Computer went haywire again...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Boise ID
Computer went haywire again...
Started my 99 c5, and got every message in the book:
Shock Inop. :eek:
Low Fuel :eek:
Reduced Power :nonod:
Active handling :eek:
Etc...
All the warning lights on the dash lit up :crazy: , tach and spedo worked, but started in metric. Gas was 0, temp was pegged, and voltage read normal.
I checked all my fuses and tried again, and same deal. Drove to the dealership and made them look at it while it was acting up. They then shut it off to scan it... No codes other then charge system, which I have seen occasionaly on start up (even with my old alternator).
Alternator and battery test fine.
After they restarted it everything was fine. My car did this before once when I got a lot of wheel hop during a burnout... now it resurfaced.
Any ideas?
Brian
Shock Inop. :eek:
Low Fuel :eek:
Reduced Power :nonod:
Active handling :eek:
Etc...
All the warning lights on the dash lit up :crazy: , tach and spedo worked, but started in metric. Gas was 0, temp was pegged, and voltage read normal.
I checked all my fuses and tried again, and same deal. Drove to the dealership and made them look at it while it was acting up. They then shut it off to scan it... No codes other then charge system, which I have seen occasionaly on start up (even with my old alternator).
Alternator and battery test fine.
After they restarted it everything was fine. My car did this before once when I got a lot of wheel hop during a burnout... now it resurfaced.
Any ideas?
Brian
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
Re: Computer went haywire again... (brianw21)
If you get a charge system fault code then you do have a problem. If the alternator and battery test fine then that narrows it down to a bad PCM or a bad/loose connection between the Alternator and the Battery or between the Alternator and the PCM. While the PCM acts as a regulator it is likely a loose or corroded connection as the problem is intermittent.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Placentia, Ca. USA
St. Jude Contributor '03 & '04
Re: Computer went haywire again... (brianw21)
Has your current or an old battery ever leaked? If so this could be the problem as the computer is under the battery and the corrosive acid has caused problems for some on this forum in the past.
Something to check.
Good luck!
Something to check.
Good luck!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,360
Likes: 24,785
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 '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Re: Computer went haywire again... (brianw21)
Sounds like either a connection problem or a computer problem. I had a '94 Vette that all of a sudden threw tons of codes, misfired, wouldn't stay running, etc. Turned out to be a computer malfunction. The dealer replaced it and it ran fine from them on.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Computer went haywire again... (brianw21)
brianw21,
I had a similar problem with my 1999 C5 coupe (built 8/98). The a/c condensation drain clogged, causing water to leak under the right side dash. Water entered the computer compartment and followed the wiring into the computer.
While driving, I received various DIC messages. The gauges would sweep, the chime would sound, the door locks would repeated lock and unlock, and the hatch would repeatedly unlatch. At times, the horn would sound.
The dealer mechanic cleared the clog, and replaced the computer and reprogrammed it under the new car warranty. (Mr. Goodwrench failed to dry the carpet and pad, so I had to remove the seat and carpet to dry it myself).
Good luck. The computer is covered under a much longer warranty than the new car warranty.
PS - I also had the repeated "charge system fault" messages when starting. The dealer called Chevrolet Technical Assistance and was told to check several ground locations, on and near the starter. The mechanic found loose nuts on the ground studs. He cleaned the locations and tightened them, which eliminated the messages. This was not caused by a leaking battery - that is another story for another day!
[Modified by 1999 White C5 Coupe, 7:05 AM 10/29/2003]
I had a similar problem with my 1999 C5 coupe (built 8/98). The a/c condensation drain clogged, causing water to leak under the right side dash. Water entered the computer compartment and followed the wiring into the computer.
While driving, I received various DIC messages. The gauges would sweep, the chime would sound, the door locks would repeated lock and unlock, and the hatch would repeatedly unlatch. At times, the horn would sound.
The dealer mechanic cleared the clog, and replaced the computer and reprogrammed it under the new car warranty. (Mr. Goodwrench failed to dry the carpet and pad, so I had to remove the seat and carpet to dry it myself).
Good luck. The computer is covered under a much longer warranty than the new car warranty.
PS - I also had the repeated "charge system fault" messages when starting. The dealer called Chevrolet Technical Assistance and was told to check several ground locations, on and near the starter. The mechanic found loose nuts on the ground studs. He cleaned the locations and tightened them, which eliminated the messages. This was not caused by a leaking battery - that is another story for another day!
[Modified by 1999 White C5 Coupe, 7:05 AM 10/29/2003]
