'99 Common Defects
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 86
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From: Rochester Hills MI
'99 Common Defects
Doing "research" in anticipation of getting a '99 convertible. Are there any "common" problems with this model that I should be aware of ? And - should I expect "some" (how much ?) oil consumption with this engine between oil changes (i.e., every 3500 miles) ? And - am I correct in assuming that a 6-spd is "faster" than the 4-spd Auto in a head-to-head race?
Also - anyone know of a good, reliable, knowledgeable Vette Shop (for maintenance, upgrades, & repairs) in S. E. Michigan ?
Thanks in advance for the info.
Also - anyone know of a good, reliable, knowledgeable Vette Shop (for maintenance, upgrades, & repairs) in S. E. Michigan ?
Thanks in advance for the info.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 0
From: Troy MI
Re: '99 Common Defects (Corvector)
Knock on wood I haven't had any problems with my '99 coupe.
The battery has a tendency to leak onto the computer and vac line below it destroying eiter or both. I don't think mine did it before I replaced the battery this year, but that would be something to check on any Vette you look at.
If you are good with a manual it will be faster than the auto, but a coupe will also be faster than a convertible.
You may have some issues with the clutch engaging if you beat on the car, the master and slave cylinders have been improved on newer vehicles
I bought mine may of last year with 19K miles on it, I have almost 29k on it now. I don't drive it to work, or in the winter, but I have had nothing but smiles so far.
If you live in SE Michigan, do you ever get over to T-Birds on Livernois and Long Lake?
The battery has a tendency to leak onto the computer and vac line below it destroying eiter or both. I don't think mine did it before I replaced the battery this year, but that would be something to check on any Vette you look at.
If you are good with a manual it will be faster than the auto, but a coupe will also be faster than a convertible.
You may have some issues with the clutch engaging if you beat on the car, the master and slave cylinders have been improved on newer vehicles
I bought mine may of last year with 19K miles on it, I have almost 29k on it now. I don't drive it to work, or in the winter, but I have had nothing but smiles so far.
If you live in SE Michigan, do you ever get over to T-Birds on Livernois and Long Lake?
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 76
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From: Jamestown NY
Re: '99 Common Defects (Corvector)
Be Prepared for Differential leaks. My 99 leaked after 9500 miles. Common in all C5's. GM does not stand behind the fix unless under warranty which your 99 is not covered. Surprising since this is a known problem which has been linked to a design flaw on the cover or a manufacturing flaw. Good German Technology! Other then that, I love the car. I have the six speed and would opt for nothing less. Good Luck! :steering:
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 0
From: Canton Michigan
Re: '99 Common Defects (Corvector)
Hey neighbor. I've got a 99 vert with 60K miles. Bought it in spring of 01. No problems at all except battery. Make sure you replace the battery before the old one leaks. I purchased an Optima red top at Murray's. Well worth the extra bucks.
As for oil consumption, None whatsoever for mine.
The 6 speed sure is a lot of fun.
There's a few people in the Mt. Clemens area who will sell and install your mods.
As for dealer repair, try Cauley Chev on Orchard Lake Rd in West Bloomfield.
They do great work.
As for oil consumption, None whatsoever for mine.
The 6 speed sure is a lot of fun.
There's a few people in the Mt. Clemens area who will sell and install your mods.
As for dealer repair, try Cauley Chev on Orchard Lake Rd in West Bloomfield.
They do great work.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 711
From: Sausalito CA
Re: '99 Common Defects (Corvector)
99 verts have a window to top material wear issue.
Otherwise they share the same problems through every model year...potential diff leak and column lock for example.
Otherwise they share the same problems through every model year...potential diff leak and column lock for example.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 24
From: Austin TX
Re: '99 Common Defects (Kenny94945)
My car has had: Diff leak, dead power window motor, and fuel gauge problems.
6spd is faster stock for stock. If you put a converter and gears in a auto it will be faster, but the 6 speed will still feel faster.
Eric
6spd is faster stock for stock. If you put a converter and gears in a auto it will be faster, but the 6 speed will still feel faster.
Eric
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,386
Likes: 80
From: NC
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: '99 Common Defects (Corvector)
Also watch out for the Colum Lock is the previous owner has not already installed a bypass kit. You can get a Column Lock Bypass from jmX here for less than $40 shipped.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
Re: '99 Common Defects (66ImpalaLT1)
Well i have a 98 and might have some of the same symptoms. Ive had alot of minor problems so far including:
broke exhaust flange 1st night i had car
fuel gauge problems
pass. window leaked (fixed)
driver window rattled (fixed)
E brake did not hold car (fixed)
top rattled (fixed)
fog lights misaimed (fixed)
idler pulley squeeks (fixed?)
seats rock forwards and back
im sure theres others i missed...
broke exhaust flange 1st night i had car
fuel gauge problems
pass. window leaked (fixed)
driver window rattled (fixed)
E brake did not hold car (fixed)
top rattled (fixed)
fog lights misaimed (fixed)
idler pulley squeeks (fixed?)
seats rock forwards and back
im sure theres others i missed...
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,707
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From: Lynnfield MA
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Cruise-In VI Veteran
Re: '99 Common Defects (Corvector)
I have had 2 issues in 12K miles with my 99... My transmision pinion seal leaked along with my gas guage fuel sensors needing replacing. Other than that the ragtop has been great... :thumbs:
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,386
Likes: 80
From: NC
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: '99 Common Defects (Scubanme)
Column Lock is a problem with most C5's. Then steering column has a locking mechanism that locks the steering wheel when you turn off the car. This mechanism will sometimes engage and not disengage. Thus leaving you the potential of being stranded and needing to call a flatbed.
Some owners have never had the problem, and then others have had it often. This simple fix is to disable the column lock feature by installing a bypass switch. jmX has a column lock bypass option that is simple to install and very cost effective compared to the other bypass kits. You can find out more by doing a search on here for "column lock" and at jmX's website: www.ls1howto.com
Some owners have never had the problem, and then others have had it often. This simple fix is to disable the column lock feature by installing a bypass switch. jmX has a column lock bypass option that is simple to install and very cost effective compared to the other bypass kits. You can find out more by doing a search on here for "column lock" and at jmX's website: www.ls1howto.com
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
Re: '99 Common Defects (bgood)
Hi guys, I have an 88 vette.. I'm honnestly thinking of getting a C5 in about 2 years or so.
I'm doing some researched has well on things to cheak before buying.
Here is what I found through out the forrum today.... can any one else think of anything?
(Things to watch for)
A/C broken hose
Differencial leak
power seet
leaking battery
creaking noise from suspension
Dead power window motor
fuel gauge sensor problem
window rattles
window leak
pulley squeeks
seats rock
transmision pinion seal leaked
(Normal faults)
Noise in 1rst gear
oil comsuption
colum lock
I'm doing some researched has well on things to cheak before buying.
Here is what I found through out the forrum today.... can any one else think of anything?
(Things to watch for)
A/C broken hose
Differencial leak
power seet
leaking battery
creaking noise from suspension
Dead power window motor
fuel gauge sensor problem
window rattles
window leak
pulley squeeks
seats rock
transmision pinion seal leaked
(Normal faults)
Noise in 1rst gear
oil comsuption
colum lock
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 1
From: Deerfield beach Fl
Re: '99 Common Defects (Kenny94945)
What is this issue, I think I'm experiencing it.
99 verts have a window to top material wear issue.
Otherwise they share the same problems through every model year...potential diff leak and column lock for example.
Otherwise they share the same problems through every model year...potential diff leak and column lock for example.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Torrington CT
Re: '99 Common Defects (robl45)
I would go here http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ry.php?catId=6 or do extensive reading on CorvetteForum.
I did zero research before getting my 99 Coupe, and luckily it appears as though I got a peach, but there are issues that need to be understood and possibly addressed.
Just reading this site and conversing with the freindly and knowledgeable people here will be the best time you ever invested. Then go out and buy one!!!! :seeya
:thumbs: :hurray: :D
I did zero research before getting my 99 Coupe, and luckily it appears as though I got a peach, but there are issues that need to be understood and possibly addressed.
Just reading this site and conversing with the freindly and knowledgeable people here will be the best time you ever invested. Then go out and buy one!!!! :seeya
:thumbs: :hurray: :D
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: '99 Common Defects (Corvector)
Corvector,
This is a list of some of the common defects that affected my 1999 C5 coupe (purchased new):
1. Defective column lock module - immobilized car.
2. Leaking Delco battery.
3. A/C drain clogged and ruined computer - immobilized car.
4. Defective alternator - ruined out-of-state trip.
5. Shift rumble (A4).
6. Repeated "charge system fault" messages.
7. Premature of seat cover leather - extra cost sport seats.
8. Defective fuel gauge (repeated problem after Chevrolet fix).
9. Inoperable emergency brake (when delivered new).
10. Idler pulley squeak at idle.
11. Seat belt safety recall.
12. "Satisfaction Campaign" performed for infamous column lock problem.
The list goes on - the quality and reliabilty of the 1999 C5 is very poor. Be prepared for a bunch of problems.
This is a list of some of the common defects that affected my 1999 C5 coupe (purchased new):
1. Defective column lock module - immobilized car.
2. Leaking Delco battery.
3. A/C drain clogged and ruined computer - immobilized car.
4. Defective alternator - ruined out-of-state trip.
5. Shift rumble (A4).
6. Repeated "charge system fault" messages.
7. Premature of seat cover leather - extra cost sport seats.
8. Defective fuel gauge (repeated problem after Chevrolet fix).
9. Inoperable emergency brake (when delivered new).
10. Idler pulley squeak at idle.
11. Seat belt safety recall.
12. "Satisfaction Campaign" performed for infamous column lock problem.
The list goes on - the quality and reliabilty of the 1999 C5 is very poor. Be prepared for a bunch of problems.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: Eufaula AL
Re: '99 Common Defects (Corvector)
34000 MI. no problems except the conv. top rubbing then paint which happened before I got the car. I have no idea why someone would
have let this problem continue without having it fixed. Cars will have
problems no matter what year, some cars not years more than others.
Check the car out good before you buy and you should not have any
problems.
Good luck with what ever you buy...... :cheers:
have let this problem continue without having it fixed. Cars will have
problems no matter what year, some cars not years more than others.
Check the car out good before you buy and you should not have any
problems.
Good luck with what ever you buy...... :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: '99 Common Defects (Corvector)
All,
Check out all of the TSB's for the various year C5's at http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com (in the knowledge base area). It is amazing how many TSB's there are for many common defects and problems.
The C5 is a low production car that has had very few changes over its model years - yet Chevrolet continues to have numerous problems in many areas of the car. Some of the problems have taken YEARS to identify a "fix". There should not have been so many quality and reliability issues.
I am convinced that there was very little testing during development - the C5 owners became Chevrolet's field testers (at the customer's expense and aggravation).
Check out all of the TSB's for the various year C5's at http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com (in the knowledge base area). It is amazing how many TSB's there are for many common defects and problems.
The C5 is a low production car that has had very few changes over its model years - yet Chevrolet continues to have numerous problems in many areas of the car. Some of the problems have taken YEARS to identify a "fix". There should not have been so many quality and reliability issues.
I am convinced that there was very little testing during development - the C5 owners became Chevrolet's field testers (at the customer's expense and aggravation).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 711
From: Sausalito CA
Re: '99 Common Defects (1999 White C5 Coupe)
The top issue...manufactor mistake; the top needed to be trimmed 10 mm more at the rear upper corner where the glass touches it when opening & closing the door. The glass wears this seams.
A very consise window adjustment will help reduce this wear (move glass forward plus tip-in angle), else a new top.
While I am at it, look for paint wear where the top meets the tonnoe (sp) cover. Upgraded seal, 5th bow adjustment is the cure. Else repaint tonnoe.
A very consise window adjustment will help reduce this wear (move glass forward plus tip-in angle), else a new top.
While I am at it, look for paint wear where the top meets the tonnoe (sp) cover. Upgraded seal, 5th bow adjustment is the cure. Else repaint tonnoe.