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Service Active Handling - Consumer Action
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,954
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
I'd just like to be able to get into the computer and completely bypass the active handling and traction control completely. I've gotten along fine for 50+ years. I think I can get by just fine for the remaining years that I will be driving. When GM looks after it on a case by case basis, I see it as them dragging their feet on a serious issue. Brakes and steering are two things that you can't mess with. I can mess up all by myself. I don't need a computer adding to the problem.
It can be turned off but then your DIC is lit up with the granny message that you are going to die! I'd like to have a choice or the ability to turn it off w/o the DIC message AND the requirement of turning it off EVERY time I start the car.Elmer
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 4
From: Ontario
I wasn't saying that the old cars were great handlers but neither are the new ones when the computer starts applying the brakes on individual wheels. If anything might need active handling it WAS the old cars. Even with the F41 suspension, the Chevelles still weren't handling cars in any sense of the word. Our '05 handles and stops so much better than the musclecars that I had that there is no comparison. Where we live, it's pretty country and there isn't the heavy city traffic to contend with. Perhaps I'm not a very aggressive driver but I've never have been in a position where I needed active handling or better brakes. Yes, the optional handling and braking packages work better in a race environment but is it needed on the street? In normal driving, I don't think so. With our Corvette, I've tried a couple of panic stops and if anything, the tires were the limiting factor. Slowing from legal highway speeds will never cause brake fade in these new cars. I'm very comfortable with what we have. If I thought I was in real danger in the Corvette, I certainly wouldn't be out there in our Olds LSS, S-10 truck or S-10 Jimmy and it has four wheel disc brakes too.
Last edited by Keith Tedford; Mar 2, 2014 at 06:04 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
When I was getting the service active handling message and the brake lights were staying on, the dealer replaced the brake pedal position switch. Now the same problems are recurring. Sounds like the steering wheel switch could be an issue too. Is there a recall for any of this?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 21
From: toms river new jersey
Just bought an 06 z06 and so far 2xs while going around a turn the car has done something and i almost lost it both times...turns were not fast.The car straightened or did something...I was wondering about that....turns could have been done in a toyota corolla but sum reason car did something and almost made me crash...Its scary. ..One second u figure no problems next second your fish tailing for no reason..first time i hit a little gravel on the right side going into a right turn. .right side should not have mattered in a right turn much but the car did something i fought it quick and curbed the rim on the right...2nd time was yesterday scared the pants of me...around a turn light rain car must have slipped a little next moment im fighting the car not to drive me off the road....turn was not fast. ..its sudden. ...now i see im not crazy car is not right. ...if the car didnt intervene there would have been no problems at all..turn an easy turn into a crash turn.
Last edited by meinersk; Jan 18, 2014 at 12:35 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 21
From: toms river new jersey
The thing is if i did crash and die there would be no proof to what really happened..If i did die it would not have been from my driving it would have been the car that killed me...Only i would no that...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 40
From: Smallingerland Friesland, Netherlands
Just bought an 06 z06 and so far 2xs while going around a turn the car has done something and i almost lost it both times...turns were not fast.The car straightened or did something...I was wondering about that....turns could have been done in a toyota corolla but sum reason car did something and almost made me crash...Its scary. ..One second u figure no problems next second your fish tailing for no reason..first time i hit a little gravel on the right side going into a right turn. .right side should not have mattered in a right turn much but the car did something i fought it quick and curbed the rim on the right...2nd time was yesterday scared the pants of me...around a turn light rain car must have slipped a little next moment im fighting the car not to drive me off the road....turn was not fast. ..its sudden. ...now i see im not crazy car is not right. ...if the car didnt intervene there would have been no problems at all..turn an easy turn into a crash turn.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 31,800
Likes: 2,397
From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
Mine: 2006 1LT w/o telescoping steering, built Feb 2006, placed in service June 2006, now with 81,000 miles, mine since July 2008 with 16,000 miles.
No related problems.
Some time within the last year, since relocating on the mainland, I experienced this momentarily, but it did not repeat and I chalked it up to an anomaly.
Last week while turning sharply, but not quickly, into a parking spot, I got the brakes grabbing experience with DIC display. I was able to force it into the parking spot and quickly shut it down (I was late for an appointment).
When I came out to drive away, and since, this has not repeated.
I am ordering the TSB "afro comb" and will take care of this asap.
Will advise on any additional info.
No related problems.
Some time within the last year, since relocating on the mainland, I experienced this momentarily, but it did not repeat and I chalked it up to an anomaly.
Last week while turning sharply, but not quickly, into a parking spot, I got the brakes grabbing experience with DIC display. I was able to force it into the parking spot and quickly shut it down (I was late for an appointment).
When I came out to drive away, and since, this has not repeated.
I am ordering the TSB "afro comb" and will take care of this asap.
Will advise on any additional info.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 21
From: toms river new jersey
Funny I researched z06 before I bought ...I heard about valves and other things,,Did not hear of the thing that could kill you..ODD..I even after my first experience shrugged it off..That was a bad decision..After the 2nd time and reading this I now know it was the car causing me to not be able to steer. I never relized the car would ever try to drive for you..I would strongly suggest new owners of these cars get recall done for this problem and test run if you have the problem before and after repair..I happened to me when I was entering right turn for hwy and a little gravel was there. And the 2nd time when exiting hwy left turn roadway was damp. Don't go fast while trying to get problem because the car takes control out of your hands a bit
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 73
Likes: 9
Although new to this forum, I've been following this issue for a while now. My experience has been slightly different from what most of you are describing. My car is an '05 with tilt and telescope, and twice I have made a right turn from a stop and the car has stumbled badly and the "service active handling" message has appeared. The car never stalled, and the brakes have never activated. I have discovered though, and perhaps it's just coincidence, that if I don't use the tilt to get in and out of the car, the problem doesn't present itself. The wheel telescopes due to the memory setting, but I just quit using the tilt and this issue has stopped. BTW, I called GM yesterday and they said my car's VIN isn't included in the recall. Go figure.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 4
From: Ontario
GM unilaterally decides that a set number of cars have the problem and that's it, case closed. If nothing else, it is a convenient way to limit your liability. If GM doesn't want to help, go to the government agencies involved in auto safety and file a report with them. When I see cars that have had several owners, the first thing that comes to mind is that these car could have this problem and the people are dumping them.
Last edited by Keith Tedford; Feb 4, 2014 at 08:05 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I've read most posts, but not all. Here is my issue:
06 base, auto... no telescopic steering, etc.
first encounter: Turning into a store i felt what i thought was my antilock activating, just shrugged it off.
Two weeks later: same instance though this time the LF wheel was lock and unlocking.. luckily i was around 5mph
Next encounter: Pulling out onto intersection the left front wheel starts locking and unlocking. It did this for a good 5-7 seconds.
Now, almost every two or three day it does this sometimes for just a split second, sometimes up to 10.
Its like the active handling is activating but without reason. I try to remember to turn the "traction control and active handling off" and it does ok.
Since mine does NOT have the telescopic steering does that elminate the bulletin? Thoughts? Also, the battery goes dead after about 2 days of not driving.. related? This is my third Vette and I'm at the point of just losing money and selling it.
Any help is appreciated.
06 base, auto... no telescopic steering, etc.
first encounter: Turning into a store i felt what i thought was my antilock activating, just shrugged it off.
Two weeks later: same instance though this time the LF wheel was lock and unlocking.. luckily i was around 5mph
Next encounter: Pulling out onto intersection the left front wheel starts locking and unlocking. It did this for a good 5-7 seconds.
Now, almost every two or three day it does this sometimes for just a split second, sometimes up to 10.
Its like the active handling is activating but without reason. I try to remember to turn the "traction control and active handling off" and it does ok.
Since mine does NOT have the telescopic steering does that elminate the bulletin? Thoughts? Also, the battery goes dead after about 2 days of not driving.. related? This is my third Vette and I'm at the point of just losing money and selling it.
Any help is appreciated.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 110
Likes: 9
From: Orange County CA
I almost got into a wreck yesterday because the traction control engaged when it shouldn't have:I was making a U-turn with on-coming traffic. Normally it wouldn't have been a big deal. I did it in a controlled manner at low speed, but then all the brakes kicked in with the traction control 3/4 into the turn. It left me helpless for a few seconds with cars fast approaching. I quickly pushed in the clutch and kept the engine revs high. When the brakes/traction control disengaged, I spun away. Any longer and I might have been either broadsided or rear ended.
This has happened to me a few times before, but only in parking lots when I'm making a sharp turn. No big deal. But now that it happened out on the road, I'm at my wit's end.
I am actually quite concerned about my personal safety, and feel that if I make a sharp turn in the wrong place at the wrong time, my life may be in jeopardy.
Last edited by JonnyJett; Apr 17, 2014 at 10:15 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 40
From: Smallingerland Friesland, Netherlands
Many many hours later I'm finally PM'ing you Kelly I almost got into a wreck yesterday because the traction control engaged when it shouldn't have:
I was making a U-turn with on-coming traffic. Normally it wouldn't have been a big deal. I did it in a controlled manner at low speed, but then all the brakes kicked in with the traction control 3/4 into the turn. It left me helpless for a few seconds with cars fast approaching. I quickly pushed in the clutch and kept the engine revs high. When the brakes/traction control disengaged, I spun away. Any longer and I might have been either broadsided or rear ended.
This has happened to me a few times before, but only in parking lots when I'm making a sharp turn. No big deal. But now that it happened out on the road, I'm at my wit's end.
I am actually quite concerned about my personal safety, and feel that if I make a sharp turn in the wrong place at the wrong time, my life may be in jeopardy.
I almost got into a wreck yesterday because the traction control engaged when it shouldn't have:I was making a U-turn with on-coming traffic. Normally it wouldn't have been a big deal. I did it in a controlled manner at low speed, but then all the brakes kicked in with the traction control 3/4 into the turn. It left me helpless for a few seconds with cars fast approaching. I quickly pushed in the clutch and kept the engine revs high. When the brakes/traction control disengaged, I spun away. Any longer and I might have been either broadsided or rear ended.
This has happened to me a few times before, but only in parking lots when I'm making a sharp turn. No big deal. But now that it happened out on the road, I'm at my wit's end.
I am actually quite concerned about my personal safety, and feel that if I make a sharp turn in the wrong place at the wrong time, my life may be in jeopardy.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 110
Likes: 9
From: Orange County CA
Sure was!
You want to hear some irony? The whole reason why I was making the U-turn? To go feed a homeless person. Seriously. I passed them on the way home from Costco when I realized I had a freshly roasted chicken sitting next to me. I thought that would be a nice little gift for 'em. I made the "U-turn", got back to them, and did they want the chicken? NO! THEY DID NOT WANT THE CHICKEN!!!
I almost got killed for nothin'!
You want to hear some irony? The whole reason why I was making the U-turn? To go feed a homeless person. Seriously. I passed them on the way home from Costco when I realized I had a freshly roasted chicken sitting next to me. I thought that would be a nice little gift for 'em. I made the "U-turn", got back to them, and did they want the chicken? NO! THEY DID NOT WANT THE CHICKEN!!!
I almost got killed for nothin'!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 110
Likes: 9
From: Orange County CA
I've been contacted by the GM rep here and they said I've got to pay $107 for a diagnostic fee from my dealer to get it checked. My Vette was recalled and the comb was installed already.
Should I have to pay the $107 diagnostic fee? Doesn't seem reasonable to me.
Should I have to pay the $107 diagnostic fee? Doesn't seem reasonable to me.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,858
Likes: 1,865
From: St. Louis Metro East IL
I don't know about the fee - probably wrapped into my overall cost estimate when I had active handling issues after 36/36 warranty expired on my 2006 base coupe. My ViN was newer than the range in the 2005 - 2006 model recalls. I politely reminded the service manager that this was a known chronic problem in Corvettes and asked if Chevy would pick up part of the cost. The final bill was cut in half. Last year I had the LF brake begin to apply itself at random. This time it was the EBCM. Same conversation, bill reduced by about 45%. Be polite, express your concerns that this is a known problem, and ask for Chevy to share the repair cost. I hope this is not an issue on the C7. I've sold the 2006 and my 2014 was built this week.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 109
Likes: 2
From: Peachtree City Georgia
Active handln'g aggravation
On recent trip to Fla. while entering I75 South of Gainsville, half way down the access ramp, in rainy weather, the front brakes locked up & pulled left , hard. Thankfully I wasn't at a high speed but was able to pull off on the shoulder & shut the engine down. Once restarted /re-booted we were on our way. Am still highly vigilant of the cars tendency to activate w/o provocation.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,014
Likes: 829
Hi baileysade,
I'm so sorry to hear of this happening. We will be glad to look into any concerns that you are experiencing with your vehicle. We can be reached via private message if any further assistance is needed. We look forward to hear from you!
Kristen A.
Chevrolet Customer Care
I'm so sorry to hear of this happening. We will be glad to look into any concerns that you are experiencing with your vehicle. We can be reached via private message if any further assistance is needed. We look forward to hear from you!
Kristen A.
Chevrolet Customer Care
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 109
Likes: 2
From: Peachtree City Georgia
Hi baileysade,
I'm so sorry to hear of this happening. We will be glad to look into any concerns that you are experiencing with your vehicle. We can be reached via private message if any further assistance is needed. We look forward to hear from you!
Kristen A.
Chevrolet Customer Care
I'm so sorry to hear of this happening. We will be glad to look into any concerns that you are experiencing with your vehicle. We can be reached via private message if any further assistance is needed. We look forward to hear from you!
Kristen A.
Chevrolet Customer Care
Am still evaluating options.