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Pulling Codes on a C5

Joined
Jan 19, 2003
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Corvette
2006 'Evil Stealth Black' Roadster
I recently had to pull codes on my Z06. Never having done it before, and then interpreting the codes I got, it required going on a bit of a fishing expedition through the "Search Forum" section. This gave me an appreciation for how difficult it can be to track down how to get a code, and how to understand what it means, particularly for those who either haven't done it before, or who aren't familiar with the process in the C5 Generation Corvette.

So I'm posting this as a resource to anyone new to the C5, or unfamiliar with the process.

How to Pull Codes:
1. Turn your key to the "ON" position, but do not start the engine.
2. Clear any present messages by pressing the RESET button.
3. Hold the OPTIONS button down, and press the FUEL button 4 times. (This will get you into the "codes" section of the DIC.
4. The computer will automatically display all the codes your car has created. It will cycle through each code every 3 seconds. (Have a pen and paper handy to write down the codes)

Note: Any code that ends in an "H" is a history code (something that has occurred in the past, but is not reporting as an error currently.)

5. Once the computer has finished going through all of its codes, press RESET to enter Manual Configuration mode. It should start with a module and show "NO CODES" or "# Codes."
6. To optionally reset codes once in manual mode, press and hold RESET until is displays "NO CODES."
7. Press OPTIONS to go into the next module (ie, from PCM, or Powertrain Control Module, to TCS, or Traction Control System.)
8. Repeat Step 6 until you have reset all the codes in all the computer modules.

Note: Only reset the codes if you want to- it is not necessary to reset them every time you pull the codes.

9. When finished, simply take your key out of the ignition.

How to Interpret Codes
Now, once you've pulled the codes (it will usually be a letter followed by four numbers), you can go to THIS SITE to get an interpretation of what they mean.

:w
-Patrick


**Edited to insert instructions to enter MANUAL MODE shared in Post#11

ZZRider said:
Some additional info to supplement Patrick's original post that I found useful:

H = history (may be a solved or intermittent malfunction)
C = current

Manual mode can be entered at any time during the automatic sequence by pressing any button except "E/M"

Once the DIC displays "manual diagnostics", you may select a particular module by pressing "options" button to go forward or "trip" button to go backwards

Once a module is displayed and has codes for review, you may view the codes individually by pressing "gages" button to go forward and "fuel" button to go backwards (to review at your own pace and write down)

To exit the diagnostics mode at any time push "E/M" button
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks, I believe I'll take a look. I'll post what I find.
 
When I got my 'vette, I printed out similar instructions and all the codes and put them in my trunk. If I get stuck at least I may know what is going wrong before I call for a tow. - R
 
TTT

Good information here... since we have new members and members who've recently acquired a C5, it's worth bumping into action again.

I printed a copy of these instructions and the C5 Code list and placed them in a notebook in my trunk. I also printed the instructions for resetting the oil life monitor, for those times Chris forgets to reset after he changes the oil.

:w
 
Patrick,

Roy Dudley here. Just became a forum member and saw your post re: Pulling Codes. What a great post!! I signed up because I was having issues that your post solved in about 10 minutes. Probably saved me big money at the local Chevy "Stealership". If you ever come to San Francisco I owe you a beer.

Roy Dudley
 
Roy M. Dudley said:
Patrick,

Roy Dudley here. Just became a forum member and saw your post re: Pulling Codes. What a great post!! I signed up because I was having issues that your post solved in about 10 minutes. Probably saved me big money at the local Chevy "Stealership". If you ever come to San Francisco I owe you a beer.

Roy Dudley

Welcome to the CAC!

Be sure to check out the tech center: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/

and the knowledgebase: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/index.php
 
Sounds good! I'll look them over and maybe we'll cross paths again. Thx to everyone for all the help already.

More to come,

roy dudley
 
Is there a link to this here somewhere?

I also printed the instructions for resetting the oil life monitor

And, remember, using the DIC is one of the things I requested that c4c5Specialist go over at Cruisefest, for many reading about something versus actually doing it are two completely different things.
 
Roy M. Dudley said:
Patrick,

Roy Dudley here. Just became a forum member and saw your post re: Pulling Codes. What a great post!! I signed up because I was having issues that your post solved in about 10 minutes. Probably saved me big money at the local Chevy "Stealership". If you ever come to San Francisco I owe you a beer.

Roy Dudley

Roy,
You're very welcome! And we're glad you found the CAC- this community is the best resource about Corvettes (historical, technical, production information and in the "what's new" category) on the web.

I'm glad the post codes proved helpful- I figured it would help many, which is why we made it "sticky." As for the beer, well, you never know. I may just take you up on that, as I have family just down the peninsula from you in Belmont and Woodside.

:beer
-Patrick
 
Very useful post !!

I had reason to pull codes tonight. Some additional info to supplement Patrick's original post that I found useful:

H = history (may be a solved or intermittent malfunction)
C = current

Manual mode can be entered at any time during the automatic sequence by pressing any button except "E/M"

Once the DIC displays "manual diagnostics", you may select a particular module by pressing "options" button to go forward or "trip" button to go backwards

Once a module is displayed and has codes for review, you may view the codes individually by pressing "gages" button to go forward and "fuel" button to go backwards (to review at your own pace and write down)

To exit the diagnostics mode at any time push "E/M" button
 
Thanks Patrick for posting this so conveniently!

Just pulled mine out of curiosity and nothing other than a few H codes regarding the door controls and a couple others. Nothing engine or safety related! (knocking on wood)
 
Has anyone seen this code before?

The following code has been coming up after the check engine light diagnostics and I have no idea what it translates into

10-PCM P0492 HC

I would really appreciate anyones experience with this one;help
 
The following code has been coming up after the check engine light diagnostics and I have no idea what it translates into

10-PCM P0492 HC
P0492 refers to one of the two secondary AIR Pump systems. The "H C" suffix means that it is both a historical as wel as current condition. This is an emissions item, and the pump only runs for a short time at cold startup. It is probably something you'll want to take care of, but it won't harm the car to drive it with this code.

There are two air selonoids and shut-off valves which frequently become "frozen" or rusted shut. One is located by the rear of the intake manifold and the other is on the driver side above the exhaust manifold...with a hose going to the air cleaner. Look for any obviously broken or disconnected hoses or connectors. If none found, you might get lucky by disconnecting the hose upstream of the valve and spraying it liberally with penatrating oil or WD40.

If no joy, here is the official troubleshooting procedure for your 2004.

GL! :beer
 
Thanks Mr. Lucky

P0492 refers to one of the two secondary AIR Pump systems. The "H C" suffix means that it is both a historical as wel as current condition. This is an emissions item, and the pump only runs for a short time at cold startup. It is probably something you'll want to take care of, but it won't harm the car to drive it with this code.

There are two air selonoids and shut-off valves which frequently become "frozen" or rusted shut. One is located by the rear of the intake manifold and the other is on the driver side above the exhaust manifold...with a hose going to the air cleaner. Look for any obviously broken or disconnected hoses or connectors. If none found, you might get lucky by disconnecting the hose upstream of the valve and spraying it liberally with penatrating oil or WD40.

If no joy, here is the official troubleshooting procedure for your 2004.


GL! :beer
Thanks for the procedure Mr. Lucky. I had the P0492 code with the check engine light. I sprayed WD-40 in the shut-off valve and solved the problem.
 
THANKS A BUNCH!!!

Just want to let you know I really appreciate your input and posts! I was expecting to spend a great deal of time looking for the data you have made available here. Thanks again!!!:cool
 
Error code not found

Im having a problem with my battery holding a full charge. When I cleared all history codes (I did write them down first), the 2 codes that remain current is an 99HVAC code: B0441H and A6SCM code: B2860H/C. The battery drains very fast (minutes) when the key is off (even with a new battery). I've changed the alternator and still getting the same results. The list provided here does not list the SCM code. Any ides on what could cause a battery to go from a 13 volt reading to 5.5 so quickly? When started it fluctuates slightly between 13 & 13.7
 

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