C5 Electrical Problem

[George C.]

My 2003 Convertible is at the shop, I took it in to have a "Check Engine Light" issue diagnosed. The other problem I had was a "Service Column Lock" fault displayed when I started the car. After starting the car, I would hit the reset button and the erorr message never appeared again till the car was shut off.
After 3 hours at the dealership, the answer was "there is a short somewhere in the electronics" and we can't find it yet. Work to resume on Monday.
I had the recall notice on the column lock back in 2004, and the car was serviced under warranty.
I am writing to see if anyone else has had these symptoms and knows what the problem was. Any help will be appreciated.

Thank you,
George

[George C.]

Re: 18 Views & No Replies

Guys I need your help. I was scheduled to leave on vacation Monday morning for a week and a half of sun and fun in sunny FLA.
The above message explains my electrical problem, and I was hoping to get some thoughts and opinions on how to help the dealer diagnose & correct the problem.
If anyone has any ideas or opinions on what the problem might be, please let me know.

Thanks again,
George 36908

[Clem Z.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

go over to www.corvettemechanic.com and post your question and paul will have a answer for you.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

Or, check with the C5 section on Corvette Forum.

I'd be hesitant to believe a dealer too much unless they service a LOT of Corvettes.

[Clem Z.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

Or, check with the C5 section on Corvette Forum.

I'd be hesitant to believe a dealer too much unless they service a LOT of Corvettes.

there are a lot of posters on the CF with opinions NOT facts. JMHO

[Patrick H.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

there are a lot of posters on the CF with opinions NOT facts. JMHO

Clem,

that's no different than most dealerships, though.

Patrick

[Clem Z.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

Clem,

that's no different than most dealerships, though.

Patrick

these new corvettes pretty much diagnose themselves as long as the dealer knows how to read the stored codes. the C-5 codes can be read by the owner thru the DIC BUT the C-6 corvettes need a special code reader so you must take it to the dealer.

[Clem Z.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

i would suggest if you own a late model corvette you join a local corvette club as there are lots of owners there who can help you find a dealer that knows what he is doing.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

these new corvettes pretty much diagnose themselves as long as the dealer knows how to read the stored codes. the C-5 codes can be read by the owner thru the DIC BUT the C-6 corvettes need a special code reader so you must take it to the dealer.

HaHaHa...I think Patrick's got you there, Clemster...Why drag out the old scanner when you can make a "nine times out ten" preliminary best guess. No need to sweat this...they know that if it's a serious problem, you'll be back. (Kind of like doctors, Patrick! ) Actually, they WILL get the scanner out because they need it to turn the customer's dashboard light off...but I don't think the scanner will tell them EXACTLY how to repair the problem.

In George's position, I would be concerned...it is a common problem on C5s and to a lesser degree now, on C6s. The first steps usually taken to solve the problem are often ineffective and lead to more expensive measures being taken when it comes back again...the worst case is that the initial attempts at repair could very well leave George with a false sense of security, and stranded somewhere in the middle of his vacation. But, luckily there are Chevy dealerships everywhere.

[Terry M.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

Or most discussion boards for that matter also.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

Or most discussion boards for that matter also.

Hey, don't be lookin' at me, TMan. All I said was based other peoples experiences I've read...it's going to a hassle to get it fixed RIGHT, ususally taking multiple visits.

The only good news when you get "Service Column Lock" is when the General will be picking up the tab. Security systems have never been GM's strong suite...we all remember (or did) the VATS bypasses and elimination by PROM replacement.

[Clem Z.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

i was lucky as i owned 3 new C-5s 97,99 and 02 and i never had to have the dealership do any repair work for any reason. i still think the locked steering wheel problem was caused by the drivers pulling on the locked wheel to help themselves out of the seat and jamming the locking pin. i solved the fuel gauge problem by never trying to add any fuel to the tank after the stations pump shut off causing the fuel level sensor move to a unused part of the "card" and having a high resistance contact. i did have a call back on my 2008 for the problem with the "fob" reciever that sometimes did not "sense" the present of the fob. i never had the problem but GM called back certain ones and i had one.

[George C.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

Thank you guys for the responses.

I think this dealer is pretty knowledgeable, they do seem to sell quite a few Corvettes. There is usually one in the service area when I go there, but maybe that means we should all go look at a new Mustang.
I'll go try a post on the other site recommended.
Hey Patrick how's that Double Park lift doing. Mine had it's third birthday back in January and is working out well. I tried to contact them a few weeks ago for a freind who is looking for one. I could get them, they gone out of business?

Thanks,
George

[Patrick H.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

Thank you guys for the responses.

I think this dealer is pretty knowledgeable, they do seem to sell quite a few Corvettes. There is usually one in the service area when I go there, but maybe that means we should all go look at a new Mustang.
I'll go try a post on the other site recommended.
Hey Patrick how's that Double Park lift doing. Mine had it's third birthday back in January and is working out well. I tried to contact them a few weeks ago for a freind who is looking for one. I could get them, they gone out of business?

Thanks,
George

George,

The lifts are doing fine. Still like them a lot. Both are currently occupied with Corvettes for the storage season.
The website for Double Park is still operating, so I assume someone is paying the bills.

http://www.doublepark.net/index.html

[Gary B.]

Re: C5 Electrical Problem

There used to be a problem with a loss of "Ground". Mainly in the passenger door for some reason.