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:

IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL INFORMATION (Long!)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 20, 2009 | 08:02 AM
  #681  
bob3868's Avatar
bob3868
Intermediate
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: St. Charles MO
Default

Bill,

I just read your post on electrical information on your corvette. I own a 2003 corvette and I am having electrical issues that I can't seem to get someone to fix. Here is what happens to my car. I will be driving along and all of a sudden my gauges stop working, my radio and AC goes off, bells starts sounding and all the messages that could possibly displayed are displayed. However, the car still runs good. A little later it will pop back on again! If I turn off the engine and restart it, it will be ok. I might drive for another 6 hours before it happens again.

It is now at a Chevy dealer and they had the car going on the 3rd day and can't find anything wrong with it. I am going to print off your post and take it to them this morning and hope it will help them. They also contacted a support group at GM. They said there was a bulletin put on saying something could be wrong with the wiring under the seats. They checked it out and all was fine..

It sounds like from your post that your issue was just the error messages being generated..?? Mine the whole computer stops working....

Thanks for your post! I hope that it will help me out!

Bob
Reply
Old May 20, 2009 | 11:40 AM
  #682  
mstromquist's Avatar
mstromquist
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 4,817
From: BEST Corn-Nation
2015 C5 of the Year Winner
Default

Read this a few days ago. Might be something you can check.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...lem-found.html
Reply
Old May 21, 2009 | 11:48 AM
  #683  
Scoobi_FreeBSD's Avatar
Scoobi_FreeBSD
Advanced
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: Duluth GA
Default

Originally Posted by bob3868
Bill,

I just read your post on electrical information on your corvette. I own a 2003 corvette and I am having electrical issues that I can't seem to get someone to fix. Here is what happens to my car. I will be driving along and all of a sudden my gauges stop working, my radio and AC goes off, bells starts sounding and all the messages that could possibly displayed are displayed. However, the car still runs good. A little later it will pop back on again! If I turn off the engine and restart it, it will be ok. I might drive for another 6 hours before it happens again.

It is now at a Chevy dealer and they had the car going on the 3rd day and can't find anything wrong with it.
Search this thread for "accordion" and "door wiring harness", sounds like the bare (uninsulated) wire in the driver door wiring harness. $10 fix.
Reply
Old May 22, 2009 | 07:47 AM
  #684  
Rick Perkins's Avatar
Rick Perkins
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Whitesboro Texas
Default

Bob, I had almost the exact same problem with my 99. I would be driving down the road and all of the sudden, gages would peg out, windows and radio would shut off. I would get reduced engine power + many other alarms.
There were actually 3 things I did and the problem is gone. First. I changed the ignition switch. My key would almost come out driving down the road anyway. That cleared the security light on the dash. I cleaned all the chassis grounds I could get to. (did accordian door tubes too) The main culprit for me was the wiring harness under the drivers seat. It was damaged. After I repaired the harness all the problems went away.
Hope this helps a little.
Rick

Last edited by Rick Perkins; May 22, 2009 at 07:48 AM. Reason: added info.
Reply
Old May 22, 2009 | 08:12 AM
  #685  
astoner3's Avatar
astoner3
Cruising
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Hartsville South Carolina
Default 99' Vert Battery won't charge

Anyone have an idea of why my battery won't charge? The battery and alternator were replaced recently. My gauage shows it is charging at 14 Volts. When I drive it for an hour or more the battery needs recharging when I get back.

Any ideas?
Reply
Old May 23, 2009 | 08:39 AM
  #686  
bob3868's Avatar
bob3868
Intermediate
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: St. Charles MO
Default

Bill, your the greatest....
I want to let everyone know how great Bill was in pinpointing an electrical problem I was having. I had my car to two places telling them of my electrical problem and neither one of them could find the problem. The problem I was having is when driving my car the computer would just quit working. All my gages would go crazy and tons of error messages. I saw Bills post and he got a hold of me and said look at the wires between the doors and the body. You will find a clear wire there. Tape it up and it should fix the problem.

I then drove my car home from the dealer and did just that. At the time I thought I would never find out what is wrong with my car. I looked at the wiring and sure enough, there was a clear wire and right where it goes into the connection and where it comes out of the connection there was about a quarter of an inch of BARE wire showing. I taped it up and I have not had an issue yet. I think the problem is solved!!

Thanks Bill for everything!!!!

Bob from St. Louis
Reply
Old May 23, 2009 | 08:46 AM
  #687  
bob3868's Avatar
bob3868
Intermediate
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: St. Charles MO
Default

Rick,
When I had my car in with the same problem you were having, the dealership call GM and was told that there was a bulletin put out on a problem with the wiring under the seat. For me they couldn't find anything wrong.

You can see my post where Bill ID the problem. It was the wiring between the doors. I had a bare wire about a quarter of an inch going in and out of the connector. Taped it and all is fine.

Thanks for replying.

Bob
Reply
Old May 23, 2009 | 06:18 PM
  #688  
sbontrag@hotmail.com's Avatar
sbontrag@hotmail.com
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Default

My cigar lighter, next to ashtray, does not work. The fuse is good, checked both # 1 & 7. Where would I find ground? Or if anyone has an idea I would appreciate. Thank you.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-4

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

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

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

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 23, 2009 | 08:52 PM
  #689  
clif's Avatar
clif
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,939
Likes: 7
From: Simpsonville SC
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Default Gas gauge not working!

I have a new electrical issue!

My car was in the shop for two month, getting a lot up updates. I had a new RSI Dual pump installed in the left tank, with a brand new fuel level sensor installed. I did verify it was readinf 40 ohms at one end, and 200+ Ohm on the other end (I dont remember exactly what the top was). Well, the gas gauge shows empty! The shop put 5 gallons in it, and it did not move. They took it to a gas station and filled it up, still showing empty. They ran through all the diagnostics that is in AllData, and now they think the PCM is bad, and wants to replace that.

My question is, how can the PCM just go bad? The gas gage was working when I brough it to them.

Has anyone else experienced this kind of issue?
Reply
Old May 23, 2009 | 09:45 PM
  #690  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by sbontrag@hotmail.com
My cigar lighter, next to ashtray, does not work. The fuse is good, checked both # 1 & 7. Where would I find ground? Or if anyone has an idea I would appreciate. Thank you.
The CIG receptacle is connected to 12 VDC with a small female connector. I recommend removing the center console and making sure that that connector is on correctly. They get knocked off easily or even forgotten to be connected when the console is out.

BC
Reply
Old May 23, 2009 | 10:20 PM
  #691  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by csdunaway
I have a new electrical issue!

My car was in the shop for two month, getting a lot up updates. I had a new RSI Dual pump installed in the left tank, with a brand new fuel level sensor installed. I did verify it was readinf 40 ohms at one end, and 200+ Ohm on the other end (I dont remember exactly what the top was). Well, the gas gauge shows empty! The shop put 5 gallons in it, and it did not move. They took it to a gas station and filled it up, still showing empty. They ran through all the diagnostics that is in AllData, and now they think the PCM is bad, and wants to replace that.

My question is, how can the PCM just go bad? The gas gage was working when I brough it to them.

Has anyone else experienced this kind of issue?

That sounds retarded to me. Tell them if there so sure it's the PCM, if it isn't the dime is on them!!

You need to get the volt meter out and start taking some readings

Do you have the following:

- Fuel tank connectors RIGHT, Pin A= 5 VDC reference Voltage

- Fuel tank connectors LEFT, Pin C= 5 VDC reference Voltage

- Fuel tank connectors RIGHT & LEFT, Pin B= sensor ground PCM Common

- Pin D = Chassis ground and that is Chassis ground G-401 in the rear wheel on the frame.

If you go to the PCM and read the PCM connector to the fuel pump the pins read like this:

Right tank connector =

A = PCM C2 pin 44,

B = PCM C1 pin 75

C = PCM C1 pin 12

Left tank connector =

B = PCM C1 pin 75

C = PCM C1 pin 12

Read pin A on the right sensor to PIN C on BOTH sensors and you should see 243 ohms

Read the DIC diagnostic routine and see if there are any PCM DTCs set for the fuel system.

Will you be doing this or will the shop be doing this????????

Bill
Reply
Old May 24, 2009 | 06:31 AM
  #692  
clif's Avatar
clif
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,939
Likes: 7
From: Simpsonville SC
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Default

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
That sounds retarded to me. Tell them if there so sure it's the PCM, if it isn't the dime is on them!!

You need to get the volt meter out and start taking some readings

Do you have the following:

- Fuel tank connectors RIGHT, Pin A= 5 VDC reference Voltage

- Fuel tank connectors LEFT, Pin C= 5 VDC reference Voltage

- Fuel tank connectors RIGHT & LEFT, Pin B= sensor ground PCM Common

- Pin D = Chassis ground and that is Chassis ground G-401 in the rear wheel on the frame.

If you go to the PCM and read the PCM connector to the fuel pump the pins read like this:

Right tank connector =

A = PCM C2 pin 44,

B = PCM C1 pin 75

C = PCM C1 pin 12

Left tank connector =

B = PCM C1 pin 75

C = PCM C1 pin 12

Read pin A on the right sensor to PIN C on BOTH sensors and you should see 243 ohms

Read the DIC diagnostic routine and see if there are any PCM DTCs set for the fuel system.

Will you be doing this or will the shop be doing this????????

Bill
Thanks, Bill. I am holding the shop responsible for this. I am taking it back to them on Wednesday. I am going to send them your post!

Clif
Reply
Old May 24, 2009 | 05:10 PM
  #693  
Mike Yeager@Eastcoast Performance's Avatar
0Mike Yeager@Eastcoast Performance
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1
From: Greenville SC
Default

What about the EVAP system??? Its been unpluged at the motor, correct Clif. Can that cause any fuel gauge problems?
Reply
Old May 25, 2009 | 01:06 AM
  #694  
JOEY CARTEE's Avatar
JOEY CARTEE
Racer
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
Active Streak: 60 Days
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 370
Likes: 1
From: Taylors sc
Default Thanks Bill!!

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
That sounds retarded to me. I appreciate the IQ level Test!!!LOL Tell them if there so sure it's the PCM, if it isn't the dime is on them!! Hi Bill, we should clerify the facts and test already performed!!! Correct!!!

You need to get the volt meter out and start taking some readings We have. Customer didnt!!!!

Do you have the following:

- Fuel tank connectors RIGHT, Pin A= 5 VDC reference Voltage Yes!!!!

- Fuel tank connectors LEFT, Pin C= 5 VDC reference Voltage Yes!!!!

- Fuel tank connectors RIGHT & LEFT, Pin B= sensor ground PCM Common Yes!!!

- Pin D = Chassis ground and that is Chassis ground G-401 in the rear wheel on the frame. Yes!!!!

And we have continuity between the connector pins for the common ground and the 5 Volt reference to the rear and the PCM.. with everything unhooked... And there is no short to ground or Power!!!!

If you go to the PCM and read the PCM connector to the fuel pump the pins read like this:

The car was picked up per customer request after much testing had been done and not verified for the problem at 5:30pm./... Customer would return for further diagnosis next week...

Points and tests not spoken of....
1 Customer performed his own perfomance download on the PCM!

2) EVAP system has been Totally removed from the car per customer request!!!
3) code 1433 for a right hand high voltage etc.. was coming up in the PCM codes...

4) as was a high idle too long code for the idle, only 2 codes period!!!!

The 1433 also has a tie in to the Tank pressure system. which should be invalid now!!!!

There is continuity between the common ground from the PCM and the left and right fuel level sensors as also the tank pressure sensor behind the left fender well!
The left tank sensor has been replaced with a NEW unit and the wires were upgraded BY THE OWNER to an industrial type wire... This connector at the sender reads 183 Ohms............
The right hand Sender is still stock,(was removed 2 times during the build) and replaced as it was functional )... BUT IT READS infinite now!!!!! 1.00000

PLEASE NOTE THAT A TEST WITH THE TECH 2 WAS PERFORMED AND THE GUAGE PERFOMED AS COMMANDED!!!!!!!!!!! Right tank connector =

A = PCM C2 pin 44,

B = PCM C1 pin 75

C = PCM C1 pin 12

Left tank connector =

B = PCM C1 pin 75

C = PCM C1 pin 12

Read pin A on the right sensor to PIN C on BOTH sensors and you should see 243 ohms

(THIS HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED!!! ALthough a Different sender was placed inline on the RH side and hooked up with the factory connectors and nothing changed...... Please note no connectors have been modified, and the PCM was never taken out of the car or serviced, only the tank level sensors were removed and replaced LH side, the plug ins were never disrupted....... Although the owner and an employee saw it move a couple of times after it got hot??????

Read the DIC diagnostic routine and see if there are any PCM DTCs set for the fuel system. Yes 1433!! we were at the 16 or 17th stage of the trouble tree.. This is were i told the customer that it may be a PCM problem after we used the replacemnent RH sender....

Any comments or diag might be worth your comment as i have lost a day in billable hours for the guage problem.....Thanks BiLL CURLEE

Will you be doing this or will the shop be doing this????????

Bill
thanks bill if you can help with suggestions!!! Joey
Reply
Old May 25, 2009 | 07:47 PM
  #695  
sbontrag@hotmail.com's Avatar
sbontrag@hotmail.com
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Default

Bill, thank you. I will pull console again and see. Are both the CIG lighter and the accessary 12 volt plug in on the same circuit? The accessory plugin inside the console still works.
Reply
Old May 25, 2009 | 08:54 PM
  #696  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by JOEY CARTEE
thanks bill if you can help with suggestions!!! Joey
WOW! I take back any and all criticism! Sounds like you have some very sound troubleshooting skills!! Thats RARE these days! Everyone wants to just easter egg in new parts and if they don't fix it, oh well.

It might very well be the BCM but,,,,doing all that work and testing, you trouble shot and pin pointed it to one area. Well Done!

If you have ant theories, run them by me.
Reply
Old May 25, 2009 | 10:31 PM
  #697  
bob3868's Avatar
bob3868
Intermediate
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: St. Charles MO
Default

Scoobi_FreeBSD That was exactly what it was. We just used some tape they use on the F15 and taped up the bare wire. Problem fixed thanks to Bill!! I have to admit, I did have to pay a Chevy dealer $89 to tell me they couldn't find anything wrong..
Bob
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL INFORMATION (Long!)

Old Jun 12, 2009 | 03:52 AM
  #698  
BOUT X's Avatar
BOUT X
Corvette Cowboy
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,852
Likes: 23
From: Cen-Cal Broke A$$ Kalifornia
Default Freaky headlights please help

Help please I have a wierd issue with my head lights 2 months ago I replaced the gears in the head light with Rodney dickman brass gears. My passenger motor is alum. and my drivers side is plastic. Well about 2 days ago I released my e-brake car was in the garage and just my pass. side head light came up light came on. So I backed out in to the sunlight and the pass. side light went down light went off then all of a sudden I looked and the drivers side was up 1/2 way no lights on. I then turned on the headlight switch and the pass. side came on drivers side closed. So I opened my hood and lowered my drivers side so both light were down so now when I turn on my headlight just the pass. side comes up drivers side stays down. I have disconnected the battery changed the fuses tried all kinds of stuff like turn light on and manuelly lift other light un-plug light try to get them in sink. So nothing is right can you please help me.


Dale

Last edited by BOUT X; Jun 12, 2009 at 04:04 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2009 | 02:37 PM
  #699  
cjlaw73's Avatar
cjlaw73
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,358
Likes: 1
From: Medford NJ
Default This thread is the best - big thanks to Bill Curlee!

2 days since the BC fix and car runs perfectly. Hard to believe (or not) that such a simple fix addresses such a crazy problem.

Charlie

Last edited by cjlaw73; Jun 25, 2009 at 10:44 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 10:16 AM
  #700  
hill536's Avatar
hill536
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 112
Likes: 38
From: Central Fl
Default

I've been waiting weeks before posting this because it's one of those things that’s best left when you say nothing, like watching a no hitter or a shutout,

I have been plagued by the 1214 DIC code and had it looked at by my dealer in Ft Meade, small town and very honest with great techs. It reset while there. On all occasions it would show at random intervals, mostly when starting the engine, hot, cold, rain or shine.

When you start some small aircraft its necessary to key the ignition and let the power come to the gauges. Thinking about that and computers in general I got into a new habit. I turn the key and allow the scroll message to cycle and have the warning lights make their cycle. Then I start it. Since doing that I have not had a light. I also noticed that after sitting several days the voltage on the DIC would read low, sometimes 11.6dcv (fairly new optima red top.) Prior to starting I'd see the voltage climb and settle.

What I have come to see after starting and at about the same random interval as the DIC 1214 alert is an alert that appears saying the active handling is warming up. So far in all cases after the warm up light goes away (couple seconds) it's normal. I've come to the conclusion that maybe the computers work a little better if they have a chance to warm up. After seeing a gazillion posts I hope some others can experiment with this idea and hopefully help someone else.

/Ken

Last edited by hill536; Jun 30, 2009 at 10:28 AM. Reason: edit
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:37 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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
story-8
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE