"Service Steering Column Lock" message?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Chester (Kent Island) Maryland
"Service Steering Column Lock" message?
I have had my 2004 C5 in the dealership (a good one) three times for this on board computer message.
"Service Steering Column Lock" which is preceded by "Take key out and wait 10 seconds". The manual says if this happens, have it towed for service. If fact, the engine will actually shut down to prevent you from driving with what is potentially a serious problem with the steering column. The dealership has indicated that it is a faulty chip on the on board computer and there is nothing wrong with the steering column. (I thought they had fixed the "chip" problem during my first visit). But the problem has persisted and it is intermittent (always works fine at the dealership). Any ideas or experience with this problem? Thanks.
"Service Steering Column Lock" which is preceded by "Take key out and wait 10 seconds". The manual says if this happens, have it towed for service. If fact, the engine will actually shut down to prevent you from driving with what is potentially a serious problem with the steering column. The dealership has indicated that it is a faulty chip on the on board computer and there is nothing wrong with the steering column. (I thought they had fixed the "chip" problem during my first visit). But the problem has persisted and it is intermittent (always works fine at the dealership). Any ideas or experience with this problem? Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 798
Likes: 2
From: Notorious Miami sunny south florida
I have 98 C5 and the wheel locked up the dealer had the car for two weeks they had to disassemble the column and replace the steering lock actuator they told me the old one shorted internally causeing it to lock up parts replaced 1 88965331 lock
1 26094767 plate
total repair 592.00 so get ready
98 torch red corvette
manual 6 speed
1 26094767 plate
total repair 592.00 so get ready
98 torch red corvette
manual 6 speed
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Get the column lock bypass and you should not have any more problems with this. I got mine from Thunder Racing (about $60) and it prevents the column from locking on you.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: Northern NJ nj
You need to install a Column Lock Bypass(CLB). Do a search on CLB and you'll find plenty of info. In short, the dealer recall for a manual transmission does not prevent the problem from coming back. It took me about 3 hours to install the CLB since I have no talent when it comes to working on cars. It wasn't that big of a deal. Just took my time. Costs about $60.
Do it now before you get stuck somewhere with a locked steering column. I've read my horror stories on this forum about people getting locked up in drive thrus, in underground parking garages
, etc.
Do it now before you get stuck somewhere with a locked steering column. I've read my horror stories on this forum about people getting locked up in drive thrus, in underground parking garages
, etc.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Manhattan, KS Missing SoCal since 2005
Originally Posted by TJ VETT
I thought the 2004 model year did not have the column lock problem. I have an auto. opinions please?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
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Lifetime Member
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
John: The column lock issue is probably one of the most frequent posting issues that you'll see on the Forum. At the top of the page you'll see a drop down for Search. Use the Advanced Search and look in the appropriate Forum for information. C5 General and/or C5 Tech will be the best place to search for info on the Lock.
All that being said, the Lock is under a GM recall, however taking it to the dealer doesn't "fix" the problem. You need the Column Lock Bypass to permanently fix the problem. The Kits can be picked up from a number of Forum vendors. Cheap fix and easy to install. Get it and be done with it.
All that being said, the Lock is under a GM recall, however taking it to the dealer doesn't "fix" the problem. You need the Column Lock Bypass to permanently fix the problem. The Kits can be picked up from a number of Forum vendors. Cheap fix and easy to install. Get it and be done with it.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Column lock and recall...
Does anyone have detailed info on how to install the CLB after the recall has already been done? I had the recall done and had my column lock up..I really need to install the CLB soon before it happens again....Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: The Surgeon General has warned that it's ok to smoke mustangs!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I'm not sure if anyone told you this or not, but you need to get whats called a CLB "Column Lock Bypass". It will prevent future colum locks especially in the unexpected times/places. It's about 60 bucks and depending on how mechanically inclined you are, should take you about 1-3 hours to install. If you've already had the recall done, then it may be too late for the CLB, because even with the CLB the problem can re-occur.
