GM admits Column Lock problem, solution
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,869
Likes: 2
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by Superbock
Let's lay off Zilla. He has some of the best avitars. You do not want to be cut off do ya. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 2
From: Cedar Rapids Iowa
Does anyone know of any reason that I shouldn't just stick with the CLB that I installed myself? The power to the column lock actuator is removed thus it can't lock up. This seems like a simpler solution than Chevy's method of removing the locking plate.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO.
Originally Posted by Hoosier Red
This is true. I'll have to look into this.....haven't gotten the CLB yet and maybe just having the plate removed is the best way to go. Stupid question: Will this still get done even if the car is out of warranty?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO.
Originally Posted by slwhite
Does anyone know of any reason that I shouldn't just stick with the CLB that I installed myself? The power to the column lock actuator is removed thus it can't lock up. This seems like a simpler solution than Chevy's method of removing the locking plate.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 796
Likes: 517
From: Colorado
I had the aftermarket CLB bypass installed 1 year ago at a cost of $95 installed. I keep the receipt and when I got this new recall with a letter stating they'd reimburse me for having the Column lock fixed, I filled out the form and sent it in along with the receipt for the work done. I received a check for $95 from GM 2 weeks later! They even called my # at work and left a message saying my request for reimbursemant had been approved. I was pretty happy to say the least in getting my money back on something they should have paid for in the first place.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,407
Likes: 1
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Originally Posted by C5-BRUCE
Hey guys, it's not this difficult. I'm amazed to see 138 posts on this topic? Removal of the locking plate is NOT a RECALL which is why it will never be found on the NHTSA site.
US cars with manual transmissions will have the locking plate removed AND a new harness/relay will be installed.
US cars with automatic transmissions that didn't previously have the column lock removed are included in this 'activity'.
Canadian and export cars with manual transmissions must retain the column lock as removal requires approval by their various governments.
Currently, the only US Corvette that will retain the column lock is the 2005 C6. Likely a letter to those owners will be forthcoming?
This 'activity' is not a requirement for owners, only an option offered by GM. No flashing of the PCM will occur as the procedure - 04006C - does not require it and has obsoleted previous versions which required the flash.
US cars with manual transmissions will have the locking plate removed AND a new harness/relay will be installed.
US cars with automatic transmissions that didn't previously have the column lock removed are included in this 'activity'.
Canadian and export cars with manual transmissions must retain the column lock as removal requires approval by their various governments.
Currently, the only US Corvette that will retain the column lock is the 2005 C6. Likely a letter to those owners will be forthcoming?
This 'activity' is not a requirement for owners, only an option offered by GM. No flashing of the PCM will occur as the procedure - 04006C - does not require it and has obsoleted previous versions which required the flash.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 6
From: Arroyo Grande CA
Originally Posted by C5-BRUCE
If you have not purchased/installed the CLB the GM offer is what you should do. It's free and valid on 1997 through 2004 cars until February 29, 2008.
If you haven't had the Re-Program recall done as yet, they have modified if to remove the locking plate. There should be no expiration on a safety recall. So in this case, the 2-29-08 deadline does not apply, as the recall has yet to be done.
That is why some people who received the letter stating that this is not a recall supposedly had the ReProgramming done.
My letter, (Post #51), clearly states that this is a safety recall reminder. And there is no expiration date.
Am I reading the letters wrong?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 2
From: Cedar Rapids Iowa
Originally Posted by TB_TIGERSHARK_Z06
I had the aftermarket CLB bypass installed 1 year ago at a cost of $95 installed. I keep the receipt and when I got this new recall with a letter stating they'd reimburse me for having the Column lock fixed, I filled out the form and sent it in along with the receipt for the work done. I received a check for $95 from GM 2 weeks later! They even called my # at work and left a message saying my request for reimbursemant had been approved. I was pretty happy to say the least in getting my money back on something they should have paid for in the first place.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 2
From: MCO
Originally Posted by C5-BRUCE
If you have not purchased/installed the CLB the GM offer is what you should do. It's free and valid on 1997 through 2004 cars until February 29, 2008.
If it doesn't fail before that date, GM does NOT fix it at their cost. It doesn't say, "come on in, and we'll fix it free, now."
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,333
Likes: 1
From: VA
St. Jude Donor '03-'11
So, I guess GM recalled the recall 
Originally Posted by S76HeliPilot
Sorry, but welcome to today. 
DESCRIPTION:
PRODUCT SAFETY #04006C
DATED: FEBRUARY 8, 2006
IMPORTANT:
THIS BULLETIN CANCELS AND REPLACES BULLETIN 04006B, ISSUED NOVEMBER 2004. THE SERVICE PROCEDURE FOR U.S. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REVISED. PLEASE REVIEW THIS NEW INFORMATION IMMEDIATELY.
ALL COPIES OF BULLETIN 04006B SHOULD BE DESTROYED.
General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 1997-2004 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. When you remove the ignition key, the electronic column lock (ECL) system prevents turning of the steering wheel. When the vehicle is started, it unlocks the steering. Two conditions can prevent steering while the vehicle is moving:
1. The vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the vehicle is started, the fuel supply will be shut off if the driver tries to move the vehicle. If voltage at the powertrain control module is low or interrupted, however, the fuel shut off may not occur and the vehicle can be accelerated while the steering is locked.
2. During quick cranks, the ECL lock pin may not withdraw fully and, in vehicles where there is abnormally low clearance to the lock plate, there may be contact between the pin and lock plate. This can cause a noise or ratcheting when the steering wheel is turned or, if there is insufficient clearance, the steering wheel cannot be turned.
If one of these conditions occurs, a crash could occur without warning.
DESCRIPTION:
PRODUCT SAFETY #04006C
DATED: FEBRUARY 8, 2006
IMPORTANT:
THIS BULLETIN CANCELS AND REPLACES BULLETIN 04006B, ISSUED NOVEMBER 2004. THE SERVICE PROCEDURE FOR U.S. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REVISED. PLEASE REVIEW THIS NEW INFORMATION IMMEDIATELY.
ALL COPIES OF BULLETIN 04006B SHOULD BE DESTROYED.
General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 1997-2004 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. When you remove the ignition key, the electronic column lock (ECL) system prevents turning of the steering wheel. When the vehicle is started, it unlocks the steering. Two conditions can prevent steering while the vehicle is moving:
1. The vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the vehicle is started, the fuel supply will be shut off if the driver tries to move the vehicle. If voltage at the powertrain control module is low or interrupted, however, the fuel shut off may not occur and the vehicle can be accelerated while the steering is locked.
2. During quick cranks, the ECL lock pin may not withdraw fully and, in vehicles where there is abnormally low clearance to the lock plate, there may be contact between the pin and lock plate. This can cause a noise or ratcheting when the steering wheel is turned or, if there is insufficient clearance, the steering wheel cannot be turned.
If one of these conditions occurs, a crash could occur without warning.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 0
From: monroeville pa
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Originally Posted by HummelS
Automatics produced 2001-04 do not have the column lock.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Tumon GU
Originally Posted by Zilla
Sorry but welcome to this year. This recall happened a year and half to two years ago 
i just got this steering lock problem..i am glad there are some decent people out there who want to help ....2006 really..thanks
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Port Arthur Texas
Okay, I have 97 Export A4 23k miles at purchase now 36k on the odometer, the karness has been installed experienced the pull key wait 10 seconds issue. After an attempted theif during Hurricane Rita, new ignition swith & keys, the problem went away, now it is back. I noticed although the column never locked, when operating properly you could here the lock mechanisim engage upon start and disengage when turning it off. Now it no longer engages or disengages and the service column lock message has returned. I understand about the new Tech Bulletin date Feb 2006. Is there a permanent fix for this? Please someone help. I am sheduled to return to the dealership for the new service bulletin. At this point not very confident in the C5.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO.
Originally Posted by gcgxplosv1216
Okay, I have 97 Export A4 23k miles at purchase now 36k on the odometer, the karness has been installed experienced the pull key wait 10 seconds issue. After an attempted theif during Hurricane Rita, new ignition swith & keys, the problem went away, now it is back. I noticed although the column never locked, when operating properly you could here the lock mechanisim engage upon start and disengage when turning it off. Now it no longer engages or disengages and the service column lock message has returned. I understand about the new Tech Bulletin date Feb 2006. Is there a permanent fix for this? Please someone help. I am sheduled to return to the dealership for the new service bulletin. At this point not very confident in the C5.
