Corvette 1997-2004 Codes corvetteweb magazine


  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

3) Press and hold "options"

4) While holding "options", press "fuel" four times within a 10-second period.
When first engaged the on-board diagnostics go into an "automatic" mode which shows all parameters: PCM-TCS-RTD-BCM-IPC-radio-HVAC-LDCM-RDCM-SCM-RFA. If there are no problems, you will see "no more codes" on the ICP display.
The computer will show two kinds of codes, "current" and "history," designated "C" or "H". A current code indicates a malfunction is present in the system whose module is displaying data. A history code indicates a past problem.
When the screen displays "manual diagnostics," select the desired module by pressing the "options" button to go forward or the "trip" button to go back. 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 or "clear" codes, press "reset."

1997 DTC Codes

1998 DTC Codes

1999 DTC Codes

2000 DTC Codes

2001 DTC Codes

2002 DTC Codes

2003 DTC Codes

2004 DTC Codes


The C5 computer transmits the following diagnostics: Powertrain Control Module (PCM),Traction Control System ,Active Handling System, Real Time Damping (RTD), Body Control Module (BCM), Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), radio, heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC), Left Door Control Module (LDCM), Right Door Control Module (RDCM), Seat Control Module (SCM) and Remote Function Actuation (RFA).

Inititially, the on-board diagnostics go into the "automatic" mode which shows each module's DTCs in a pre-set sequence:

For each module, all DTCs will be displayed. If none are present in a module, you will see "no more codes" on the ICP display.

As stated earlier there are two kinds of DTCs, "Current" and "History," designated with a letter suffix, "C" or "H". A current code indicates that the malfunction is present in the system whose module is displaying data. A history code indicates a problem existed in that module sometime in the last 40 or 50 ignition cycles. When not accompanied by a current code of the same number, it is possible it's evidence of a previous problem, now solved, that was not removed by clearing codes. More likely is that a history code indicates an intermittent malfunction. "Intermittents" are the most challenging DTCs. An intermittent may have happened only once, may have happened more than once but is inconsistent in its appearance or may be happening on a regular basis but not at the time the IPC is displaying codes. History codes can also be caused by a current malfunction in a system that is not operating at the time DTCs are displayed. An example is the rear window defogger which doesnąt operate until the BCM detects engine rpm. For history codes set by a system 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 IPC has displayed all 11 modules, the system goes into the manual mode which allows selection of each module using combinations of DIC buttons. The manual mode can also be entered at any time during the automatic sequence by pressing any button except "E/M". Once the IPC displays "manual diagnostics," you may select a particular module by pressing the "options" button to go forward or the "trip" button to go back. Once a system is selected and a DTC is displayed, if more than one are present; press "gages" to move forward or "fuel" to go back.

To exit the diagnostic mode at any time, press "E/M". If you want to erase or "clear" codes, press "reset." Clearing a code does not repair a problem. You are simply erasing the evidence of it in the module's memory.

The Following Procedure Sshould be used to Re-program the Tire Pressure Sensors if you ever have to swap tires and re-install remote sensors:

Tire Pressure Sensor Training Instructions

1) Turn ignition on but do not start the car

2) Press "Reset" button in order to clear any IPC display warning messages

3) Press and release the "Options" button on the DIC to scroll through the display options until the IPC display is blank

4) Press and hold the DIC "Reset" button for 3 seconds

5) Press the "Options" button again until TIRE TRAINING message appears

6) Press "Reset" button until the IPC "Learn L Front Tire" message appears in order to begin the programming

7) Install the J41760 Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) System Programming Tool (large magnet will do) over the left front valve stem

8) The horn will sound, indicating the left front TPM sensor is programmed (if this takes more than 15 seconds, pull magnet back and try again, it will give you three tries. Then you must start over) 9) When the horn sounds, proceed to program the next TPM sensor in the following order as directed by the IPC messages: -Learn R Front Tire -Learn R Rear Tire -Learn L Rear Tire Programming can be canceled by turning ignition off, waiting 2 minutes with no sensors being learned, finishing all 4 wheels or through the DIC. If the programming is canceled with less than 4 sensors learned, it will only accept the codes programmed up to that point.


C5 facts that GM does not want you to know

  • You can put your key in the driver’s door and turn it twice towards the front to unlock the passenger door and a third time to pop the trunk.
  • You can pop the trunk and also pop the gas cap cover by pulling on metal lines hidden in the back.
  • The little slotted cover on the dash behind the steering wheel is where the inside air temperature sensor is located.
  • All of the option codes are in the glove box.
  • Tire inflation recommended pressures are on the driver’s door.
  • The thing that looks like a little LED near the DIC buttons is a light sensor.

  • The thing that looks like a little LED near the defroster vent is a UV sensor for determining A/C usage to compensate for the heating effect of the sun.
  • The build sheet is in the front re-bar.
  • If you leave your turn signal on, in about 1 minute it will start to ding (loud enough to hear over the stereo) to let you know you have old timers disease.
  • You can reset the oil life by pumping the gas pedal 3 times (but not with the engine running).
  • Hold down the reset button while on one of the trip odometers and it changes that reading to the miles you’ve traveled since last starting the engine.
  • Hold down the Active Handling button for 5 sec. to engage “Competitive Driving” on cars equipped with active handling (2000 and previous years must be stopped.)
  • If you pull the seatbelts all the way out while you’re buckled in, they ratchet back in to hold you tighter into the seat. (then move the seat forward to make it extra snug -- Leafty)
  • Simply remove fuse #2 under the hood and your DRLs will be out permanently. Only thing affected is that when you unlock at night using the key fob your front turn signal lights and back up lights will not flash. Your front turn signals will operate normally, however.
  • The side-view mirrors can twist both forward and backward, decreasing the chance of damage if struck.
  • There is a release opening with a flap to let air out of the car when the hatch is closed. It is located just above the driver side rear compartment behind the carpet and on the side of the car. Not that it really works well.
  • You can ground your amp to a screw/bolt that holds the rear middle compartment to the frame.
  • If you have a 6-speed car you can pop the trunk when the car is running by lifting the e-brake.
  • There is a spot on the driver side just out of the middle compartment under the carpet for the lug nut key. You should have a compartment on the drivers & passenger’s side (in the trunk) and a center compartment. On the left (drivers) side of the center compartment, on the left side where the center cover fits, there is an ‘indent’ that holds the wheel lock key.
  • If you turn on the headlights, then go to parking light position, the lamps remain up but the headlights are not left on.
  • If you have the passive entry feature: If you lock the keys in the car, wait a few minutes and then shake the car. That will unlock the car.
  • HUD has a shift light for the manuals.
  • You can easily shift the M6 trans up or down without the clutch if you match revs. (Not great for longevity, however.)
  • You can eject the cd from the in-dash player without turning on any power. Don’t even need key in the ignition.
  • The cruise will disengage if you purposely make sharp side to side turns while cruising at say 60-80 mph.
  • When the engine is shut off, you can get the odometer reading by turning on the parking lights.
  • You can program setting #3 (both memory buttons at once) in the seat memory to run the seat back and steering wheel forward for getting in/out of the car with the engine running.
  • If you hate DRLs you can pull the e-brake ONE click and they go off.


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