2000 Corvette Idle Issue

[Element]

I am new here but obviously a corvette lover. I could use some advice.

I have a 2000 Corvette that has been parked for a while (5-6 months). Having an issue with getting the car to idle. It starts fine but and tries to idle but then dies down.

The gas is old but only about 5-6 months so I didn't think that was long enough to go bad.

Before I cause some damage any advice?

 

[Hib Halverson]

I am new here but obviously a corvette lover. I could use some advice.

I have a 2000 Corvette that has been parked for a while (5-6 months). Having an issue with getting the car to idle. It starts fine but and tries to idle but then dies down.

The gas is old but only about 5-6 months so I didn't think that was long enough to go bad.

Before I cause some damage any advice?

Lacking any additional information on symptoms, my first assumption is contaminated fuel. I'd buy a bottle of Red Line Fuel System Water Remover and Antifreeze then go to your favorite gas station, add the whole bottle to the tanks then full with premium.

Take the car for a long test drive then park it in your garage overnight and see how it starts the next day.

Let us know what happens.

 

[Element]

Thanks in advance for your help.

Well it wont keep idle and dies after starting.

Should I drain the gas (has about 1/2 tank of gas) or add the Red Line to the existing tank and then get about 5 gallons of fuel to add?

Lacking any additional information on symptoms, my first assumption is contaminated fuel. I'd buy a bottle of Red Line Fuel System Water Remover and Antifreeze then go to your favorite gas station, add the whole bottle to the tanks then full with premium.

Take the car for a long test drive then park it in your garage overnight and see how it starts the next day.

Let us know what happens.

 

[dadaroo]

Always, always pull your codes and let us know anything that shows up. If you don't know how you can Goggle it or we will help you. Also, do it while the car is running before you shut it off so we know f the code is Current (C) or History (H).

 

[Element]

Thank you for your reply.

I was afraid you would say that. So I own a snap-on mt2500 diagnostic Scan Tool and love it. When I had trouble i decided to purchase cartridges. After all the research I have done it doesn't seem snap-on makes them anymore and didn't make them for the c5 years.

Can anyone recommend a scan tool?

Lots of choices so I will probably buy one and sell of my mt-2500.

Always, always pull your codes and let us know anything that shows up. If you don't know how you can Goggle it or we will help you. Also, do it while the car is running before you shut it off so we know f the code is Current (C) or History (H).

 

[Hib Halverson]

So you're saying that after every start-up, regardless if the engine is warm or not, it will not idle and it dies?

By chance is the check engine light on?

 

[dadaroo]

You don't need a scan tool, the C5 has one built in. Trouble codes are displayed on the dash. You need a Tech II scan tool to do some real high tech diagnostics and reprogramming. They are about $3000. Here is some info on pulling codes. You can also find it on YouTube.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c5-technical-performance/72535-pulling-codes-c5.html

Pull the codes and let us know what you find. Remember pull them while the car is still running.

 

[Element]

So you're saying that after every start-up, regardless if the engine is warm or not, it will not idle and it dies?

By chance is the check engine light on?

That is correct. The car starts and then dies. No check engine light.

You don't need a scan tool, the C5 has one built in. Trouble codes are displayed on the dash. You need a Tech II scan tool to do some real high tech diagnostics and reprogramming. They are about $3000. Here is some info on pulling codes. You can also find it on YouTube.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c5-technical-performance/72535-pulling-codes-c5.html

Pull the codes and let us know what you find. Remember pull them while the car is still running.

The car wont maintain idle. Thank you for the information regarding the scan tool. Didn't even realize it was built into it.

Obviously I have had no trouble with the car since I purchased it. Just drove and enjoyed it. Decided to enpty he fuel and at least eliminate a possible bad fuel issue.

 

[LLC5]

I am new here but obviously a corvette lover. I could use some advice.

I have a 2000 Corvette that has been parked for a while (5-6 months). Having an issue with getting the car to idle. It starts fine but and tries to idle but then dies down.

The gas is old but only about 5-6 months so I didn't think that was long enough to go bad.

Before I cause some damage any advice?

If it ran good and idled fine before storing it for 5-6 months, try looking for rodent damage (even if stored in a garage, they can get in) under the hood such as vacuum hoses, wiring, air boot to the throttle body etc. Good luck with it.

 

[Element]

If it ran good and idled fine before storing it for 5-6 months, try looking for rodent damage (even if stored in a garage, they can get in) under the hood such as vacuum hoses, wiring, air boot to the throttle body etc. Good luck with it.

It looks like just bad gas. Drained the tank via the fuel relay jumper method. Added five gallons of fresh premium and runs like a charm.

I have always been pretty handy around cars but this was the first time any went wrong with the car.

I have a few remaining questions.

• Best repair manual - Figure as the car ages I may run into a few things and want to be prepared.
• I looked up the Tech II Scan tool and WOW! Now I have no issues spending 3k on a tool that works but another 1300-3000 yearly for subscription to the GM database...Seriously

* I have another 97 SS Camero and have always done all the work myself to all my cars.

- - Is it even possible to work on your C5 toy?
- - Just curious how many of you guys that have toys actually find that tool a "must have".

Would love to know.

Thank you again for the assitance getting the car back on the road.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Yes it's possible to work on your C5.

A scan tester is a must have, but there are less costly alternatives to a TECH II. Take a look at the Actron CP 9190

Not only the best, but the only useful "repair manual" is the Factory Service Manual. CAC sponsor Zip Products

Glad to see it was just a case of bad fuel.

 

[Element]

Yes it's possible to work on your C5.

A scan tester is a must have, but there are less costly alternatives to a TECH II. Take a look at the Actron CP 9190

Not only the best, but the only useful "repair manual" is the Factory Service Manual. CAC sponsor Zip Products

Glad to see it was just a case of bad fuel.

Thank you!

Pros vs Cons of going with the actron as opposed to spending the money for the TECH II.

 

[dadaroo]

Don't waste your money on anything except getting a GM Factory Service Manual. You can do diagnostics using the onboard codes, FSM, and a multimeter. If you ever had an issue where having a Tech II was needed, it would be easier/cheaper to pay someone to come over and use it than trying to buy it and THEN learn how to use it. The only time you really need a Tech II is for reprogramming the PCM or BCM. So far I have solved over 100 issues for people involving the IPC, TAC, PCM, BCM and I could go on and on... without needing a Tech II. If I ever needed to reprogram the PCM or BCM we have a guy here in SC only 2 hours away I could ship them to or drive over. Just a little advice from my point of view and experience.

PS: I recommend the hard copy FSM. I bought a DVD one years ago and found out I couldn't locate info easily. The hard copy is 3 volumes and about 8 inches thick. There is also a 4th for the manual transmission that does not normally come when you order a set.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Thank you!

Pros vs Cons of going with the actron as opposed to spending the money for the TECH II.

Here's a few:

Con: the cost.

Pro: TECH II is bi-directional, the Actron is not.

Con: The T2 is quite expensive if you want to update the sofware

Pro: TECH II is a service trade grade piece of equipment

Con: the Actron supports only the ECM and ABS

Pro: The T2 supports all controllers in the vehicle.