1996 - 2005 Corvette: GM TechLink: Star Washers in Grounds

This information applies to 1996-2005 passenger cars, trucks and utilities.

In the past, star washers have been used under most ground connections. It was believed using a star washer would improve continuity to ground and prevent the ground fastener from becoming loose.

GM Engineering has determined that installing a star washer increases the chance for corrosion and prevents the terminal from achieving proper torque. On vehicles being built today, star washers are not being used under any ground connection.

It is recommend NOT to use a star washer on any ground connection to the body or chassis of the vehicle.

TIP: Be sure the fastener and terminal are clean and corrosion free. When removing corrosion, be careful not to remove the plating from the terminal. And be sure to torque the fastener to the proper specification.

- Thanks to Dino Poulos, GM TechLink, February 2005

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