10 COMMON C5 CORVETTE ISSUES YOU WILL PROBABLY FACE.. SOLUTIONS PROVIDED. NO NEED TO STRESS!

Here are 10 of the most common C5 Corvette issues that plague this platform. Luckily most can be mitigated and corrected with ease. Enjoy.

[@lexxielex]

Steering column lock failure is another one. There is a company that makes a better more permanent replacement than the Chevrolet one. Wish the vid quality was better, but still a great and informative vid!

[@leejames8842]

Column lot and the harmonic balancer 🤔

[@gtfawaynotnow]

On your squeaking belt problem one thing to add: I assumed the same thing and used better belts/replaced tensioner/idler pulleys and soon after it squeaked again. In the future before servicing the serpentine system do the following check first: -with the engine running use a bright flashlight and observe the belt and crank pulley/damper assembly. When the damper failed on mine it would move just enough to cause the belt to squeak(in relation to the main belt not the a/c belt). I’ll drop that to potentially save someone from a squeak chasing headache. Other annoying issues: I had this on my z06 but I assume it’s the same for the automatics but when you start it, put it in gear, release the clutch, it moves a few feet and stalls. The solenoid for the steering wheel lock will fail which in turn sets off the vehicles internal security system. Keep a close eye on the internet and wait for deals on a weatherstripping kit for the doors. The doors windows are both frameless and curved so it’s a far from ideal situation to make that seal to begin with. When they fail they will leak furiously. Which is why I advise you watch for deals bc the replacement weatherstripping is expensive. General passenger car looking at $60; for a corvette $500 is the norm. Check your wind deflector/air dam. It’s a 3 piece unit and it’s not unusual to lose one of the end pieces. It does not affect the car like you would think, engine temps are fine but if you decide to open the car up at speeds around 130+ the front of the car will begin to lift(with a stock hood). Lastly a neat feature about the c5 corvette. You do not need a diagnostic scanner to interface with its module network. With a series of button pushes from the control center and you can access a “built-in” diagnostic mode. Enjoy

[@raykruger9989]

I drive a 1999 C5 convertible. Using Sea Foam gasoline additive also works great to to clean the fuel level sensor when it starts to fail. Also, Changing the oil pressure sensor requires a special ratchet socket (#3458 available from NAPA) that protects the wire connector from braking. The oil pressure sensor is located at the rear of the engine near the firewall, and very difficult to get to for do-it-yourselfers. So, consider having a trusted repair shop do the swap. I hope this helps. 🤓

[@Seadog..11]

5 Corvette owner.. ( C2 and two C3's, C4 and C5) Have always used Chevron premium.. Always nothing but. Marvel Mystery Oil, gas and oil except for the C4 and C5 not in the gas. ( messes up oxygen sensors). The LS1 in the C5 use 10/30 weight oil not 5/30.. Only Goodyear Eagles on all of them.. ( nitrogen filled) I watch some of the Corvette KZbin videos and the Corvette forums, do not have the problems all these people seem to have. Just basic only buy the best and do my preventive maintenance. You don't buy a Corvette and then add cheap shit trying to save money.. Thank you for the time and effort in your video very nicely done

[@muffinmonster2714]

Nice! Thanks for not mentioning the stupid cup holder! LOL

[@lorigilbert3173]

Lol cup holder sucks! 😂 I use it for storage 👍

[@jeffsloane8628]

Have a 98 Convertible with 38k miles. Let's see how you did... 1) Headlights - Yup 2) Battery - Not yet, but I'm not on the original battery. Will switch to Gel on the next replacement. 3) Gas gauge - Nope, but speedo does die from time to time. 4) Oil Pressure sensor - Nope, but the oil level sensor is dead on mine. Will replace next oil change. 5) Leaky Dif - Nope, but the car was shifting like crap, replacing the manual trans fluid made a huge improvement. 6) Squeaky belts - Yes, it was the harmonic balancer. Replaced it and had it pinned which is a must on C5s and C6s. 7) Drive train noises - Yes, The intro video from GM even outlines some of these ans says not to worry :-) 8) Electronics - Not so much, but I'll say yes. 9) Fuel Pump - Yup mine is easy to hear. 10) ABS module - Not yet. Thank God. Need a link to someone who has a solution for the 97 - 00 owners. Great video. Thumbs up!

[@smokinC5]

Great list! Covered about all the big stuff. 1 thing to add is the udders. Check those regularly. Especially if you are parking outside. If they clog, then it rains, water can overflow into the interior and short out the bcm. Great job!

[@jrthemaverick2361]

Late to the game here, but love your candor - perfect storm, poor design and shitty battery 🤣. I find your C-5 content really helpful for new owners. Keep it coming. Thx!

[@VetOnVettes]

Thanks man! No shortage of videos coming!

[@savagegiraffe527]

Good info. I also use a battery tender to mitigate the slow electrical drain when parked.

[@grahamfrost2480]

Very useful, thank you. I'm new to the C5 owners club and I'm always looking for valuable information such as this video. Thanks again. Graham

[@keithp115]

I drilled a hole in my cowl to replace the oil pressure sending unit. I used a proper fit level black plug and it blends right in, preventing water from seeping in. Much easier than removing the intake! Nice job man!

[@VetOnVettes]

Thanks man 👍🤙

[@scottzeluf862]

I saw a guy replace it by just removing the fuel rail on the driver side.

[@keithp115]

@@scottzeluf862 Very true! That will work as well

[@GregSr]

I replaced my C5 oil pressure sending unit without cutting or removing anything. It took me two hours but I got it done. The one I installed quit (this week) after about 1.5 years. Now, if I could only remember how I did it.

[@the40735]

Just bought a 2004 machine silver Z06 with 40,000 miles. Super exited. Love the yellow on yours.

[@m78agik20]

Thanks for the info. New C5 owner. One thing I’ve encountered already is that my clutch sticks to the floor during hard acceleration and shifting, mainly between 5th and 6th. I’ve found through forums that this is common on C5 and C6 with clutch dust buildup in the fluid. Ranger Method is the fix. Thanks again for all the good info you put out.

[@ajcates9136]

Me too

[@jeffmcmillan2813]

Luv it all...new c5 owner in December 23......now February and lookn fwd to driving in Ontario canada

[@z33317]

Costco gas is Top Tier- you can't get any better. Besides, they have the cheapest gas in the neighborhood.

[@VetOnVettes]

Yeah I was just reading up on it. I should have said "Sam's club". They have "good enough" gas. I'll amend that in my next video. 👍

[@lorigilbert3173]

Unfortunately, I've had about all of issues you've mentioned with my 1998 😭

[@8AgEnToChO8]

You can’t fool me Hoovie 🧐

[@VetOnVettes]

Haha

[@armenta55]

You can find the plastic gears for the head lights at o’Reillys auto parts, like 10-15 a pop. They do the job if you need them quick. But definitely the brass would last longer. A lot of the plastic gears get real worn once the grease with in the housing wears away.

[@roghamner]

Thanks for the tip on the Techron. Will start that this month. Have had my "02 base coup for about 4 years and still about half on your list to look forward to. Can't wait!. Agree with Lexxielex on the column lock issue. Pretty straightforward to fix and the tech support is A+. LOVE your steering wheel mod but wowzer, the price tag! Eeek!

[@shaark92]

just bought or about to ... was aware of a couple, but not all of these. Thanks. Saved for future reference.

[@shaark92]

... and subscribed! :)

[@mikedink5453]

Doing work to my C5 I purchased in September of 2020. A new shifter is on the list. Shocks springs tires and so on. Lol

[@marcogaspar6162]

The harmonic balancer intend to go on the c5's.

[@manwithvette]

Yes the harmonic balancer fails, and it is a pain in the ass. You have to remove the steering rack to replace. If you ignore the wobble, it will either ride backwards and take out your oil pan, etc and if it rides forward it will take out your steering rack, either way it’s about the biggest pain in the ass about my C-5

[@frankw7266]

Yup, that's the one I was going to mention, but I figured I'd look to see if anyone else did. Applicable to the C6 as well... I regularly checked mine, and just noticed it starting to do the death wobble at 33K miles. I had been kicking around getting my cam done, so I figured good time to do both since the HB has to come off anyway... at that point it's just the cost of the part since labor's included in the cam package.

[@marcogaspar6162]

@@frankw7266 I hear ya . It sure would be the best time to do it.

[@GregorioLonewolf]

Good video with good information, thanks. Fortunately on my 2000 C5 (IL3, Z51 equippedT56) I have had NO issues other than replacing the battery in 20 years with now 91,000 miles.

[@TheSwampDonkey]

Got one for ya. I've been looking at getting a C5 Z06 and I have noticed a fair amount of them have cracked or broken trim above the windows. I believe these are the "rain gutters" not sure what the proper term is for them. I did some digging and a fair amount of folks were complaining about these breaking. Even on low mileage cars with 12k-15k and only a few years old, it was an issue. Part for each side costs around $200 plus the cost of the weather stripping and adhesive. Apparently they can be a pain to replace since you have remove the weather stripping to get to the screws needed to remove them.

[@scottkretz7869]

Had most of the same problems but easy fixes love the c5 I’m on my 4th.

[@yz250ftony]

Thanks! I'm shopping around for a c5z currently, learned a few things

[@yz250ftony]

Update: I bought an 04 commemorative edition Z06.

[@gregl4244]

Good list. I would add the HVAC display. Easy fix videos on KZbin or send to a repair service on ebay or the like.

[@s.w.warbirds4126]

As a new C 5 owner great info thanks !

[@luernzojackson7825]

Thank you i have that same fuel issue with my c5 and i didn't know why my fuel gauge didn't go pass half a tank

[@calebvrbas1885]

I have received ABS error/ traction control error in the past. Took my ABS module out and re-soldered the points in there. Didnt fix the issue. Ended up being my ignition switch. Might try before paying someone else to rebuild your ABS module!

[@paromanin]

a fellow C5Z owner and fisherman. I thought I was the only one. I've carried my 13' 2pc float rod in the car several times. haha.

[@marksmusicplace3627]

other issues , I've seen with my c5. the hvac displays goes bad and as the same with the abs module , it also has weak solder points, another is issues is the instrument panel issues,, LMC5 body control module fix to fix the issue with the steering column lock and fuel cut off over 5 mph issue. module under the right passenger headlight goes out keeping the headlight from going up or down properly. the yaw sensor in the center console will go bad causing the car to act erratic at times. lateral acceleration sensor can also fail. every c5 will experience ripped driver side seats.

[@williamorton7600]

You mentioned the leaky rear end. I had to replace both tail shaft seals last winter. Not too bad without a lift. Can do both in a day but I took time to clean it up.

[@dautömötive68plus1]

Great content thinking of selling my gto and getting a c5 zo6 I always wanted one

[@byrd955]

love mine

[@GregSr]

Good list, but I would add the HVAC display going blank. Also, I was able to replace the oil pressure sending unit without cutting or removing anything. It was a pain in the butt and took two hours.

[@williamdavis4809]

That was the first thing to go on my 04!

[@trebm3]

Good vid! a lot to think about when shopping and to check if they have been covered by previous owner

[@VegasElement]

I had to do the rear differential & replace the torque tube. These cars also have a problem with rear main seals as well.

[@mjb362002]

Just found your page through a FB group you commented on, liking the content, keep it up. 01 C5Z and 95 LT1 guy here, both 6spds

[@tamarasnow3188]

While maybe its more uncommon than common, my cherry poppin week old 02 vert is grinding in reverse. Ive actually been researching shifters to try and remedy the problem before attempting to replace the syncros, fork, and/or gear without a lift. Looking forward to your review as you videos have been very informative so far, so thank you, sir.

[@MartinWibert]

I have had that issue on my 2000 as well. Service tech told me I wasn't pressing the clutch in far enough. To my dismay, he was right. Strange, been driving stick since 1975 and never had that issue, before.

[@dickgi]

very informative. I have a 02 Z06 and have noticed a few but not (yet) all of these

[@jasekiwi2755]

Also the window wipers stopping and starting whenever the want . and blinker problems caused by the hazard switch . Just to name a couple more .

[@windycitywarrior71]

I’ve always heard Costco has was really good. Sams clubs gas isn’t good.

[@VetOnVettes]

You are correct. 👍👍. I made an amendment in the following video.

[@codyhansen6087]

Have an '01 Z06 as well and liking your channel. I also have an 03 SS Silverado that I love, I also owned an 08 SS Impala that I loved. Would like to hear your take on when Chevy revived the SS trim on certain models in the mid 2000's.

[@prittsybaby]

Thinking about buying a C5. If I was to somehow win the shifter, I can use that to justify to the wife that I need to buy the car to go with it lmao.

[@joshuat5140]

Right? Lol hey babe I can't just use this shifter with our car so I need to get me a Vette to use it I can hear it now lol that's something I would do lol

[@iraqifoodcart8447]

If you're buying it with money YOU made at YOUR JOB, and you don't have kids, just buy one anyway and let her come to terms with the fact that she is not, *and will not* be in control of YOUR money.

[@gtfawaynotnow]

Couple pointers: -the oil pressure sending unit. You do not have to drill a hole in the cowl. I Forget the exact combination now but the unit can be removed/installed with the following: -a special socket designed for to fit the sending unit/not expensive -as I said before I forget the exact combination but I think it was a 6 inch extension, a universal extension and either a 1 or 2 inch extension. Procedure I used was the following: -trying to attach it as 1 piece is next to impossible; instead you install it in 2 pieces. -socket, short extension and universal joint. I forgot the order but it’s either socket, short extension then uv joint or socket, uv joint and short extension. Then of course the second part which is your socket wrench and 6 inch extension. -on removal after getting it loose, remove the socket wrench/long extension and loosen it to 95%, remove the uv joint, socket and small extension. -fully remove the unit by hand. Installation is basically the reversed order but I am adding a couple tips to make the experience less aggravating. These 3 additional steps are to be carried out prior to re-installation. -this is optional but if there is any aluminum pieces on the old unit then the option may be a smart one. Thread sealant. Either use plumbers tape or the liquid stuff. Inspect the old unit to get a visual on where it reached maximum tightness/generally they leave a couple thread when the senders are designed. Use enough liquid to fill the last 4 grooves then wipe off any excess. -put the new sending unit into the sending unit socket/uv joint/short extension and just use a little tape to keep the new sender in the socket which makes installation easier. -only risk I can see is improper thread alignment since even with the hack you are working blind. Once you have the unit in position to install it, before tightening it simply and slowly rotate the unit in reverse like to loosen it. What this will accomplish is to set/align the threads. If it is quiet you can generally hear it “click” into place or you will feel the unit drop into the hole by a millimeter or 2. -tighten the unit by hand ensure everything is going in smooth. The threads on the sender are tapered like pipe fittings so until you get near the very end it should screw in very easy. Note: If there is any resistance that seems to “come and go” as you are hand tightening it the remove the unit, inspect it and re-install it. -Once you are satisfied it’s seated properly then hand tighten it. -installation the socket wrench/6 inch extension to finish tightening it. -remove everything but the socket. -pull the socket off of the sender try to do it as smoothly and in a straight up motion as you can. The plastic bit that the pigtail plugs into is not very durable.

[@dalejernberg3550]

Have an 01 z, have gone thru a few of those issues plus the column lock issue someone else has already mentioned(LMC5 fix, easypeasy). BTW, enjoyed your radio upgrade vid, getting ready to do that myself. All in all, your vids are good stuff. thx

[@sspp3065]

Harmonic balancer keep an eye on that.Just changed mine to an ATI the C5 and C6 certainly one of those things that its not if but when.And yes it is a project might as well just plan on pulling the entire front of the motor,and steering rack.While your their change the oil pump pickup tube o-ring i put a new pump just for piece of mind because like I said it is a project your already there.Oh and I only have 50K miles on my 04.But started seeing a little bit of a wobble.If it starts to walk backwards the balancer will eat into the timing chain cover.

[@nwcomet]

Great info, thank you!

[@VetOnVettes]

You bet. Thanks for watching 🤙👍

[@davidterceira7451]

Have you been driving my car? I have a 99 FRC, and I think you have been driving it? Except for the ABS, I only have 58,000 miles and haven’t had any brake issues. Well, emergency brake sucks!! HAHA!!! Thank you

[@stephendibari5010]

Thanks, saved this one in case I go C5

[@dougdavis7079]

I haven't used these people but they claim to be able to fix the early C5 ABS modules. I have heard that you can no longer get a rebuilt rack and pinion for early C5s.

[@calebvrbas1885]

I ordered an mgw shifter for my c5z like a week and a half ago as well. Super excited for it to arrive. MGW told me last week that it'll be 3 weeks or so before it ships due to high order volumes.

[@oroautomation]

Great video man! I've had the gas sensor problem, didn't know the fix. Thanks!!

[@MadManStudioz]

Great information! Thank you..

[@jonnyg9330]

Doing the lords work I want to know what I’m getting into

[@mikewoodrow3561]

Good info. I just recently subscribed. Keep up the good work

[@VetOnVettes]

Thanks man. 🤘🤙👍

[@jaleeckflathead9640]

I wish people makes video standing behind there beaut lol jk. Love the video bro and really informative.

[@phillymikea]

Thanks for this video and the contest!

[@adam96blackss]

Definitely the LCM issues. Aka the column lock issue.

[@adam96blackss]

@jim veit the recall/TSB is to switch out the relays under the passenger side kick panel on the BCM. Even after said fix, they're still prone to the column lock but it reduces the chances. For $40.00 and 40 minutes, I would install the LMC5 bypass kit and not worry about it

[@petersola5153]

Costco uses top tier gas in my area

[@jlmonte05]

thank you

[@zorazr192]

I used to own a 03 Z06 and sold it 10 years ago and still missing it wish I didn't.

[@sdllfan7917]

I have experienced the tick noise/Exhaust noise did you sound deaden around shifter?

[@mostheinous]

The knight drive lights your going to put on i went to corvette innovationz and bought me there sleepy eyes lights i bought them a year ago but they didn't have a mill machine broken so there backed up have you heard about those lights i just completed the 8 things

[@callancollins7708]

Fuel pump is the noise I hear. I was thinking what the hell is the whinning.

[@lorigilbert3173]

Had mine replaced at the Dealership and noise came back a few years later 😭 Simple solution, crank up the sterio 👍😀

[@AimForTheBushes908]

Great topic. Thanks

[@dowroa]

VetOnVettes757 , if you have part numbers for replacements or links, would you mind sharing them in the description? Thank you, sir.

[@caseyberry6959]

Well... you cost me a lot of money my man, bought a c5z06 . I should get better sleep now that I'm not searching the web every night for the perfect deal

[@Capncomeback2023]

Great tips, Bro.

[@Bobby4v]

My turn signals dont work at times because of the relay on the back of the hazard switch..i was doing a lane change first time i ever heard it and i thought it was someone on a scooter beside me blowing the horn. Smh

[@debrawendling9857]

WE could use that shifter...we have a 2004 Z06

[@roymorris710]

I have had two C5’s and both leak when it rains. In fact I’m heading out to dry my car out now.

[@mjphoto45]

I don't drive in rain

[@joylorito3881]

My vet is a 1999 and I'm dealing with the no start no crank issue. I'm a female on my own. Talk about a big headache. Trying to figure this thing out on my own is frustrating and found out is a common problem...HELP!!!

[@stevieanderson7281]

Hello my Corvette family. Question for ya--my dashboard makes squeaking sounds while I drive, could this be a simple fix? I also hear a sound similar to a mattress being jumped on. Not sure if the sounds are related.

[@tbn334]

The driver's seat motor often goes bad. It is hard to find the part. It is no longer made by Chevrolet. Also, The light on the HVAC goes bad.

[@bobmrkus3185]

Good video, my cruise control goes on and off intermittently, as well as my windshield washer is on the fritz. I am thinking that the ground wires are off or the control stick is in need of replacement.

[@mjphoto45]

My cruise control doesn't work

[@camerongoff1081]

Fuel level sensor on the driver side pump

[@brianjohnson8045]

What brand of battery do you recommend (gel type)?

[@z33317]

Almost any name brand AGM will do.

[@thomasdabronzo9996]

I had a 2002 convertible I was driving down the road all the gauges went out in the car shut off Mind you I bought this car brand new it had less than 10000 miles on it Somehow I got the car Home and went online they told me to grab the wiring harness inside the driver's side door and pull on it Believe it or not That fix the problem Needless to say I sold the car A short time later

[@jaxcell]

Interesting how people say " Use it once a month" when it should be once every other filling or whatever. Another vid I referenced a timeframe for brakes, as in brakes should be replaced every 2 years.....really? Just an observation on poorly people communicate today....i.e "the alarm went off on my car"? Then why do I still hear it?

[@johnkwasniewski9476]

My dash everything quits then back on . Is it a ground? And where is it . It’s a 98

[@mjphoto45]

I have a 2000 triple black 6 spd convertible. Could use the short shift kit. Ps my power seats don't work fully. Other than that no issues with my vette

[@joe485]

Great video

[@danv8717]

The rack pinion goes bad on C5's, especially the ZO6 models. I

[@FronkG]

My c5z driver side window would rattle when i close the door. Driving me crazy

[@richfoulk9982]

Could intermittent tachometer be a grounding issue as well? Mine just stops working then comes back on...

[@clintonstepanekjr4241]

Good video, my 03 anniversary vert is suddenly showing a 80 mph max light when i first start it. It goes away but it never came on before and it isn’t preventing me from going over 80(yet) I’ve heard something about this but don’t remember what it could eventually end up being. Any help (advise) would be appreciated 👍

[@JimmyH1020]

I've got a 2000 with #10 a couple of months ago. I hear you can repair it your self? I don't ride it very hard so I don't feel unsafe ? It really sucks 50K miles and runs great otherwise. Thanks for the info.

[@michaelq3174]

I found a 03 worn 71k miles. Is it worth buying as an everyday vehicle?

[@mirbahatube]

Hey man. I just bought 03 z06 with 33k miles and was thrown off by the horrible noise it makes when u shut the car off. Pressing the clutch in makes it better. So u r saying its normal? What makes the noise anyways?

[@robertpartin1511]

My 03 c5 z06 it want go in reverse it’s a 6 speed manual

[@rayjohnson7584]

Looking at 98-2000 c5 my question is if the active handling is not completely operating how does that effect the drive and handling?

[@carlitroshernandez1844]

friends I have a problem with my corvette 2004 c5 In the morning doing it it works very well but after 5 minutes I turn it off and it no longer turns on I have to let 1 hour pass for it to work again, I already changed the fuel pump and the same problem continues I don't know what to do.. Please helpme.. !

[@carlitroshernandez1844]

The fuel pump is new 1week replacement !!

[@eduardovazquez323]

Besides the ABS module that are crap on 1997-2000 models, are there more issues with older C5s ?

[@justinkrizenesky]

Hey man! My girlfriend is looking at a C5 Convertible, and I was wondering if the base cars also had valve spring issues, and if I should plan to replace springs, locks, seals, gaskets, pushrods, rocker arms, and pcv valve, or if those were problems only really seen on the Z's? Thank you!

[@VetOnVettes]

No sir , the base cars were not affected. They changed the valves in the Z cars to accommodate the more aggressive cam, however it was a issue because the valves they replaced them with were not as stout as believed. However, these cars are getting up there in age and it wouldnt be a terrible idea to replace those items as a good measure.. hell I would just throw some 243 heads on it and call it a day. Thanks for watching

[@justinkrizenesky]

@@VetOnVettes thank you so much! I figured that to be the case, but knew you would likely know for sure (: I have this video saved and reference probably once a month for tips and knowledge (: thanks for all you do!

[@VetOnVettes]

@@justinkrizenesky Thanks man!!

[@giovannic5corvette953]

Have you had an issue with battery voltage dropping on your dash? I replaced my batter and alternator and my car has trouble starting in the second cycle and my battery voltage is exactly at 13 or less volts

[@johnpalumbo7730]

Thnx. Good vid.

[@catrolio60]

Road noise right rear

[@jeffmcmillan2813]

How biut sum waterproof grease

[@crisdesasia6897]

Do you have any recommendations towards the overheating issue in C5s?

[@kevinmai842]

Clean out your radiator, I do it at least once a year

[@robertmcsorley4001]

Also look under the car, shine a light up into the air tunnel for the radiator. C5's are bottom breathers. They will suck up debris from the road.