Electrical problems, Help

[jvdaniel]

Help, my 2000 Vert went from a good reliable car to a heap of trouble overnight.
Last week I got the Service Steering Column Lock message. The next day the car was ok. A few days latter I was driving and started getting messages that I was in Competive Driving mode, then Traction Control was off, then on. After I parked I wasn' able to start it. I disconnected the battery, reconnected it and was able to start and drive home.
Since I have owned this car for 4 years, I didn't know how old the battery was, so I replaced it with an Optima Red Top. It still would not start.
If I disconnect the battery and reconnect, I hear relays clicking, it will start and run. I leave it set for five minutes and nothing. Messages on DIC, REDUCED ENGINE POWER, SERV. TIRE MON SYS., LOW FUEL, CHECK TIRE PRESSURE, SERVICE VEH. SOON. Check codes, get: 40-BCM NO COMM;99 HVAC NO COMM;58-SDM U1000HC, U1064HC; 60-IPC U1160HC,U1176HC; 80-RADIO U1064H; AO-LDCM U1064; A1-RDCM U1064H; BO-RFA U1096H,U1064H,U1016H.
I have checked all the ground points, they are clean and tight. I examined the BCM for water damage from a clogged evaporator drain. No sign of damage.
Any idea what might cause this condition? Help.

[DRTH VTR]

I cannot help with specifics on your problem. I suggest that you PM c4c5specialist with your codes. He is very sharp and could give you some insight.
Jim

[Patrick]

JVDaniel,
I'm curious- how long has it been since you last changed the battery? I remember reading a post by Andy (MQQN) a little over a year ago where he described how "spooky" his C5 started to behave as the battery was on it's last legs, and what you describe sounds pretty similar to Andy's experience.

-Patrick

[DRTH VTR]

I didn't know how old the battery was, so I replaced it with an Optima Red Top.

Patrick-
It looks like he already did that.

[Patrick]

Oops.

I missed that, Jim. My eyes jumped right over it and went right to the codes he was showing.

Now I'm worried about a much larger problem- what kind of battery was it you replaced, JVDaniel, and did you notice if it happened to be leaking any battery acid when you changed it?


-Patrick

[warren s]

Exactly what ground points have you checked?

In addidtion to the connections at the battery, can you also check where the cables connect at the other ends? (Ground and starter).

When the engine is running do you get any codes?

[jvdaniel]

PROBLEM SOLVED

After spending the last two weeks troubleshooting my car, I found the problem on Saturday. I had checked all the ground points, all were clean and tight, I checked all the data lines for grounds, ok. I did look for water damage around the BCM, I did not see any sign of water. After checking everything I removed the BCM and took the module out of the case, I do have experience repairing computers and outdoor scoreboards and electroncs. When I looked closely at the board there was tracking across the electronic components, a sign that water had been running across the board. I used electronic cleaner, q-tips and rags to clean the board between all of the components. I reinstalled the board, started the car, cleared all the codes, no problem. I am going to put a piece of plastic over the BCM until I can fnd the source of the water leak.

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

PROBLEM SOLVED

After spending the last two weeks troubleshooting my car, I found the problem on Saturday. I had checked all the ground points, all were clean and tight, I checked all the data lines for grounds, ok. I did look for water damage around the BCM, I did not see any sign of water. After checking everything I removed the BCM and took the module out of the case, I do have experience repairing computers and outdoor scoreboards and electroncs. When I looked closely at the board there was tracking across the electronic components, a sign that water had been running across the board. I used electronic cleaner, q-tips and rags to clean the board between all of the components. I reinstalled the board, started the car, cleared all the codes, no problem. I am going to put a piece of plastic over the BCM until I can fnd the source of the water leak.

I am very sure that a clogged a/c condensation drain elbow is the source of your water leak (it happened to me). Water does not drain quick enough and backs-up into the blower case and down onto the computer compartment. It follows the wires and into the computer.

You must raise the right front of the car (use jackstands) and you will see the 90 degree rubber elbow which protrudes from a plastic nipple on the firewall. It is behind the right engine head and is visible from the top of the engine compartment. It is virtually impossible to reach from the top of the engine compartment, and is easier to access from below.

After raising the car while the engine is completely cool, you will be able to use one hand and remove the rubber elbow (your hand will rest on the manifold). It will probably be clogged with white, crusty material. Clean out the elbow and cut off the moulded end of it. It does not drain quick enough during periods of high humidity and is prone to clogging. Reinstall the rubber elbow on the plastic nipple and you should be done. Here is a link with excellent pictures: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread...d.php?t=1069597

One other possible source of water back-up is clogged cowl drain udders. There are three on the passenger side, under the black plastic cowl - at the rear of the windshield wiper container / sensor. Reach under the cowl and squeeze the three rubber udders to dislodge anything clogging them (and causing a water back-up). There is a fourth udder on the passenger side, but you must remove the battery or a underbody shield to reach it. However, I'll bet your problem is with a clogged a/c drain line.

I hope this helps - if you need any further information, please ask. Good luck.

[jvdaniel]

Thanks, I will check out the A/C drain, I hardly ever use the A/C since it is a convertible, but I did use it about a week before the problems started when the temp was over 100 deg.