I see several DBS complaints on multiple boards, and the reverse switch is the most common problem. I guess I'll ask the question that I haven't seen yet.

Where is it on the C6, and how can it be adjusted?

Thanks.

 

It's not a "reverse switch". The computer controls require that the manual 6 spd be put in reverse for the ignition to be completely turned off. It's never been proven that the "shift to reverse" causes the DBS.

 

 

I think what he is saying "is what tells the computer the car is in reverse" There must be a device to indicate that.
As a DBS car owner, I think that there is a link betwenn DBS and the reverse position necessary to shut down. Let see if DBS is a fact of carlife in the 06s.

 

There is obviously a switch that tells the computer it's in reverse on the M6 tranny. Otherwise, why does the DIC say "Shift to Reverse" until you do it? When I do that, my C6 doesn't always know that it should shut down, and the Odometer comes back on in about 2 seconds. When it's working properly (e.i. knows it's in reverse) the Odometer doesn't come on after I turn the ignition off, it stays off.

I know it's in reverse, because it pulls backward if I start the engine and let out the clutch. What other gear is there that will do that? None. The reverse lights also come on as soon as I start the engine.

If I shutdown the engine, and the odometer comes on, then I get out and close the door, it will not auto lock and the car chimes when the door is opened, telling me that it still has the accessory power is on. I also noticed that if the odometer does come on, and I turn the accessory power on, shift to neutral, then turn the accessory off again and shift to reverse again. The odometer doesn't come back on and the car will auto lock, and not chime when the door is opened again.

There has to be a switch, seperate from the tranny reverse switch, that tells the computer that it's in reverse. I wouldn't work any other way. Now the question remains.

How do you adjust the reverse switch that tells the computer that the car it indeed in reverse, so it will properly shut down everytime?

I'm quite certain that this has something to do with the DBS i keep reading about.

Okay GM Technicians, spill your guts and help us all out!

 

Actually, there are two reverse switches located at the trannie. These switches are activated by a dog leg lever that engages the switches one at a time. The factory mod is to reverse the plugs between the two switches-doesn't do anything for DBS. I think most DBS problems will go away with the 06' since it no has a column lock switch and module.

 

Switching the plugs may help with the shutdown, but then your reverse lights may not work properly.

Thank you for the info about the setup. Now I know where to start digging. I'll let you all know what I find, and how it gets resolved. If this works, and I don't have a DBS issue, then it may be a contributor. If I do get a DBS issue, then at least we have one more thing ruled out.

 

Yes I agree with the statement above. The only problem with that is it does not do a *$%&$#*&* thing to help those of us with a 2005.
We are looking for a fix for our cars. Yes I know about "pirority start" that is a bandaid. Come on GM do something for us.

 

 

Oh, I know all about the Steering Column horror, it took 45 days just to diagnose, and 14 days to get the parts

 

How many of you other C5/C6 owners have noticed the Odometer turn on after you shutdown your Vette?

I spoke with my dealer today, and it's not supposed to happen.

The technician told me that there is no external adjustment for the reverse switches. They just thread right into the tranny. They have ordered a new switch to replace the original.

 

He is right, there is no adjustment, just external plug switching.

 

I think I can rule out this switch. I have had DBS even after watching my back up lights come on and then shutting down. I always check my steering wheel is locked as I get out. For it to be locked, the computer has to have sent the shut down message to the "steering column lock control module". I have never had DBS happen if it doesn't happen in the first 2 days. If I can get past day 2, I can always go for weeks and still be OK. I am convinced that its caused by a current draw of a few amps which remains at shutdown, probably from either the steering column lock control module or the steering column lock motor. I still plan to break into this circuit with an ammeter and try to catch a DBS event. I'm about due for another one since it's been a month since my last.

 

Simple logic will rule out the reverse switch(es). If you had a problem with the reverse switch, you'd get the "shift to reverse" warning, horn honking, and the doors would be locked with the car in reverse. There has never been a single report of that happening. An intermittent switch problem won't cause the issue either because once the shutdown sequence has completed (once), it doesn't care what gear you are in. I do agree that the most likely culprit is probably an intermittent issue with the column lock.

Mike

 

Since my first attack of DBS in May, I keep the car on a float charger (BatteryMinder) and have a digital volt meter handy. My car is a weekend only driver. I check the condition of the battery with the voltmeter every day after work and have found that *normally* the battery settles in at 12.8-12.9 volts while on the float charger whether it's day 1 or day 6 of sitting in the garage. Twice since May I've caught the car in the middle of a DBS episode on day 2. I believe that the reason it was OK on day one was that the battery was still strong from last being driven and the float charger was providing a small amount of boost to the battery, but by day 2 the voltage had dropped to 11.7-11.9. IMHO, whatever excess current drain is causing the battery to die, the DBS cycle starts the moment the car is shut down and not triggered by some random external event (fobs, garage door openers, etc).

 

The "Shift to Reverse" message ALWAYS goes out, but the horn frequently still honks when I shut the door, the doors DON'T lock, and the accessory power chime comes on when I open the door back up.

Well, 1 out of 4 isn't too bad! How can I rule the reverse switch out when I can turn the power back on, shift to neutral, power back off and shift to reverse again, and it corrects it about 75% of the time?

So how can you prove to me that it isn't related? What other issues have been found, and fixed, that cure the DBS issue?

I guess time, and a new reverse switch, will tell.

I have also noticed that the Odometer does turn on with the perimeter lights, but it doesn't come on when it's in a light area (and it's shutdown correctly).

 

[QUOTE=Lowlead]
Since my first attack of DBS in May, I keep the car on a float charger (BatteryMinder) and have a digital volt meter handy. My car is a weekend only driver. I check the condition of the battery with the voltmeter every day after work and have found that *normally* the battery settles in at 12.8-12.9 volts while on the float charger whether it's day 1 or day 6 of sitting in the garage. Twice since May I've caught the car in the middle of a DBS episode on day 2. I believe that the reason it was OK on day one was that the battery was still strong from last being driven and the float charger was providing a small amount of boost to the battery, but by day 2 the voltage had dropped to 11.7-11.9. IMHO, whatever excess current drain is causing the battery to die, the DBS cycle starts the moment the car is shut down and not triggered by some random external event (fobs, garage door openers, etc). [Quote]

Thanks for the info. This supports my theory. I am starting to wonder if it might be the steering column lock motor not getting feedback that it has reached the end of travel causing it to keep drawing current indefinitely. I am going to break into the fuse for this circuit and install an ammeter and look at it each time I shut the car down until I get my next DBS event.

Gary

 

I was wondering if you're putting the car in reverse and shutting off or shutting off and then putting in reverse? I think it would be better to put in reverse, set the brake and then turn the car off last. Not sure it matters but seems like a safer way to shutdown.

There is no known cause for DBS that I have heard of but I always put in reverse, set the brake, shut off engine, check DIC for messages, check steering column lock engages, get out, shut the door and watch all lights go out and walk away. Get DBS about once a month.

Gary

 

Was this a bad steering column lock motor? Did it stem from a message on the DIC that said service steering column lock? I assume it had nothing to do with DBS. Thanks

Gary

 

It doesn't matter what order I shut the car down in. I still get the intermittent accessory chiming, and horn alert, no matter the order.