1997 won't stay running

[sherriesmith43]

2 days ago I started having alot of weird issues. I hit a bump in the road and the security light came on and stayed on. When i got to a parking area I determined my trunk opening button would not release the trunk. The next morning while driving to work, security light still on got to work and the radio and interior lights would not turn off once I opened the door. I was able to finally get them off and then the security ding stayed on. On the evening drive home the DIC kept telling me the door was ajar while it was not. Again unable to get the security dinging to stop after parking for the evening which was still dinging this morning when I went to the car. Now the car turns over but once in gear and trying to pull out of parking spot the engine just shuts down. DIC message said: Pull Key and wait 10secs. This option did nothing.... I can't get the car to move more than a few inches before the engine shuts down. Anyone ever have this happen?

 

[6 Shooter]

1st off - Welcome to the CAC, with all this happening after the "bump", ...

...sounds like a grounding/connection/voltage issues.

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[Hib Halverson]

There are a number of possibilities "sherriesmith".


Could be a problem with your battery, battery cables.
Could be a problem with chassis grounds.
That's where I'd start checking things. You need a battery, battery cables and chassis grounds all in good condition.

Could be the Steering Column Lock.
Could be a problem with the body computer.

Unless you are an intermediate-level DIY with some diagnostic equipment in your tool box, I'd take the car to a service shop familiar with C5 Vettes.

If you are a DIY, I'd get all the fault codes which are set in the car's various computers then consult the factory service manual for diagnostic and repair info.

 

[sherriesmith43]

...sounds like a grounding/connection/voltage issues.

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Thanks for the Welcome!! It's not the battery, checked that already Where else can I check for issues like that?

 

[sherriesmith43]

There are a number of possibilities "sherriesmith".


Could be a problem with your battery, battery cables.
Could be a problem with chassis grounds.
That's where I'd start checking things. You need a battery, battery cables and chassis grounds all in good condition.

Could be the Steering Column Lock.
Could be a problem with the body computer.

Unless you are an intermediate-level DIY with some diagnostic equipment in your tool box, I'd take the car to a service shop familiar with C5 Vettes.

If you are a DIY, I'd get all the fault codes which are set in the car's various computers then consult the factory service manual for diagnostic and repair info.

Thanks Hib, I'm not a technician of any kind.... guess it's time fora tow truck

 

[Hib Halverson]

Thanks Hib, I'm not a technician of any kind.... guess it's time fora tow truck

I agree.

One thing, don't rule the battery out, yet. Many problems with the column lock are related to battery condition. When you say the battery was checked it needs to be put on a battery tester which does more than just measure the voltage.

Good luck, "sherriesmith43"

 

[dadaroo]

Several of your issues sound like they are related to a column lock related issue. Security light, Pull key..wait, car will not go more than 2 mph. I recommend you install an LMC5 device to address/eliminate these issues. I could write about this for the next hour but prefer not to. You are welcome to PM me with your number and we can discuss this and your other issues on the phone.

 

[Toms007]

It certainly does sound like Column Lock issue.

Welcome to the forum. Even if you are not a DIYer, you'll gain enough info to pass on to whoever does fix it.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Until you diagnose the problem which is causing the trouble, installing the SCL bypass (the "LMC5 device") might be a "bandaid fix".

If the problem is related to battery, battery cables, chassis grounds or the body computer, you can install a dozen LMC5 devices to no avail so, first, diagnose and identify the problem then, if proper diagnosis points at the SCL then you can render it ineffective by installing the bypass.

 

[sherriesmith43]

Additional Info/Update

Soooo... a week later it has come to this. Apparently the heater core was leaking into the passenger side of the car. There is never anyone over there so I didn't know black leather/Carpet.... So my understanding is water got into the BCM and shorted it out. Now I'm trying to locate a BCM which is apparently very specific to this car only 1997 LS1 Manufacture # 16263141 On back order with GM and being discontinued. How is this possible. Does GM believe that they can discontinue making parts for Corvettes.... That people wont need them down the road. Sorry guys very frustrated. The only place I have been able to locate the part is on EBAY. I've never used ebay for anything and I'm not very trustworthy with buying things on the internet. Especially since it seems that when this part gets here I'm SOL if it is not working. Anyone ever have any experience with this?? I have also been advised by the shop the car is located at that once I do find the part it is about another $500.00-$800.00 to install. Then there is the issue of fixing the heater core...
I know someone that works at the shop which is why the car is there but I'm just trying to make sure this all sounds correct since I have absolutely no knowledge of working on this type of stuff!!

 

[Toms007]

Sherrie, that definitely could explain your issues. Too bad it couldn't have been better (cheaper) news.

ebay is a gamble sometimes, especially if you are dealing with individuals, businesses might be a little better. I have bought stuff off ebay and been very pleased....never really got burned, not saying you can't, I just haven't been up to this point. The other option is trying to locate a BCM from one of the Corvette specific salvage yards. Vette2Vette comes to mind. Obviously they may or may not have one in stock and it may take a while for one to come in.

I think GM would have a hard time justifying keeping all the parts available for cars that are pushing 20 years old, just not a money maker for them, even though that makes it tough on those of us who love and want to keep these cars running and on the road.

Good luck with your search for the BCM and getting your car back on the road.

 

[gmjunkie]

I have also been advised by the shop the car is located at that once I do find the part it is about another $500.00-$800.00 to install.

Labor to replace a BCM?They gonna use Vaseline and kiss you?? Find a new shop,These guys probly don't know what their doing and will take you for a ride!

 

[sherriesmith43]

Heater core

One more question..... Mechanic told me I can reduce the cost of the heater core by doing a bypass. I'm not exactly sure this is something I should be doing. Then he stated fixing the heater core involves removing the dash. Guys Im just really trying to make sure I'm getting this car fixed correctly. If Im gonna spend the money I want to ake sure its done right!! Thanks for all your help an patience with me!!

 

[Toms007]

A heater by-pass might be OK, if you never run the heater in the car. Basically what is happening there is, he will put a loop in the heater hoses that will "By-pass" the leaking heater core. The heater core won't leak since there will be no coolant fluid running through it. But it will also not heat the inside of the car if you want heat, for the same reason. That's a call only you can make.

He is right in that the dash has to come out to replace the heater core. Time consuming, but not impossible.

 

[redvett]

What ever BCM you get MUST be programmed to your VIN#, bypassing the heater core will disable heat if you need it.

 

[Padgett Daniel]

Hello,

I was GM certified on the C5 as a Service Manager. Bypassing the heater core is something that can buy you some time. The heater core can be replaced before fall. The BCM (body control module) can be sent off for repair at Auto Zone. They had the ability to do just that when I managed one of their stores. The cost for reprograming it should be 1 hour labor. It's simple to remove and reinstall, but it will have to be at the dealership when you do. The PCM and BCM communicate with each other. In short just have the dealer do it. Remember that vent hoses not being reconnected are the number two complaint

 

[Padgett Daniel]

No easy way out

Hello,

I was GM certified on the C5 as a Service Manager. Bypassing the heater core is something that can buy you some time. The heater core can be replaced before fall. The BCM (body control module) can be sent off for repair at Auto Zone. They had the ability to do just that when I managed one of their stores. The cost for reprograming it should be 1 hour labor at the dealership. It's simple to remove and reinstall, but it will have to be at the dealership when you do. The PCM and BCM communicate with each other. In short just have the dealer do it. Remember that vent hoses not being reconnected is the number two complaint with dash removal just behind rattles. Air bags are dangerous if you don't power the electrical off for 30 minutes. GM doesn't state that long, but I've seen them pop after the timeframe they list. Yet another reason for the dealer. MAKE SURE THEY HAVE A C5 CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN! It's going to cost you. It is a Vette after all.

 

[dadaroo]

Don't bypass the heater.

If you get a BCM you can install it yourself. The ONLY reason it needs to be programmed is to make sure it has YOUR car options turned on. You only need to do a simple relearn procedure so it talks to the PCM. Very simple. You don't need anyone to help you. I can walk you thru it. You can find someone who can reprogram a BCM a lot cheaper than that.

Here are sources for BCMs: NAPA, RockAuto, etc. They are all remanufactured.

Cardone Industries does a lot of the remanufacturing of them. Normally what goes wrong is a relay or two. Water damage can be worse and not be fixable.

If you can't find one soon, try sending yours to Cardone and see if they can fix it.

If you want to talk over any of this PM me with your phone number and we can discuss. You don't need anybody to help yu install a BCM and be out driving your car.

What did they do to say the BCM was bad? Wish you had installed the LMC5 like I said to see if that took care of your 2 mph shutoff. Only about $40 and you can install yourself.