Zippy The Wonderdog

I am on a big road trip which has taken me through Canada and now into the western US, now checking out the Black Hills area.

Anyway, on a tour of The Badlands, I stopped for a hike on a trail. When I got back to my car...a 2004 coupe w/ 6-speed manual...I stuck the key into the ignition...and I might add it was tough to get it into the ignition the first time...it would not turn. Steering wheel was locked. All that would happen was that the security light would flash. I tried turning the key while manipulating the steering wheel the little bit I could. Tried to turn the key in every gear and whatever else i could brainstorm...nothing worked.

Called GM roadside assistance and eventually got a towtruck. Was towed back to their Chevrolet dealership in the middle of nowhere in SD and on the way was informed that they had never worked on a Corvette. I got a loaner car from them, and here I am back in my hotel room...a long distance away. They are more than willing to tow it to a dealership around Rapid City that has experience with Corvettes if necessary.

Here is what I need to know:

Does my problem sound like the Column Lock issue?

Is it easily fixed by a dealership that has not worked on a Corvette before?

If so, does anyone have service reference number or whatever I could use to direct them to to show how to fix it? Or a website that details such?

If not, could anyone recommend a dealership in the Rapid City metro. area that could handle this easily?

Thank you very much for your time.

Y2Kvert4me

Sounds like an ignition switch or key problem, not a column lock problem..

Nothing, (other than using a wrong key obviously), should prevent the switch from turning. The fact it was tough to slide the key in is your first clue.

The column lock doesn't retract until the key is turned to the acc position...but it sounds like you can't even get to that point.

WWK888

The title of your thread is misleading, CLB refers the Column Lock Bypass kit.

I agree that it probably is a key problem. Keep us posted on what happens.

Vetteman Jack

From your write-up, you do not mention any warnings on the DIC such as service column lock. Doesn't sound like that issue at all. that is sounds more like something wrong with either the key or the ignition switch. Good luck getting it fixed. Bad timing for it to happen in the middle of your vacation.

talon90

I wouldn't call this a Column Lock issue. For the record, the CLB is the Column Lock Bypass an aftermarket device which "bypasses" the column lock mechanism by fooling it into thinking that it is engaged.

Paul

Allzwell

Sounds like a key or switch system issue ... good luck with the fix

Zippy The Wonderdog

Here is an update...

They told me this morning that they looked into the ignition switch hole and saw a little piece sticking out. He poked it with a probe and a "little brass piece" as he described it, fell out onto the floor.

The key can now be turned, but the car will not start nor will the column unlock.

Any ideas????

ptdrummer54

The little piece that fell out wasn't the (resistor) pellet in the key was it?

nelswhytry

This summer the Black Hills area is having a large corvette rally. Listed on their website, it suggests where to have your corvette repaired if needed, they recommend Queen City Motors in Spearfish 888-641-2766
you may want to give them a call they are a GM dealership.

I haven't had any experience with any service departments in that area, just going by what it says the website.
http://www.blackhillscorvetteclassic.com/index.htm

BadAV

My car exhibited the same issue shortly after I bought it last year. It was the ignition switch. They replaced it and everything's been fine since.

94legaleagle

I get to the Black Hills 2 - 3 times per year - Family in Rapid City and Spearfish - Queen City Motors advertises a LOT of Vettes for sale, ALL THE TIME - I've never had work done there, but I'd say they do a TON of work on Vettes - have your car taken there.

Also, the Chevy dealership in Rapid City usually has 1 or 2 Vettes on their lot, so I assume they have some experience working on Vettes, but again, I've never had work done there either -

Call Queen City Motors - their number is (605) 644-0960 OR (605) 642-2766

Good luck and keep us posted

Zippy The Wonderdog

I have been told that I need a new ignition cylinder. Part is being overnighted...might be out of here tommorrow.

Grrrrrrr.....an ignition cylinder failing at 20,000 miles?

BadAV

Mine failed at less than 2000 miles! Sorry to hear that.