Basic Vehicle Maintenance
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Yorktown VA
Basic Vehicle Maintenance
Anyone have some input on how difficult it is to perform basic vehicle maintenance on the C-5 (and hopefully the C-6)?
I'm interested in how difficult it is to get access to the oil filter, spark plugs, wires, rotor, etc. I currently drive a 94 Ford Probe GT and access to these items is difficult, enough to where I just take it to the dealer for Mx. However, since I am planning to get a C-6, I would like to perform basic Mx myself.
If I do this work in my garage, what is the best way to get access to the oil and filter? Should I get some vehicle ramps?
Thanks,
Chris
I'm interested in how difficult it is to get access to the oil filter, spark plugs, wires, rotor, etc. I currently drive a 94 Ford Probe GT and access to these items is difficult, enough to where I just take it to the dealer for Mx. However, since I am planning to get a C-6, I would like to perform basic Mx myself.
If I do this work in my garage, what is the best way to get access to the oil and filter? Should I get some vehicle ramps?
Thanks,
Chris
Night Race Blue 427
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,794
Likes: 6
From: Muncie, Indiana ...... Can I buy an amplifier on time ... I ani't got no money now but I'll pay you before I die
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (TheNexusPlace)
Wish I could help but I'm not even allowed to own tools.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 45,535
Likes: 892
From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (TheNexusPlace)
Anyone have some input on how difficult it is to perform basic vehicle maintenance on the C-5 (and hopefully the C-6)?
I'm interested in how difficult it is to get access to the oil filter, spark plugs, wires, rotor, etc. I currently drive a 94 Ford Probe GT and access to these items is difficult, enough to where I just take it to the dealer for Mx. However, since I am planning to get a C-6, I would like to perform basic Mx myself.
If I do this work in my garage, what is the best way to get access to the oil and filter? Should I get some vehicle ramps?
Thanks,
Chris
I'm interested in how difficult it is to get access to the oil filter, spark plugs, wires, rotor, etc. I currently drive a 94 Ford Probe GT and access to these items is difficult, enough to where I just take it to the dealer for Mx. However, since I am planning to get a C-6, I would like to perform basic Mx myself.
If I do this work in my garage, what is the best way to get access to the oil and filter? Should I get some vehicle ramps?
Thanks,
Chris
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Klamath River CA
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (TheNexusPlace)
I really hope I am wrong on this, but when I saw the chassis mockup at the Detroit show, one of the first things I checked was the location of the oil filter. If my memory serves me correctly, it was located directly above a cross member, very similar to my Caddy EXT. If that was an accurate representation, it makes changing oil a bit of a pain, but strategically placed aluminum foil over the cross member usually does the trick. At least it's not upside-down on TOP of the engine like a former rice burner I owned.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 7,837
Likes: 107
From: Huntington Beach California
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (TheNexusPlace)
Anyone know if the C 5 filters will work on the C 6. I sold my C 5 and still have the ultra Delto filters hoping I can use them on the C 6. (once I get it hopefully this year)
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 10
From: Reno NV
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (REL44)
Newbie Corvette owner question, but do C6's get any sort of free maintenance period like most of the luxury makes?
[Modified by TedG, 1:39 PM 6/14/2004]
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (TedG)
ROFLMAO Not in this lifetime. This is still a Chevy, and as far as GM is concerned you may as well just bought a Geo Metro.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,918
Likes: 1,880
From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (TheNexusPlace)
C5 maintenance is pretty darn easy. engine oil and filter have easy access, differential has a drain plug (no more pulling covers! ), MN6 drain and fill plugs are likewise accessable, if hard to remove the first time.
Spark plugs and wires are a piece of cake, esp. if you're used to working on a Probe. No distributor, no snaking of wires.
Plus, OBD-II is a mechanic's friend. Get a decent decoder and it'll tell you gobs of info.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Spark plugs and wires are a piece of cake, esp. if you're used to working on a Probe. No distributor, no snaking of wires.
Plus, OBD-II is a mechanic's friend. Get a decent decoder and it'll tell you gobs of info.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (VetteDrmr)
Plus, OBD-II is a mechanic's friend. Get a decent decoder and it'll tell you gobs of info.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,918
Likes: 1,880
From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (REL44)
Autotap is one, and the one I use. There are others out there: Auto Xray is one that comes to mind. Do a Yahoo search on OBD II scanner and you'll get a bunch of hits.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 45,535
Likes: 892
From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (REL44)
Plus, OBD-II is a mechanic's friend. Get a decent decoder and it'll tell you gobs of info.
What kind of decoders are available for the C5? On my M3, I have a plug-in unit with LEDs that reads the diagnostic code out of a port located in the engine bay. It also resets CELs and Oil/Inspection service lights. Is there a tool like this for the C5, or do you need something like Autotap, a laptop, and a special connector cable?
What kind of decoders are available for the C5? On my M3, I have a plug-in unit with LEDs that reads the diagnostic code out of a port located in the engine bay. It also resets CELs and Oil/Inspection service lights. Is there a tool like this for the C5, or do you need something like Autotap, a laptop, and a special connector cable?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,918
Likes: 1,880
From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (need-for-speed)
On the C5 you can read the trouble codes directly on the dash readout (DIC), reset / clear the trouble codes and reset the oil change monitor. No scan tool needed.
Your point is a good one, though. The C5 does, IMO, a great job of helping out the maintainer.
Have a good one,
Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 45,535
Likes: 892
From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
Re: Basic Vehicle Maintenance (VetteDrmr)
On the C5 you can read the trouble codes directly on the dash readout (DIC), reset / clear the trouble codes and reset the oil change monitor. No scan tool needed.
True, but most decoders will give you plain text messages of what the codes mean. Also, several decoders will give you real-time data logging capabilities. Some are better than others, YMMV.
Your point is a good one, though. The C5 does, IMO, a great job of helping out the maintainer.
Have a good one,
Mike
True, but most decoders will give you plain text messages of what the codes mean. Also, several decoders will give you real-time data logging capabilities. Some are better than others, YMMV.
Your point is a good one, though. The C5 does, IMO, a great job of helping out the maintainer.
Have a good one,
Mike
