Column lock problem.. Solution?
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 169
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From: Kennesaw Georgia
Column lock problem.. Solution?
So I was about to leave and went to crank my car and bam... MY column stayed locked. I have always known about it but hoped it would never happen to me. Some of my friends with corvettes told me to go to our local shop to get it fixed for 150 bucks. EXPENSIVE.. So I say @#$% that I will buy the column lock bypass for 80 dollars and do it myself. So I ordered the part last night and now one of my friends is telling me that it is super hard and will not fix the problem completely. But everything I have read on here says it will fix it.
What are the thoughts of the corvette pros on here?
Here is a link to the one i ordered. Thanks in advance.
http://www.pfyc.com/store/merchant.m...y_Code=VTOTHER
What are the thoughts of the corvette pros on here?
Here is a link to the one i ordered. Thanks in advance.
http://www.pfyc.com/store/merchant.m...y_Code=VTOTHER
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From: North of TMS Texas
I had the recall fix performed and the dealer screwed up the tune on my car and they weren't smart enough to even know they did it. I spent the $55 with ThunderRacing for the column lock bypass, installed myself (very simple) and have never had a problem on my 2000 FRC. I suggest the bypass. Good luck! 
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: wilmette il
Originally Posted by Fixed Roof Coupe
I had the recall fix performed and the dealer screwed up the tune on my car and they weren't smart enough to even know they did it. I spent the $55 with ThunderRacing for the column lock bypass, installed myself (very simple) and have never had a problem on my 2000 FRC. I suggest the bypass. Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,407
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From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Yes the steering lock has to be working properly before installing the CLB. Also you got ripped off, you can pick up the CLB for about $50. It is VERY easy to install, 15-30 minutes tops. If you read the sticky you will learn the various methods to unlock the steering wheel (yanking, pulling fuses etc.) Good luck. 
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
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I also got one from COH COST $50 came with a thingy you plug into the cigarette lighter that will unlock the steering column before you install the CLB.The instructions were complete and easily understood.30 minute job.
Tom
Tom
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: CT
Supposedly, you can shake the wheel or try to turn it left and right to un-lock it. I'd strongly suggest a clb kit from corvettes of houston. I had one installed in my z06 and sleep much better knowing I'll never have that happen.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,820
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From: San Diego
I ordered mine from Thunder Racing for $57.21 shipped to my door back in February. I have an '04 vert.
Two days ago I got the message, "Remove key. Wait 10 secs."
At first I didn't notice the message as I was talking to someone outside the car. I started the car, no problem. Put it reverse and it died as I began backing up. Still not noticing the message I restarted the car, put it in 1st, began pulling out of my parking space on a busy street and, bang! The engine kills again!
WTF, I thought! Now the car is blocking the lane, cars are piling up behind me, then I finally notice the "Wait 10 secs." message.
So there I sat, horns honking while I impatiently wait 10 secs. before reinserting the key.
The car started and ran correctly after I waited.
So, I guess not all CLB's work all the time eh?
..rickko..
Two days ago I got the message, "Remove key. Wait 10 secs."
At first I didn't notice the message as I was talking to someone outside the car. I started the car, no problem. Put it reverse and it died as I began backing up. Still not noticing the message I restarted the car, put it in 1st, began pulling out of my parking space on a busy street and, bang! The engine kills again!
WTF, I thought! Now the car is blocking the lane, cars are piling up behind me, then I finally notice the "Wait 10 secs." message.
So there I sat, horns honking while I impatiently wait 10 secs. before reinserting the key.
The car started and ran correctly after I waited.
So, I guess not all CLB's work all the time eh?
..rickko..
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
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From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
Originally Posted by rickko
I ordered mine from Thunder Racing for $57.21 shipped to my door back in February. I have an '04 vert.
Two days ago I got the message, "Remove key. Wait 10 secs."
At first I didn't notice the message as I was talking to someone outside the car. I started the car, no problem. Put it reverse and it died as I began backing up. Still not noticing the message I restarted the car, put it in 1st, began pulling out of my parking space on a busy street and, bang! The engine kills again!
WTF, I thought! Now the car is blocking the lane, cars are piling up behind me, then I finally notice the "Wait 10 secs." message.
So there I sat, horns honking while I impatiently wait 10 secs. before reinserting the key.
The car started and ran correctly after I waited.
So, I guess not all CLB's work all the time eh?
..rickko..
Two days ago I got the message, "Remove key. Wait 10 secs."
At first I didn't notice the message as I was talking to someone outside the car. I started the car, no problem. Put it reverse and it died as I began backing up. Still not noticing the message I restarted the car, put it in 1st, began pulling out of my parking space on a busy street and, bang! The engine kills again!
WTF, I thought! Now the car is blocking the lane, cars are piling up behind me, then I finally notice the "Wait 10 secs." message.
So there I sat, horns honking while I impatiently wait 10 secs. before reinserting the key.
The car started and ran correctly after I waited.
So, I guess not all CLB's work all the time eh?
..rickko..
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Central Ma
Originally Posted by Hellobkk
I also got one from COH COST $50 came with a thingy you plug into the cigarette lighter that will unlock the steering column before you install the CLB.The instructions were complete and easily understood.30 minute job.
Tom
Tom
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You do need to have the column unlocked before you install the CLB - there have been a number of threads on how you can try and unlock it without going to a dealer. Once you install the CLB, you should not have any more problems with it locking. Best $50-60 you can spend.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 1
From: Foresters Falls(near Ottawa) Ont
Originally Posted by Hellobkk
I also got one from COH COST $50 came with a thingy you plug into the cigarette lighter that will unlock the steering column before you install the CLB.The instructions were complete and easily understood.30 minute job.
Tom
Tom
Can't go wrong!!!!!RonJ ...
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 405
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From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Originally Posted by rickko
I ordered mine from Thunder Racing for $57.21 shipped to my door back in February. I have an '04 vert.
Two days ago I got the message, "Remove key. Wait 10 secs."
At first I didn't notice the message as I was talking to someone outside the car. I started the car, no problem. Put it reverse and it died as I began backing up. Still not noticing the message I restarted the car, put it in 1st, began pulling out of my parking space on a busy street and, bang! The engine kills again!
WTF, I thought! Now the car is blocking the lane, cars are piling up behind me, then I finally notice the "Wait 10 secs." message.
So there I sat, horns honking while I impatiently wait 10 secs. before reinserting the key.
The car started and ran correctly after I waited.
So, I guess not all CLB's work all the time eh?
..rickko..
Two days ago I got the message, "Remove key. Wait 10 secs."
At first I didn't notice the message as I was talking to someone outside the car. I started the car, no problem. Put it reverse and it died as I began backing up. Still not noticing the message I restarted the car, put it in 1st, began pulling out of my parking space on a busy street and, bang! The engine kills again!
WTF, I thought! Now the car is blocking the lane, cars are piling up behind me, then I finally notice the "Wait 10 secs." message.
So there I sat, horns honking while I impatiently wait 10 secs. before reinserting the key.
The car started and ran correctly after I waited.
So, I guess not all CLB's work all the time eh?
..rickko..
Sorry about the bad luck with the CLB... but on the brighter side, you are only the second person posting here, that I know of, that has had their CLB fail. His was from Thunder Racing also. I guess it isn't too surprising that a few bad CLB's do get by...
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RVETTE
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I can't believe that GM won't do something about this. But yes you have to get the wheel unlocked before you're able to utilize the CLB. Keep us posted.
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Originally Posted by Stock Man
I can't believe that GM won't do something about this. But yes you have to get the wheel unlocked before you're able to utilize the CLB. Keep us posted.
the old kits enabled you to do it with it locked....I still have the lighter cord in my car in case anyone ever needs it
