes, the battery is at full charge, and the connections good.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this hunk of useless steel, aluminum, plastic, glass, and computers started. I've tried the "relearn computer" procedure with no sucess. All suggestions greatfully received. :D
Jim Helm
I unpluged the drain tube and tryed to dry out the passenger's foot well/ computer/fuseblock. When I reconnected the battery, the car would not start. The remote key fobs also will not work, but all other evectrical suff works. Yes, the battery is at full charge, and the connections good.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this hunk of useless steel, aluminum, plastic, glass, and computers started. I've tried the "relearn computer" procedure with no sucess. All suggestions greatfully received. :D
Jim Helm
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Computer module getting wet from above???? (Jim 47)
Jim 47,
I have posted numerous messags about this problem - it happened to my 1999 C5 coupe and stranded me for five days while out-of-state, on vacation.
The water intrusion ruins the computer and immobilizes the car. Before mine "shut down", I received numerous DIC messages, the horn repeatedly sounded, the hatch repeatedly released, the door locks repeatedly locked and unlocked, and the guages kept "sweeping".
This is a very common problem that Chevrolet has chosed to ignore. A simple design change could eliminate most of the problem Perhaps on the C5......
I wish you luck - I suspect you will have to have the car's computer replaced and reprogrammed. You will also have to remove the right seat (easy) and carpet/pad (easy) for it to dry. You will be amazed with the amount of water the carpet soaks up - and how damp everything will be under it.
Good luck - If I can offer more advice, please email me.
I have posted numerous messags about this problem - it happened to my 1999 C5 coupe and stranded me for five days while out-of-state, on vacation.
The water intrusion ruins the computer and immobilizes the car. Before mine "shut down", I received numerous DIC messages, the horn repeatedly sounded, the hatch repeatedly released, the door locks repeatedly locked and unlocked, and the guages kept "sweeping".
This is a very common problem that Chevrolet has chosed to ignore. A simple design change could eliminate most of the problem Perhaps on the C5......
I wish you luck - I suspect you will have to have the car's computer replaced and reprogrammed. You will also have to remove the right seat (easy) and carpet/pad (easy) for it to dry. You will be amazed with the amount of water the carpet soaks up - and how damp everything will be under it.
Good luck - If I can offer more advice, please email me.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: Computer module getting wet from above???? (1999 White C5 Coupe)
Well just like 1999 White C5 Coupe, I finally got my car flat bedded to the dealer this afternoon, after waiting all day at home for it to arrive. After spending time with the service manual and discussing possible solutions with my buddy Gordon, the problem appears to be, the BCM, in the passenger foot well, (the one that got wet) controls part of the starting circuit, and if is malfunctioning, the car will not start.
I've been talking to the service writer at the Dealer and it will be covered by my warranty, including the towing and a rental car. I'm anxious to see if my diagnosis was correct. The car seems perfectly normal in every respect except it will not start.
Thanks for you help. :cool: Jim Helm, 2000 FRC
I've been talking to the service writer at the Dealer and it will be covered by my warranty, including the towing and a rental car. I'm anxious to see if my diagnosis was correct. The car seems perfectly normal in every respect except it will not start.
Thanks for you help. :cool: Jim Helm, 2000 FRC
