MikeNSX

I just bought a 12,800 mile '02 Z06 yesterday, and noticed on the Carfax that it has not been in for the electronic column lock recall that was issued back in 2004. I confirmed this with a local Chevrolet dealer.

Should I have the dealer fix this under the recall or just order a column lock bypass kit and have my mechanic friend install it (he only charges me $60 per hour, so the install cost won't be that much)?

If I buy a bypass kit, where should I buy it? I see there are several out the and want to buy the best one available.

Thanks.

Mac-427

I would do the bypass ASAP. This will make the recall redundant. As I understand the recall, it does not really fix the problem on MN-6 cars as it only ensures that the fuel cut off will completely disable the car in the event of a lockup.

MikeNSX

Which unit should I use?

I see the Corvettes of Houston one (and similar ones) that install under the steering column area and the LMC 5 from Compliance Parts that installs in the passenger foot well area.

Brock63

I am ordering LMC5 Module Steering Wheel Lock kit for mine...which seems to be the best most reliable thing out there I could find.

PLRX

That was a mod I did right away. Never had an issue with it, but I do long drives, and was not looking forward being stranded somewhere far away from my area.

71corv

Get the part from Corvettes of Houston.

LT1driver

imo best and only way to go is LMC 5, I installed one this year and took less than 30 minutes, super easy, good instruction and if you have trouble call them and they will walk you thru it. I went 10 years before mine needed and that was because I let battery go below 11.5 volts....if it was mine I would buy LMC and keep in car but not install until it needed. good luck

laurent_zo6

I bought the LMC5. The installation is very simple if you follow the instructions. There is an installation video on YouTube. If you have any questions, Richard at Compliance is very helpful.

MikeNSX

I talked with Richard (who was very helpful) and bought the LMC 5 from one of his vendors here in Tennessee. Should be here today.

Thanks to all for the recommendations.

04silverZ06

Is this necessary for '04's as well?

jeff49

If your interested, I have a brand new still in packaging never opened column lock bypass kit. I purchased it from Corvettes of Houston not knowing mine had the recall done already. I can let it go for $40.00 plus shipping.

bobby777

I had the GM dealer do it--never a problem at NO cost-

JETninja

Do it right, the recall does not fix the issue. The LMC5 is the 2nd fix and its the best one and the easiest to install. I put one in my '04Z 2 years ago and never worry about it anymore.

http://www.complianceparts.com/index.html

Keep your battery fluid topped off (check every 6 months) and that will help prevent it happening, low voltage is the spike that often locks it up.....

Ajaste

Richard's a super guy and he sells a very high quality part.

You did the right thing. I suggest installing it ASAP (as I did in my 02 Z06). Without it, if that issue hits your car, you'll be up a creek.

striper

In my experience I wouldn't drive that car until you put a bypass kit in it. I bought the Corvettes of Houston kit over 100k miles ago. It has never failed me. I had 17k miles on my car, had taken many long trips at that time. One day I pull my car out of the garage to wash it, when it locked up trying to get back into the garage. My wife pointed out to me how lucky we've been with all the places we'd been, like in faraway national parks. Got the car into the garage but it still wouldn't unlock. When I finally did get the wheel free, I didn't move the car until CofH over nighted a bypass kit. A friend of mine had a dealer do his recall, and it still locked up anyway after the recall. Just my advice.

MikeNSX

Had my mechanic install the LMC5 kit earlier today before he mounted my new tires and changed the oil. Works perfectly and I'm now not afraid to drive the car for fear of being stranded.

Richard was very helpful, and I even called him twice while the kit was being installed to make sure of a few things. Wish more vendors were as nice and helpful as he is.

racebum

depends on the dealer. some dealers remove the pin and leave an open steering column. depends on how much the dealer is up on what the car needs. my z06 has an open column done by the prior owner who had a chevy dealer in seattle perform it. apparently some dealers see less liability in doing it correctly

nullpointer

LMC5 - Install was easy

Edit: Saw you had it done, nice!

A Marsh

My local dealership was wanting to do the recall on my 03 Z. I told them I had already installed a column lock bypass and didn't want the recall.

They identified in their records that I didn't want it and they haven't bothered me about it since.

RickM Z06

Wow, I should come to this site more often. Never knew about this. Is there a way to tell if this recall has been done to my 03 Z06 at home or just take it to a local Chev dealer and have them scan the VIN?