I was wondering if anybody has compiled a comprehensive list of typical, predictable technical issues w/ C4s? I'm not looking for 'expected' issues like brake pads which obviously wear. Nor common wear items that given enough miles always wear out like alternators. (unless there is a premature failure issue)
These would be technical issues that are somewhat predictable based on not just personal experience so much as seeing sufficient identical/similar issues say on this forum or elsewhere such as professional experience, magazine articles, research, TSBs, etc...
These would be issues that are a function of mileage, time, design flaw. etc.
The info might be handy to a new buyer or a long time owner to 'know what to expect' or 'what to watch for' over time. Or maybe to get out ahead of as preventative maintenance.
How about a format such as:
Descriptive Title
YY - YY (years affected)
Paragraph expanding and justifying it as a common, typical or predictable issue.
Here's a few I came up with... (but what have I missed?)
Opti-Spark Failure
92 - 94; 95 - 96*
Opti allows moisture in from water pump leak and causes ignition failure. *Improved and arguably fixed in 95. Occurs based upon miles accumulated and amount of exposure to water. Upgrade options exist for earlier versions.
Headlight Motor Gears Failure (headlights don't raise/lower)
84 - ??; ?? - 96
Earlier versions had problems w gears stripping. Later (improved) version had problems w/ internal gear stops shearing/disintegrating. Both result in essentially same symptoms and are a function of usage over time. Discussed on this forum and in magazine articles.
Digital Dash Display Failure
84 - ??
Digital display can fail over time/usage and has to be sent out to be rebuilt/restored electronically. Discussed on this forum and others.
Headliner hangs down
?? - 96
Foam material disintegrates w/ time and heat causing loss of adhesion, sagging material. Various replacement kits/techniques to use adhesive on new material. Mentioned online, commonly available kits through catalogs.
Warning Chime Intermittent/Fails
?? - 96
The warning chime for leaving headlights on etc. in (late?) C4s can fail over time due to miles/vibration. Apparently a crack in some solder traces due to vibration causes the intermittent failure. Must open up dash and remove to repair or replace. Discussed on this forum.
Weak or poor illumination at night on the road
84 - 96
The OE plastic lens headlamps provide poor illumination (always or with age?) further hampered by the inherently low headlight position on a C4. Virtually any standard halogen replacement results in improved night visibility over the OE lights.
Bose amplifier failure(s)
?? - ??
I'm not sure what years this affects but I've read about it for years. The unique to Corvette, Bose amps (capacitors specifically?) placed at the speakers can and do fail over time/usage. Various solutions including repair or replace w/ aftermarket system.
LTPWS Failure
?? - 96
I don't recall when this option was first offered but the Corvette's first generation low tire pressure warning system (LTPWS) does incur problems with age. Since being developed the industry has gone on to other technologies for use in tires and the Corvette sensors are generally not serviceable. Some people simply remove the bulb from the dash. Others seek out known good used sensors. Many just ignore it.
What else did I miss? Corrections/clarifications to the above? (remember the paragraph isn't intended to provide a complete detailed fix-it solution - just a couple sentences to point someone in the right direction is all)
These would be technical issues that are somewhat predictable based on not just personal experience so much as seeing sufficient identical/similar issues say on this forum or elsewhere such as professional experience, magazine articles, research, TSBs, etc...
These would be issues that are a function of mileage, time, design flaw. etc.
The info might be handy to a new buyer or a long time owner to 'know what to expect' or 'what to watch for' over time. Or maybe to get out ahead of as preventative maintenance.
How about a format such as:
Descriptive Title
YY - YY (years affected)
Paragraph expanding and justifying it as a common, typical or predictable issue.
Here's a few I came up with... (but what have I missed?)
Opti-Spark Failure
92 - 94; 95 - 96*
Opti allows moisture in from water pump leak and causes ignition failure. *Improved and arguably fixed in 95. Occurs based upon miles accumulated and amount of exposure to water. Upgrade options exist for earlier versions.
Headlight Motor Gears Failure (headlights don't raise/lower)
84 - ??; ?? - 96
Earlier versions had problems w gears stripping. Later (improved) version had problems w/ internal gear stops shearing/disintegrating. Both result in essentially same symptoms and are a function of usage over time. Discussed on this forum and in magazine articles.
Digital Dash Display Failure
84 - ??
Digital display can fail over time/usage and has to be sent out to be rebuilt/restored electronically. Discussed on this forum and others.
Headliner hangs down
?? - 96
Foam material disintegrates w/ time and heat causing loss of adhesion, sagging material. Various replacement kits/techniques to use adhesive on new material. Mentioned online, commonly available kits through catalogs.
Warning Chime Intermittent/Fails
?? - 96
The warning chime for leaving headlights on etc. in (late?) C4s can fail over time due to miles/vibration. Apparently a crack in some solder traces due to vibration causes the intermittent failure. Must open up dash and remove to repair or replace. Discussed on this forum.
Weak or poor illumination at night on the road
84 - 96
The OE plastic lens headlamps provide poor illumination (always or with age?) further hampered by the inherently low headlight position on a C4. Virtually any standard halogen replacement results in improved night visibility over the OE lights.
Bose amplifier failure(s)
?? - ??
I'm not sure what years this affects but I've read about it for years. The unique to Corvette, Bose amps (capacitors specifically?) placed at the speakers can and do fail over time/usage. Various solutions including repair or replace w/ aftermarket system.
LTPWS Failure
?? - 96
I don't recall when this option was first offered but the Corvette's first generation low tire pressure warning system (LTPWS) does incur problems with age. Since being developed the industry has gone on to other technologies for use in tires and the Corvette sensors are generally not serviceable. Some people simply remove the bulb from the dash. Others seek out known good used sensors. Many just ignore it.
What else did I miss? Corrections/clarifications to the above? (remember the paragraph isn't intended to provide a complete detailed fix-it solution - just a couple sentences to point someone in the right direction is all)