Speedometer Stopped working Transmission not shifting... HELP!

tucsonalama · 07-26-02, 02:27 AM

I have a 98 Corvette Coupe with and automatic transmission and today the speedometer stopped working and the transmission wont shift properly. I am very ver worried. Any ideas?

07-26-02, 10:35 AM

Have you looked to see if any DTC codes have been set? The first thing I would recommend is that you check your DIC for codes. That's the place to start.

tucsonalama · 07-26-02, 10:29 PM

I checked the codes and saw only history items associated with the door control modules ( Battery #1 and #2 intermittent and a couple of other deals) But nothing associated with the Speed Sensor or gauges. I have only had the car 3 weeks and put 400 miles on it when it started acting up. It only has 29,000 miles on it! I have also noted that the rear left speaker is humming a bit, even when the stereo is off. The dealer is saying "let's diagnose it before we say if we are going to cover it" Doesn't sound good for a $30,000 car.

07-26-02, 11:51 PM

Tucsona,

This maybe a long shot but worth looking into. I don't know where it is on a C5 but see if you can locate the wiring to measure speed and odometer (could be the same one).

What sounds like is that the car does not know how fast it is going. I'll also bet that if you turn your DIC to the trip page, it is not working either. On these new cars, it has to know how fast it is going (hence odometer also) so it does not shift. I found this out by accident while I was working on a mini van.

Since it is digital reading and not machical cable turning the odometer like the old days it will govern other aspect of the car.

Please keep us in form of the results, sure would like to know if my BS has some truth to it

c4c5specialist · 07-27-02, 06:53 AM

Hi there,
I would follow the directions above. The location of the plug, and the sensor, is at the rear of the differential.
This is a 2 wire connection, at the top of the diff.
Just take a look and see if it is still connected.
All shift points for an auto car are absolutely controlled by the Vehicle Speed sensor.
This is why your car is acting so weird.
Please keep us posted, c4c5

tucsonalama · 08-03-02, 11:42 AM

Well, the dealer said that I have pack rats and that they ate my speed sensor wires that ran into my transmission. Interesting since I have stored a 2000 Maxima, a 1991 300zx and another 98 Corvette in that Garage for months and never had a problem. I live in a concrete jungle and there are no boxes in my garage... just cars. I ended up spliting the repair costs of $400 with the dealer. Oh well. It runs great now.

tucsonalama · 08-03-02, 11:49 AM

I was amazed at the responses I got to my posting. Thanks, they were all very helpful. I am a believer in this site.

Thanks,
Dave

08-03-02, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tucsonalama
I was amazed at the responses I got to my posting. Thanks, they were all very helpful. I am a believer in this site.

Thanks,
Dave

Hey Dave,

Glad to see we found the issue, sure hate to see anyone hunt and peck (could get expensive and frustrating). I was glad to see that C4C5Specialist concured on the same solution, he's our "Chief of Surgen" when it comes to these issues. Btw, what exactly cost $400? Just curious.

tucsonalama · 08-04-02, 05:44 PM

They wanted the car towed in (that was $100, flat bed car hauler) And $250 to get access and rewire the sensor wires to the transmission. I was a little suprised myself, but by the time I got the bill I was just glad to be out of there.

I would not recommend Watson Chevrolet in Tucson, AZ for anything. I've only had one experience with them and it has not been good.