Locking Steering Column
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 14,549
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From: Supporting the Corvette Community at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista, CA 707-374-6317 Ext.123
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by jdaniel2509
RichieRichZ06
I would think you would be able to tell us what will fix our cars. Again, my 98 auto had NEVER had a problem until I answered the recall. Then the long road of 7 tow ins started. Lock has been removed, K harness put in, relay added, removed and last week added back.........
36 miles after answering the first recall in Nov 2004, my car would not crank because of the fuel kill. That means the fuel kill went in on the first visit. It's obviously STILL in there because everytime I get the "pull key" it shuts off in drive. The dealer is the only place that has ever worked on my car. I have NO CLB. My dealer says they don't have the old program to rewrite over the one that "shuts the fuel off" that was added so WHAT IS THE CURE? I mean this question in the most sincere way. I picked my car up (again) last week and I put it in the garage and it's still there. When I go to leave the house my wife and I look at it and ...............no, lets just drive it some other time. It's a shame.
I would think you would be able to tell us what will fix our cars. Again, my 98 auto had NEVER had a problem until I answered the recall. Then the long road of 7 tow ins started. Lock has been removed, K harness put in, relay added, removed and last week added back.........
36 miles after answering the first recall in Nov 2004, my car would not crank because of the fuel kill. That means the fuel kill went in on the first visit. It's obviously STILL in there because everytime I get the "pull key" it shuts off in drive. The dealer is the only place that has ever worked on my car. I have NO CLB. My dealer says they don't have the old program to rewrite over the one that "shuts the fuel off" that was added so WHAT IS THE CURE? I mean this question in the most sincere way. I picked my car up (again) last week and I put it in the garage and it's still there. When I go to leave the house my wife and I look at it and ...............no, lets just drive it some other time. It's a shame.
Unfortunately this is a huge problem that has had me on the phone for hours and hour with GM. The best answer that I have so far is that GM said to start replacing the actuator itself. The newer designed act. was used on all late 2004 models, which have never been involved in the recall at all. After Dec 2003 all the '04 models were using that actuator. GM told me that act. does not require a signal to not cut the fuel. We have had to install that act in 2 CF members cars that kept getting the "pull key" message. I explained to GM that these customers frequently went on long trips in their cars and did not want to get stranded in the middle of BFE. So far both the guys cars have not had another problem with this. I have tried to stay up on this info from GM every couple weeks. The procedure does require approval from GM ahead of time, but so far they have all been paid under warranty. I hope all this helps out and let me know if you need any more answers or advice. Our number here is (707)422-7777. Ask for the Parts Manager.
RICH
Race Director
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From: Supporting the Corvette Community at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista, CA 707-374-6317 Ext.123
St. Jude Donor '08
[QUOTE=WWK888 Maybe you can answer this for me, why can't GM undo the fuel cut off program that is messing up so many people's cars? I am not asking that in a sarcastic manner so don't take it the wrong way, I just want to know if it is possible.
Thanks[/QUOTE]
Last time I was on the phone with Tech assist I asked them this same question. His answer was "It is a theft deterant issue and so far we can't do that." I was not impressed with the answer either. I would think that it would be able to be programmed out of the PCM somehow. The only problem I see with that solution is that the first time a vehicle is stolen the owner will sue GM for disabling his theft deterant system. I wish that I had more info, but I can only provide the answers as GM presents them. Sorry, RICH
Thanks
[/QUOTE]Last time I was on the phone with Tech assist I asked them this same question. His answer was "It is a theft deterant issue and so far we can't do that." I was not impressed with the answer either. I would think that it would be able to be programmed out of the PCM somehow. The only problem I see with that solution is that the first time a vehicle is stolen the owner will sue GM for disabling his theft deterant system. I wish that I had more info, but I can only provide the answers as GM presents them. Sorry, RICH
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Owensboro Kentucky
Originally Posted by RichieRichZ06
The procedure does require approval from GM ahead of time, but so far they have all been paid under warranty. I hope all this helps out and let me know if you need any more answers or advice. Our number here is (707)422-7777. Ask for the Parts Manager. RICH
RICHTom
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 14,549
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From: Supporting the Corvette Community at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista, CA 707-374-6317 Ext.123
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by HenryIV
Thanks for the post. My car, a '01 Z06 is at the dealer right now waiting on parts for the recall fix , recall # 04006. My dealer has told me I need to have recall 04006 done and also replace the "lock plate actuator" at a cost to me of 375 $ to really fix the problem. I have called 1-800 222 1020 Chevy service line to file an official complaint about this. I have been given a service number and told I will get a call back within 24 busness hours. My service guy says the PCM will NOT be reprogramed in my repair. So what do you guys think? Think chevy will step up the the plate and buy me a new actuator also?
Tom
Tom
RICH
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 0
From: East Lansing, Mi
I am still at a loss to understand any of these arguments. I can't find one reason to do anything other than just buy and install a CLB which takes care of the problem. Why worry about the GM fixes if you can put in the CLB. Am I missing something here?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,264
Likes: 4,577
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Originally Posted by WWK888
IMHO...DO NOT HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED!!!!!
Yes they will remove your locking plate but they will also program your computer to cut the fuel if it detects a problem (whether real or perceived). They have also had problems with the replacement K harnesses. Your best bet in my opinion is to yank on the steering wheel or pull the fuses to get it to unlock then install the CLB. If you do a search you will read the horror stories from people who have done the recall, yes even the latest one in Feb 2006.
Yes they will remove your locking plate but they will also program your computer to cut the fuel if it detects a problem (whether real or perceived). They have also had problems with the replacement K harnesses. Your best bet in my opinion is to yank on the steering wheel or pull the fuses to get it to unlock then install the CLB. If you do a search you will read the horror stories from people who have done the recall, yes even the latest one in Feb 2006.
Turn the ignition key to the off position and remove it from the ignition. Next, firmly tug the steering wheel back and forth several times. Then turn the key to the "on position" without starting the engine and the column lock should release. This has worked for many people including myself.
Once you release the pin and unlock the steering column, do not attempt to start the engine until after you install the bypass or it may lock up again.
Here is a link to the best instructions for installing a CLB:
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24
Or just follow the installation instructions that come with the CLB kit. It's really not difficult. You can buy a CLB for less than $50 at Corvettes of Houston or Thunder Racing.
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...d=220&pcid=156
http://www.corvettesofhouston.com/pr...5d8c4a9482090f
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Owensboro Kentucky
Originally Posted by JD's C5
I am still at a loss to understand any of these arguments. I can't find one reason to do anything other than just buy and install a CLB which takes care of the problem. Why worry about the GM fixes if you can put in the CLB. Am I missing something here?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,264
Likes: 4,577
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Originally Posted by HenryIV
My reason is that I waited untill my column locked for the first time (thursday night) to look into the issue. By the time I found this thread my car was already towed to the dealer to get the column unlocked. Once your column is locked the CLB is no real help. I tried all the side to side pust pull stuff and my column would not unlock period. I am a personal friend of the local Chevy dealership's owner, so I think I can get his help trying to get GM to pony up the parts needed.
"Turn the ignition key to the off position and remove it from the ignition. Next, firmly tug the steering wheel back and forth several times. Then turn the key to the "on position" without starting the engine and the column lock should release."
The dealer will use this same method to get your column unlocked so he can perform the recall. If the dealer is a personal freind then ask him not to perform the recall and just have him install a CLB instead. You will be much better off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,072
Likes: 196
From: Arizona
There are three major things the Corvette Forum has given me:
1. The camaraderie of fabulous fellow enthusiasts.
2. Introduced me to Ken King and the superb products from Vette Essentials.
3. The Column Lock Block.
Get the block, install it and worry no more.
I have a late '04 MN6 coupe, allegedly NOT included in the recall, and I put one in anyway. 
1. The camaraderie of fabulous fellow enthusiasts.
2. Introduced me to Ken King and the superb products from Vette Essentials.
3. The Column Lock Block.
Get the block, install it and worry no more.
I have a late '04 MN6 coupe, allegedly
NOT included in the recall, and I put one in anyway.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 3
From: Southern NH
Originally Posted by Virtual Geezer
There are three major things the Corvette Forum has given me:
1. The camaraderie of fabulous fellow enthusiasts.
2. Introduced me to Ken King and the superb products from Vette Essentials.
3. The Column Lock Block.
Get the block, install it and worry no more.
I have a late '04 MN6 coupe, allegedly NOT included in the recall, and I put one in anyway.
1. The camaraderie of fabulous fellow enthusiasts.
2. Introduced me to Ken King and the superb products from Vette Essentials.
3. The Column Lock Block.
Get the block, install it and worry no more.
I have a late '04 MN6 coupe, allegedly
NOT included in the recall, and I put one in anyway. 
I have an '00 MN6, and installed the CLB when the car was about a week old. The best thing I did besides the CAGS Defeat.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Owensboro Kentucky
Thanks for the advice. At 1pm today I will recieve a phone call from the dealer/owner telling me what Chevy will do for me. If they don't treat me fairly, then I will take your advice and cancel the recall work and go with the aftermarket workaround.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 34,299
Likes: 1
From: [Enter Unoffensive Comment Here]
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
My "service column lock" message just came on today. 
But I have a nearly dead battery and the column is not locked...wonder if it will?
But I have a nearly dead battery and the column is not locked...wonder if it will?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 14,549
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From: Supporting the Corvette Community at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista, CA 707-374-6317 Ext.123
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by jdaniel2509
Rich
Would replacing the actuator on my 98 with the newer one help me even though I've had all the recalls and the fuel shut off is my problem?
Would replacing the actuator on my 98 with the newer one help me even though I've had all the recalls and the fuel shut off is my problem?
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Owensboro Kentucky
Got it back today
I got my '01 Z06 back today. The owner of the local dealership really went to bat for me with GM. He called the area rep at home on her cell phone, as GM was off for the 4th of july week break. He got her to sign off on the repair as Warranty work even though my car is 5 1/2 years old. I got the recall, the actuator, and the Tow-in for 0.00$ thanks to the owner's efforts on my behalf. Needless to say I am a happy camper. I feel like Chevy did right by me.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 14,549
Likes: 1,539
From: Supporting the Corvette Community at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista, CA 707-374-6317 Ext.123
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by HenryIV
I got my '01 Z06 back today. The owner of the local dealership really went to bat for me with GM. He called the area rep at home on her cell phone, as GM was off for the 4th of july week break. He got her to sign off on the repair as Warranty work even though my car is 5 1/2 years old. I got the recall, the actuator, and the Tow-in for 0.00$ thanks to the owner's efforts on my behalf. Needless to say I am a happy camper. I feel like Chevy did right by me.
It just takes a little more effort on the dealerships employees side!
