Help! 99 corvette won't start

[Hib Halverson]

So..."Corvette Gal", how'd the "test" go?

 

[Corvette Gal]

It went very well, no issues. It was such a pretty day, I wanted to drive forever, but....had to come back to reality.

I'm really hoping this solved the problem, however at the end of my drive, the "Service Vehicle Soon" message came up. Now I'm researching this one! Have you had this one come up before? I'm hearing it's not much to worry about, but seems like it must have a purpose.

CG

 

[Hib Halverson]

Do not assume the "service engine soon" light being on is not much to worry about.

It's possible what's caused it to come on is no big deal but it's probable that your engine controls system has a serious problem.

Elsewhere on the CAC are instructions on how to use the C5's unique ability to display ECM fault codes on the IP display.

Follow those instructions and post what fault codes you find.

 

[Corvette Gal]

The codes were C1286 CH and B2177 CH.

 

[Huskerman]

Well according to my list the first one....C1286 is a Steering Sensor Bias Malfunction....Have you had the steering column worked on or disconected recently? If so it may not have been lined up properly when put back together.......If the sensor is bad.....that involves some work to replace.

The second one B2177 is saying that the Seat Front Down Switch is Shorted to Ground.....I am thinking tracking down the short would be the first step.......The C is for current and the H is for History.

You could get the codes cleared and then go for another drive and see if they come back.......although they are showing a history...and a current.

Hib or Tom may know more about these codes and what to do about them......

 

[Corvette Gal]

Yep, I was able to look up the codes too. I did have some work done awhile back due to someone backing into me and after finally getting the horn to shut off, it wouldn't come back on....so in addition to the other work the horn was fixed.

Thanks for the info ...I'll take it back to the dealership that worked on the horn...but they'll probably tell me that it's the sensor that is bad instead of something that is their fault! LOL! Oh well, it has to be fixed. :eyerole

 

[Huskerman]

Keep us posted on what happens......with the steering wheel setting straight a volt meter test of the steering sensor should read around 2.5 volts. There is a whole procedure on how to make sure the sensor is doing its job and the techs should know how to make that happen..........It could get pricey if it needs replaced. Good luck with it......

 

[Bill Curlee]

Gal

If it were ME,,, I would stay away from the STEALERSHIP!!! You DO NOT need anyone to read your DTCs (codes) You can EASILY do it your self while sitting in the drivers seat!

Heres the deal!!



READING YOUR Engine Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)

This procedure should be carried out any time you experience a problem with your C5. Most inexpensive store bought aftermarket code readers will ONLY read power train DTC’s. Reading the DTC’s with the C5 built in code reader will allow you to read ALL the modules in the vehicle.

The Diagnostic Display Mode is entered with the following procedure:
1) Turn on the ignition but don't start the engine.
2) Press the RESET button to turn off any warning messages. (i.e. door open, trunk open ect)
3) Press and hold the OPTIONS button
4) While holding OPTIONS, press FUEL button four times within a 10 -second period.

Initially, the on-board diagnostics go into an Automatic Mode which will cycle through each module and shows diagnostic codes in a pre-set sequence: PCM - TCS - RTD - BCM - IPC - RADIO - HVAC - LDCM - RDCM - SCM - RFA. All codes will be displayed for each module. ( i.e. PCM = 4 codes) If none are present in a given module, you will see No More Codes on the display.

There are two types of diagnostic codes, Current and History designated with a letter suffix, “C” or “H”. A current code indicates a malfunction is present in the module displaying data. A history code indicates a problem existed sometime in the last 40 or 50 ignition cycles. When not accompanied by a current code of the same number, it's potential evidence of a previous problem, now resolved, that was not removed by clearing the codes. More likely it's an indication of an intermittent malfunction.

Intermittent codes are the most challenging of the diagnostics. An intermittent code may have happened once, may have happened more than once but is inconsistent or may be happening on a regular basis but not at the time the codes are displayed. History codes can also be caused by a current malfunction in a system that is not operating at the time codes are displayed. An example is the rear window defogger which doesn't operate until the Body Control Module detects engine rpm. For history codes set by a module that does not operate with the key on and engine off, a special diagnostic tool called a Scan Tester is necessary to properly diagnose the malfunction.

Once the system has displayed all modules, it goes into the manual mode which allows selection of each module using combinations of Driver Information Center buttons. Manual mode can also be entered during the automatic sequence by pressing any button except E/M. Once the display shows Manual Diagnostics, select a module by pressing the OPTIONS button to go forward or the TRIP button to go back. Once a module is selected, a code is displayed, and if more than one are present; press GAGES to go forward or FUEL to go back.
To exit the diagnostic mode at any time, press E/M. If you want to erase codes in a given module, press RESET To reset the codes once in manual mode, press and hold RESET until it displays NO CODES Press OPTIONS to go to the next module. Repeat the steps until you have reset the codes in all the computer modules.
NOTE!! Only reset the codes IF you want to - it is NOT necessary to do this. Clearing a code does not repair a problem. You are simply erasing the evidence of it in the module's memory. If you clear the code/s, and extinguish the Check Engine Light, your emissions status ready will NOT allow you to pass an emissions test until you have completed the required driving cycles. There are a few body module DTC’s that if set will prevent the module from operating properly. Once the DTC is cleared, the module will return to full function. This is not true for power train DTCs.

If you have never read and cleared your codes, there will probably be a lot of old history DTCs. It is recommended that you clear your codes and see if any come back during a driving cycle. Those are the ones that you need to concentrate on diagnosing.

Once you have the codes, the next question is: What to do with the information?
First, consult the factory service manual. Any serious C5 Do-It-Yourself owner should invest in the Corvette Service Manual of the appropriate model year. The Service Manual is really a requirement if you want to understand and work on your C5.

You can read the DTCs while the engine is running. If you turn the engine OFF and then back ON, that can clear some DTCs that may be important with identifying a problem. One example is a Misfire DTC (p-0300) If the engine is shut down, the DTC will clear.

These are some very good C5 Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) explanation web sites!!! They also explain how to read the DTCs

Here are some very good sites that explain what DTC mean:

GearChatter.com :: View topic - DTC P0122

2002 Chevrolet Corvette OBD-II Trouble Codes

Make sure to include the H or C suffix when you post your DTCs!!




If you have LOTS of codes, DO NOT be afraid to CLEAR all of them. If something is wrong, you can bet the DTC will reappear. Please POST your DTCs and that will allow us to pin point a place to start troubleshooting. You can always have your battery tested at Autozone or Advance FOR FREE!!

There are several manifold VACUUM lines that can dry rot and leak. That will cause hard starting and idle issues. Pretty common for those to go bad. They are pretty easy to check and repair if they wre bad..

Please let us know what DTCs you have.

BC