CLB Installation
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 785
Likes: 1
From: Middletown PA
CLB Installation
Well, it's a rainy Saturday, so I reckon I'll install the CLB that came yesterday.
The only thing I'm a little concerned about is removing the knee bolster. I've read that getting the passenger side free is quite a pain due to the temperature sensor. Is it really that bad? Is there much of a chance of damaging the temperature sensor?
The only thing I'm a little concerned about is removing the knee bolster. I've read that getting the passenger side free is quite a pain due to the temperature sensor. Is it really that bad? Is there much of a chance of damaging the temperature sensor?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
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Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
This might help a little. The temp sensor doesn't have a lot of play. Gently remove the panel. The wire for the temp sensor is a twist off.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=30&TopicID=1
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=30&TopicID=1
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,056
Likes: 264
From: Slower than a speeding bullet................ Fort Lauderdale, FL
It will come out... just pry it apart gently and you can get it.
I never even unplugged mine. I just laid the panel aside as I did the work, and then put it back.
Just be patient and take your time so you don't break anything.
I never even unplugged mine. I just laid the panel aside as I did the work, and then put it back.
Just be patient and take your time so you don't break anything.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 785
Likes: 1
From: Middletown PA
Thanks for the encouragement guys! I've done plenty of work on cars and trucks my whole life, so I'm no rookie, but I just always hate fooling with plastic interior parts with all the hidden catches and things. I think I'd rather drop a tranny, ha, ha.
Here's another real good write-up I found complete with pictures for anybody else who is contemplating doing this mod http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24
Here's another real good write-up I found complete with pictures for anybody else who is contemplating doing this mod http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24
Last edited by rwsr50; Apr 8, 2006 at 11:04 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 785
Likes: 1
From: Middletown PA
OK, everything went well, I think.
One big question though, I have the CLB from Corvettes of Houston that has the cigarette lighter adaptor with it. I followed all the instructions, but as soon as I plugged into the lighter, the column lock retracted and unlocked the steering wheel. The instructions say I should have had to turn the key on to do that. My key wasn't even in the switch.
I checked the column before plugging the CLB in, and it was locked. It is now unlocked. I haven't put the key in and turned it on to check for the "Service Column Lock" or "Pull Key" messages as I didn't know if trying it with the temp sensor and fog light switch unplugged would send any codes or messages. I wanted to check and see if what I experienced with the lighter adaptor was any problem before I button everything back up.
One big question though, I have the CLB from Corvettes of Houston that has the cigarette lighter adaptor with it. I followed all the instructions, but as soon as I plugged into the lighter, the column lock retracted and unlocked the steering wheel. The instructions say I should have had to turn the key on to do that. My key wasn't even in the switch.
I checked the column before plugging the CLB in, and it was locked. It is now unlocked. I haven't put the key in and turned it on to check for the "Service Column Lock" or "Pull Key" messages as I didn't know if trying it with the temp sensor and fog light switch unplugged would send any codes or messages. I wanted to check and see if what I experienced with the lighter adaptor was any problem before I button everything back up.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
The whole purpose of the adapter is to cycle the actuator to the unlocked position without having to leave the key on. Once the actuator is in the unlocked position, you can plug in the CLB and everything should be set.
Once the CLB is plugged in, then turn on the key and see if you are going to get any error messages.
Once the CLB is plugged in, then turn on the key and see if you are going to get any error messages.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Apr 8, 2006 at 12:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 785
Likes: 1
From: Middletown PA
Understood, but here's a direct quote from the instructions that came with the CLB from Corvettes of Houston:
"8. Connect the Lighter Plug Assembly Connector to the Locking Mechanism Connector unplugged in Step 5 and the Vehicle Lighter Receptacle. Turn key on momentarily. You should hear the Steering Lock Mechanism disengage. Make certain the steering wheel moves freely before continuing. Remove the Lighter Plug Assembly it is no longer needed."
My column lock disengaged as soon as I plugged into the lighter without having to turn on the key. Or, is the "Turn key on momentarily" instruction there so you can look for error messages, and not to disengage the steering wheel. The way it is written is sounds like the column shouldn't unlock until you turn on the key.
Just want to make sure.
"8. Connect the Lighter Plug Assembly Connector to the Locking Mechanism Connector unplugged in Step 5 and the Vehicle Lighter Receptacle. Turn key on momentarily. You should hear the Steering Lock Mechanism disengage. Make certain the steering wheel moves freely before continuing. Remove the Lighter Plug Assembly it is no longer needed."
My column lock disengaged as soon as I plugged into the lighter without having to turn on the key. Or, is the "Turn key on momentarily" instruction there so you can look for error messages, and not to disengage the steering wheel. The way it is written is sounds like the column shouldn't unlock until you turn on the key.
Just want to make sure.
Last edited by rwsr50; Apr 8, 2006 at 02:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 785
Likes: 1
From: Middletown PA
All done. Got the "Pull Key" message the first time I turned on the key. Pulled key and waited 10 seconds, reinserted and message gone. Started up fine. Column is unlocked all the time as it should be. Only thing I didn't try yet is moving the car yet to make sure the fuel isn't going to shut down.
You guys were right, it was very easy. Hardest part actually was getting those little nut clips lined up with the two screws on the underside when putting it back together.
I'm going to contact Corvettes of Houston and suggest they tweak their instructions a little to avoid that confusion.
You guys were right, it was very easy. Hardest part actually was getting those little nut clips lined up with the two screws on the underside when putting it back together.
I'm going to contact Corvettes of Houston and suggest they tweak their instructions a little to avoid that confusion.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 58,510
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Did you try turning the wheel with the car off and the key out of the ignition?
When I first installed mine, it went like you desrcibed. For some reason it didnt work and the column would still lock with the CLB in place.
When I first installed mine, it went like you desrcibed. For some reason it didnt work and the column would still lock with the CLB in place.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Originally Posted by rwsr50
Turn key on momentarily. You should hear the Steering Lock Mechanism disengage. Make certain the steering wheel moves freely before continuing. Remove the Lighter Plug Assembly it is no longer needed."
As long as you got power to unlock the acutator and it did not have power to lock it back (like when you normally turn the key off), then you accomplished what was supposed to happen.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 785
Likes: 1
From: Middletown PA
Originally Posted by bsmith
Did you try turning the wheel with the car off and the key out of the ignition?
When I first installed mine, it went like you desrcibed. For some reason it didnt work and the column would still lock with the CLB in place.
When I first installed mine, it went like you desrcibed. For some reason it didnt work and the column would still lock with the CLB in place.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Originally Posted by rwsr50
Yep, it's unlocked all the time now, engine running or off, key in or out. Now I'll always wonder if I ever would have had a problem with it had I just let it alone. Well, at least I won't be wondering if I'm going to get stranded somewhere and have to worry about a tow truck damaging my car.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 785
Likes: 1
From: Middletown PA
Drove the car today. No fuel shut off issues. No issues of any kind as a matter of fact.
Oh yeah, and I discovered another benefit of the CLB...the car is a lot quicker off the line now!
I no longer have to wait for the steering column to unlock before I take off!
Oh yeah, and I discovered another benefit of the CLB...the car is a lot quicker off the line now!
I no longer have to wait for the steering column to unlock before I take off!