Guys, I hate to beat this dead horse in the mouth. I know there is TONS of info on column locks on the forum but I can't seem to find the problem exactly like mine. I apologize in advance if I missed a post.

99 Torch Red FRC (newer 99 because HUD installed)

Problem:

I got home tonight and when I turned the car off my column lock made some loud "god awful" noise. Then I got the dreaded "pull key" message and "service column lock". I instantly thought "ok, I guess its my turn". The dealer did the recall about 6 months ago on this which Im told is just a reprogram and nothing else. Now, the car will start - weird loud noise happens when you turn the car on and off. If I try to drive it, it just shuts off as soon as the car starts to roll. (I dont think I even hit the 2 mph mark) If I had to describe it, it sounds as if the motor is spinning freely and CL is not actually moving. Does this sound like anything you guys have heard.

Already tried:
pulling fuse #25 & cleaning battery post (positive side only)


Is CLB the thing to try? Does a CLB turn off the motor for the CL altogether?


Again, I apologize if this is a repost - I just couldnt find a problem quite like this with the loud noise. Let me know guys, I will order that CLB tonight! I guess I should be thankful it happened in my garage and not on the side of the road...

 

guys? help?

 

Is your steering column locked or unlocked all the time. Hopefully it's unlocked. If so the CLB will replace your existing CL and you'll be good to go. If your steering wheel is locked then you must get it unlocked before you can install the CLB. I hope that helps you out. I hope the CL failed in the unlock position. If it is still locking and unlocking but the message is coming up it's close to failing all together. Get the CLB and unlock the wheel and install the CLB. Let us know where your at.

 

Given your description, it sounds like the gear mechanism is broken.

 

Assuming your steering column is NOT locked, remove the knee panel under your steering column and disconnect the wire harness on the right side of the steering column consisting of 4 wires (orange, purple, green and black). There is a similar harness, so be careful. With the harness disconnected, your ECL motor should be disconnected and you can drive your car this way until your CLB is installed. Since your BCM will be confused, it will not attempt to lock or unlock your ECL and simply display the "Service Column Lock" message each time you start your car. You can reset the DIC each time you start your car if this becomes a problem. The only problem is I don't know if the recall has screwed up the PCM in this situation and will prevent you from driving your car.
Cheers,
John

 

If the dealer did the latest recall the car should never start if it thinks there is a problem with the column lock, the "shut off at 2mph" is the original program. That's just an FYI, I'd get a CLB if I were you.

GOOD LUCK!

 

The column lock is unlocked. I can freely turn the wheel with the car off. When I tried to back the car out of the garage, I had full steering capabilities. The car WILL idle just fine, it stays running until I put the car in gear and actually start to drive with it. I'm not sure I hit the 2 mph mark but it definitely shut itself down.

2 more questions:

Do I need to install the CLB and call it good or should I tear apart the steering column and make sure the lock is not half way engaged? I have heard these horror stories of the things locking up going down the highway. Does the CLB turn the mechanism completely off or will I continue to hear this noise after CLB is installed?


Thanks guys, CLB is on the way!

 

If your concerned about it being half locked then you need the GM Harness K which is GM's CLB. It comes with a new locking plate so the lock cannot come out inadvertently and lock on you. Your lucky the wheel is not locked. I would probably not drive the car till I got the Harness K or the CLB. It's costly to replace the CL. But then again if the car is under warranty have GM replace the CL and then install the CLB.

 

I ordered the CLB from Corvettes of Houston this morning. Is there any reason to do the other GM harness as well? The car is out of warranty so really, Im just interested in fixing the problem and the car being safe.

again, thanks for the help guys.

 

With the CLB there is always the chance that the lock will still lock. With the Harness K you also receive a new locking ring that will not allow the lock to lock the steering. I have the Harness K and have installed it but not the locking ring. I haven't got the nerve up to pull the steering wheel to get at it. I figure if it does lock I can connect it to the Harness K and have it retract again. At least that's my story and I am sticking to it. Good luck with yours. It's a pain in the butt isn't it. This is something that we should not have to ever worry about. If your curious call the dealer and ask them how much they want to replace the CL. I have seen $700 $800 here on the forum. That's criminal. Really!! Again good luck and I hope the CLB does the job for you.

 

Thanks a bunch guys! I am going to install the CLB tomorrow (if it comes in) and just hope for the best. I will update the post and let you guys know how it works.

 

The CLB was an instant fix for my problem. I plugged it in and that was it.

The CLB has been on for over a month now without a problem! Thanks for all the help guys. The Corvette Forum is AWESOME!!!

 

Nice bump and good info - glad everything turned out A-OK for you

 

Glad to hear all is well. I put one on yesterday and so far, no problems. I wish there was an easy way to just take that stupid column lock out altoghether.

 

I couldn't agree more..........!!!!