I keep receiving Recall Notices to take my '03 Z06 to the dealer to have this system fixed YET I have read so many bad stories about what may happen if I do that I am VERY hesitant. My lock works just fine with 6280 miles on the car. I would appreciate some advise and stories pro and con about this move. I won't hold anyone to it....I just need some advice...of course the final decision is mine. If I decide to wait and the lock goes bad after the warranty. I'll just pay for it myself. What might that cost be in today's dollars? Thank for the help!
hoogbest

 

I've owned 2 C5's with manual transmissions. The recall doesn't actually fix anything on MN6/M12 cars, all it is is a reprogram of the PCM to kill the engine should the lock fail to unlock. This should prevent the car from being able to be driven with the column locked.

I have had the recall done to both of my cars (my 99 which I sold and my current 03 Z). I only had the recall done to prevent any future issues when it comes time to sell the car. Since I doubt I'll be trading a vette I figured any sale would go to a car enthausist that would do his research. An open recall is an invitation to a low ball offer.

On the other hand if you have had an LS1 Edit done I hear it wipes that out. Something to consider.

The best course of action should you choose not to have the recall done is to install a column lock by-pass. It's any easy fix and only costs you about $50. One more thing to consider, many folks still report column locks after having the recall done.

Your last option is to do nothing and pray to the Corvette gods you don't get stranded with the car nosed in to a parking spot on a Sat evening far from home. The tow and potential damage to your car will far exceed the cost of the by-pass gizmo.

As a long time CF member my recommendation is to by and install a by-pass and have the recall done only if your concerned about such things.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

Here's my personal experience; four of us have installed the column lock bypass in our C5's; one did not and had the recall done instead.

His car locked immediately upon its return from the dealer (last year) and just recently locked up again. Looks like he is buying a CLB.

Those of us with the CLB have had zero problems.

You make the call!

 

If you looked at all the threads about this topic you would know the recall does not fix the problem for 6 speeds. With that in mind, why let a dealership service department touch your car?

 

I have to ignore the recall due to the fact that they flash your PCM to correct the issue. That would screw up my tune, and I would have to reload it to drive the car without drivability issues.

 

I am not capable of installing the by-pass and I imagine the dealer won't do it. Any suggestions?

 

http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24

Unless you have a physical disability, anyone can install the CLB in about 30 minutes.

 

Well, my 2002 Z06 locked on me on two different incidents and both times had to be towed in and both times the dealership told me "it's fixed"....hahahahahahaha

 

did mine yesterday.the install sheet recommends dropping the "knee panel" on both sides, but i only dropped it on the driver side[left] letting it hang from the passenger side.[right]it's tight in there, but you can access the wires enough to do the job.

 

Its time to buy a column lock bypass. I installed mine tonight. See my post in C5 General. If I can do it, so can you. if you cant and are going to Carlisle Vette show, stop by and I will do it

 

It is possible but it only took 10 seconds to remove the panel and 1 minute to reinstall. I did mine tonight !

 

I let my dealership install the upgraded microcode and do the other checks to my 03Z. This is my second C5 six speed starting with a 97. Never had any issues with either car. Had 24K miles on the 97 when I sold it and have 28K on the Z now.

The problem is blown out of proportion the vast majority of cars have never had a problem.

Bill