bboessneck

I'm the second owner of a 2000 C5 convertible, 25K miles. Magnetic red/oak. VIN shows previous owner had the recall on the steering column lock performed at least 5 years ago. It's locked on me now. "Service column lock" message. My question--should Chevrolet dealer re-perform recall? Does this issue reoccur? Secondly, any thoughts on installing the bypass system I see mentioned on past posts? Does the bypass then leave the steering column permanently 'unlocked'?
Thanks for the help!

pewter99

Recall...never works forever

CLB is the way to go....you can unlock it despite what some folks tell you

yes your wheel will be forever unlocked with the CLB...

runner140*

This must be an emergency and you need a complete answer fast.
Go to the search icon at the top of the page and search: "steering column locked".

There is soooo much written on this subject, I don't want to waist your time.

3boystoys

You will NEVER, EVER get GM to redo the recall. Aftermarket has a better solution anyway.

3sACROWD

How old is your battery? If the voltage is dropping too low (below 10 volts IIRC) during start-up, the column lock won't activate. Are you getting the pull key wait 10 seconds message?

bboessneck

Thanks for quick replies. 8Vette7--My car is a 6 speed manual.

bboessneck

Anybody know where to purchase a column lock bypass CLP

Jondamnit

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40

Just in case you can't find any locally... Good Luck.

'02magredZ51

I got mine from them about 9 years ago and its worked great ever since. If you're stuck and need to get the car home/on a trailer/etc you can try the below method. Before the safety police chastise me, I'm not advocating this as the preferred method... but it worked for me the day mine died.

1.) Key off and out.
2.) Pull down firmly against the lock (i.e. try to turn the steering wheel).
3.) While pulling firmly, insert and turn the key to "Run" but do not start the car.
4.) You should hear/feel the lock retract if it worked. If it retracts you will be able to start the car and drive away. If it doesn't work you'll still be able to start the car... but at a break-neck 2mph the car will quit. Sort of self critiquing. You can also see the lock if you look down in the gap between the steering wheel and the steering column.

Good luck.