Hi all,

Any GM/Corvette trained auto electicians out there?

I know this is mainly a USA site but I also know there is alot of knowledge out there and someone might be able to help or give some useful advice, so here goes.

I'm awaiting shipment of my 2000 C5 later this month from the USA. My Corvette has Nightlight Sentinel, DRLs, Active Handling, Selective Damping and a few other electrical gizmos etc.

As a car mechanic in my earlier years I was quite happy and confident to do the lights conversion work myself. I had worked out what lights and wiring to change and which to lose (DRLs). I als worked out that by ordering parts from the USA the cost would be around $900.

However, one of the American car specialist in the UK has said that if I do it myself and, in doing so, change the "resistances" of the wiring I could easily have an adverse or disasterous affect on the Active Handling etc. I am told that the cars computer needs re-programming to tell it the light configuration and operating method. If I let this dealer do the work it will cost $2800 plus UK Value Added Tax (17.5%).

Speaking to two other UK specialists I am told that, if the work is done correctly, there is absolutely no need to re-program. These dealers have quoted $3100+tax and $1500+tax to do the work. This has left me a little confused.

My question is - has anyone first hand experience of converting a C5 (with electical options like Active Handling etc) to UK specification and what is your opinion on the re-programming issue. Also, any idea why the quotes for conversion work might vary so widely?

Sorry this message is so long but I thought I could not explain my delema without a full description.

Any and all advise gratefully received.
Thanks

 

I'm not quite sure I have this correct. You want the euro headlighs and want to turn off the sentinal?

 

I need to convert the tail lights and front parking lights to meet UK regulations, which also requires the DRLs to be disabled as Yellow lights can only be used at the front of the car for indicators. The Sentinel does not have to be altered. In addition, front side repeaters/indicators have to be added to the front wings and a red fog light positioned at the rear of the car. The reason I mentioned the Sentinal was just to indicate some of the electrical options that are fitted to the car.

I need to know if making these alterations can affect the wiring resistance in such a way that it can screw up other electrical functions controlled by the cars computers (such as the Active Handling, ABS, Selective Damping etc).

Regards
Brian

 

I hope that I am able to help since I have most of the Euro lights on my car. Although my tail lights don't function the same as a true Euro spec C5. Rather than having the lower portion of the inboard lights function as backup lamps, all of the lower parts are turn lamps on my car.

You can disble the DRL's by pulling the #38 (I think) fuse. Do a search to find out the exact fuse and procedure.
The T-84 Euro spec headlights and wiring harness can be ordered from a number of supporting vendors to convert to H-4 headlights.

You should be able to order the GM Euro wiring harness and lenses from a dealer to take care of making the rear lights function properly. Just make sure that you order the GM wiring harnesses for the rear as the harness from most vendors will function like mine.

I hope this helps.

-Rob

 

Hi Rob,

As my Vette is a US spec car, it has the reversing lights either side of the rear license plate. Therefore, I can use all the lower segments of the tail lights for indicators as you have done.

My main concern is I need to know if making these alterations can affect the wiring resistance in such a way that it can screw up other electrical functions controlled by the cars computers (such as the Active Handling, ABS, Selective Damping etc). Who did your conversion work and did you have any electrical functional problems afterwards? If a garage/dealership did your conversion work, do you know whether they re-programmed any of the computers?

Thanks
Brian

 

Hello Brian. Now I understand what you need to do. I see no reason why any of these modifications should affect your traction control or any other computer driven item. Most of what Rob is suggesting is plug and play items. I have heard of headlight systems that do not draw enough current to trigger the headlights to pop up but there are plenty of people including myself that have euro taillights, side markers, front euro lens and headlights. You probably already know about these parts but here are some links to what we are talking about. I hope this helps you.

http://www.corvettegarage.com/produc...78661bb4c7c051

http://www.corvettegarage.com/produc...78661bb4c7c051

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?d...FBEMJ4MP6TDX5B
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...FBEMJ4MP6TDX5B

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...FBEMJ4MP6TDX5B