Column Lock
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 26
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Column Lock
I have been reading on the forum about the Column Lock issue. Can anyone tell me what is the purpose of the column lock and what causes the issue. After reading about it I am wondering if I should buy the CLB. Is this an issue w/ all c-5s or just particular model years?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
The column lock is an anti theft device. The problem has been that some don't unlock when the key is in and on thereby stranding the owner and having the vette delivered to the dealership on a flatbed for repair. Either get the bypass or have the dealer do the latest service bulletin to remove the locking plate.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,794
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Gatorjoe With the key out of the ignition turn the steering wheel.
IF you cannot turn the wheel because the column is locked you do not hae a CLB installed.
If you can turn the wheel and the wheels turn then you either have a CLB installed or the dealer did one of either installing a K harness or removed the locking plate.
IF you cannot turn the wheel because the column is locked you do not hae a CLB installed.
If you can turn the wheel and the wheels turn then you either have a CLB installed or the dealer did one of either installing a K harness or removed the locking plate.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 23
From: Newton, Wisconsin
Reading this post got me worried, so I just got off the phone with COH to order the CLB. I haven't had the problem on this car but the CLB saved me on my '99. Unfortunately, my car went thru the earlier recall and has had the computer re-programed. COH tells me that their CLB will not work until the computer is re-programmed back to stock. My dealer is very reluctant to do that and won't do the newest recall until I have the problem! To make matters worse, the closest Chevrolet dealer that can service C5 corvettes is 120 miles away. Screwed either way?
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,408
Likes: 61
From: Centerville OH "If we weren't all crazy we would go insane"
CI 3-4-5-6-7 & 9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by rws.1
Grandaddy, the $50 for the Corvettes of Houston CLB and the 20 minutes it takes to install it will give you more peace of mind than anything else you can do with your C5
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,049
Likes: 261
From: Slower than a speeding bullet................ Fort Lauderdale, FL
Who else thinks the SEARCH button should be one that maybe blinks ?
Not many members seem to know of its existance.
There are at least 1 or 2 new CLB threads started every day.
You can learn more than you ever wanted with what has already been posted.
Just my 2 cents...
Not many members seem to know of its existance.
There are at least 1 or 2 new CLB threads started every day.
You can learn more than you ever wanted with what has already been posted.
Just my 2 cents...
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 557
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg MD
He's a newbie and wants to post. Give him a break.
Originally Posted by Mr. Wonderful
Who else thinks the SEARCH button should be one that maybe blinks ?
Not many members seem to know of its existance.
There are at least 1 or 2 new CLB threads started every day.
You can learn more than you ever wanted with what has already been posted.
Just my 2 cents...
Not many members seem to know of its existance.
There are at least 1 or 2 new CLB threads started every day.
You can learn more than you ever wanted with what has already been posted.
Just my 2 cents...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,049
Likes: 261
From: Slower than a speeding bullet................ Fort Lauderdale, FL
Originally Posted by YBNORML
He's a newbie and wants to post. Give him a break.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by grandaddy
I have been reading on the forum about the Column Lock issue. Can anyone tell me what is the purpose of the column lock and what causes the issue. After reading about it I am wondering if I should buy the CLB. Is this an issue w/ all c-5s or just particular model years?
If you hear the column lock cycling when you shut down you have column lock
Just a tip, if you fill in your profile info about your Vette other members can help with more targeted advice.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by jrose7004
There are only 2 kinds of C5's. Ones that have had a column lock issue and ones that will!
dont wonder about getting a clb, just do it!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 6
From: Saraland Alabama
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I have a CLB and highly recommend them. However, I think anyone should check to see if they can turn the steering wheel with key out of ignition before ordering one. If wheel turns freely you either already have a CLB or the recall has been done. I am sure any dealer can run your VIN and tell you whether the recall has been done.
My car is a six speed '02 and has not had either of the recalls done on it. I do however plan to get the latest recall done so I won't have the locking plate in there anymore. That will give me even more peace of mind than my CLB.
Frankly, now that GM is removing the locking plate from all C-5's at no cost I can't understand why anyone who does not already have a CLB would spend $50.00 for one.
I bought my CLB two years ago to avoid lockup. If you get the free recall done there is no possibility that your column can ever lock again.
My car is a six speed '02 and has not had either of the recalls done on it. I do however plan to get the latest recall done so I won't have the locking plate in there anymore. That will give me even more peace of mind than my CLB.
Frankly, now that GM is removing the locking plate from all C-5's at no cost I can't understand why anyone who does not already have a CLB would spend $50.00 for one.
I bought my CLB two years ago to avoid lockup. If you get the free recall done there is no possibility that your column can ever lock again.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,049
Likes: 261
From: Slower than a speeding bullet................ Fort Lauderdale, FL
Originally Posted by FLACHUSNRET
If you get the free recall done there is no possibility that your column can ever lock again.
A CLB eliminates the possibility of that too.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,049
Likes: 261
From: Slower than a speeding bullet................ Fort Lauderdale, FL
Originally Posted by DeeGee
It doesn't apply to A4s although I seem to recall that some of the early A4 models were affected. Mines an 02 and certainly doesn't have CL.
The M6's always had a lock.