No problem....Pal, now answer ZeeOSix's question.

 

Mr. ZeeOSix, Sir.....

Please make note of the reference to the word "reprogram" over and over......


Here are the details....This information was just copy/pasted from GM's website...

Have a look....


Here is some useful information form GM's website....


For MN6 & MN12 cars only:

1997
Reprogram Only

1998 built through 5/25/98
Reprogram Only

1998 built on or after 5/28/98 (CSC 01044 was performed)
Reprogram Only

1998 built on or after 5/28/98 (CSC 01044 was not performed)
Install wire kit (part#88952428) and reprogram

1999-2000 and CSC 01044 or TSC 01--02-36-008 was performed
Reprogram Only

1999-2000 and CSC 01044 or TSC 01--02-36-008 was not performed
Install wire kit (part#88952428) and reprogram

2001-2004
Reprogram Only


For A4 cars only:

1997-2000 A4's
Install wire kit (Harness K), remove and discard lock plate, install the "cam orientation plate" where the lock plate previously resided. No BCM flash required.

2001-2004 A4's
No Change Required - they didn't install the Electric Column Lock (ECL) on those years, in the U.S., after experiencing so many problems.


For those who are unsure.....The above information should be helpfull.....DESPITE what GM thinks you should do, obviously they don't tell you to instal something aftermarket.....But, you should.

Please call me if you have any futher questions.....

Chuck CoW

 

That is what GM is telling their dealers to do to fix the column lock problem (recall). It has nothing to do with installing the CLB. If I am wrong, please explain exactly what changes you make to the BCM to make the CLB work and why is it mine works without any reprogramming? Which brings me to my next question, are you just performing the GM reprogramming or undoing their programming? I am confused...

 

That's how I read it too. One of GM's initial recall "fixes" for the column lock issue was to reprogram the ECM.

I know of nothing associated with a required reprogramming of any computer on the car when a CLB kit is installed.

Not sure if I would want anyone “reprogramming” my car if they didn’t know why it should be done.

 

[QUOTE=WWK888]The point some of us are trying to make here is that the CLB is very easy to install, remove a few screws, remove a panel, unplug one device and plug in another. You do not have to "rip your column apart".


okay, how about for "goodwill" sake, someone post pictures of a 'how to' install a CLB yourself...so i can order one already!!

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...&highlight=CLB
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24

 

While I don't expect any of you to know how the system works.....Please understand that I DO KNOW HOW IT WORKS.....and the advice I'm offering is correct....

When we speak about "reprogramming" your car, we are talking about the ECM AND the BCM...either or both.

There is a parameter in the computer which partially disables the system....additionally, "reprogramming the BCM is always a good move....in doing so you will have GM's latest BCM program which is never a bad thing.....You might actually get other benefits in other areas from it.....

Just so you are aware...the BCM is responsible for controlling the Column Lock. (hence the need for a program change) When the BCM commands the lock motor to lock the column, the shaft extends through the lock plate....and trips a switch on the other side to tell the BCM that the lock is complete and secure....

When the driver attempts to start the car by turning the key, the BCM retracts the shaft and at that time the switch opens...(or should)

Sometimes the switch fails to open and even though the BCM commands the motor to retract, if the switch sticks closed the BCM "thinks" the column is still locked when in fact it isn't. Then you get the message "pull key wait 10 seconds"....The BCM attempts the LOCK/UNLOCK again in hopes that it will work on the second attempt...

When it fails, the engine is still running and when the driver attempts to move the vehicle more than 2 MPH the fuel pump shuts off to prevent the car from driving while it "thinks" the column is still locked.

So, now..even though your column is TOTALLY UNLOCKED you are still stuck right where you are...

As much as the CLB is a great fix...it does not work every time by itself. Most of the time..YES..but not every time. Some of you will get lucky....the others will get towed....

Now, this nice guy comes along...wants to feed you pizza and drinks....and clearly knows alot more about it than any of his customers....and wants to help you (and make some money too ) Why would you argue with him when he suggests a repair that is far more comprehensive than a simple "do it yourself at home"...?????

In my thinking..The more potential problems we eliminate...the better chance you have of NOT GETTING STUCK.....

Sound smart?
Chuck CoW

 

Born every minute, there is a fool waiting to be parted from his money.

So, here I was all set to buy the bypass and install it. I am an aircraft mech so I figured with the help of the forum I could install it and be on my way. Now I hear from this vendor, whom I have had no dealings with, that the bypass is a ticking time bomb.
I have 60,000 miles on my 99. No problems yet. So maybe I shouldn't install the ticking time bomb and just continue pressing on such as I have for the last four years.

I don't mind someone trying to make a buck. But, Don't come on this forum trying to use scare tactics and charge 300% on an item. Most of us fools are pretty well educated on the Vette.

 

[QUOTE=steck]Thanks Tact...I thought that link was common knowledge on this forum, I should have posted it with my earlier response. Once you see how easy the install is you will understand our point...

 

So I guess the 99.9% of us that installed the CLB without any of your "extra" programming for $100 are just lucky...

I don't wish to argue any more...good luck with your mod party.

 

My 99 FRC had both recalls done at the dealership. I also bought a CLB and was about to install it shortly following the instructions available on this forum. However, I now just learned in this thread that the CLB installation won't help me unless I also have the recalls undone! I'm not ready to attempt that. Hopefully, my current start up procedure which I started resorting to after the steering wheel locked on me a few times will prevent it from ever locking again: Never crank the engine as soon as the key is in the ignition. Instead First turn the key to the ACC position and hear the column lock retract. The steering wheel is now unlocked and you can start. I'm no expert but I think that what happened to me a few times is that I was starting the engine immediately before the column lock motor had the time to retract the column lock. As the cranking was draining a lot on amps from the battery, the column lock motor wasn't operating properly and the locking plates only retracted halfway.

If I forget to wait and the steering wheel stays locked, I don't panick, pull out the key, wait a few seconds, reinsert the key and forcefully turn the steering wheel to the right while simultaneously turning the key to the ACC position. So far, that procedure has always succeeded in unlocking my steering column.


Now, what should I do with my never-installed CLB?

 

Soo, you are just performing a GM recall, plus installing the CLB for 150. So, that means you're probably billing GM as well?!

 

Why do i find that almost offensive?

 

Unfortunately, some of you are not following me.....I never said that the CLB is a ticking time bomb.....

The CLB is an excellent idea and EVERYONE should do it and it will fix "most" (emphasis on MOST cars, but not all).

HOWEVER, as I have said explicitly the manufacturer suggests that it is not a "GUARANTEE" especially if some of the GM fixes are installed in the car.....ie. some of gm's fixes need to be removed.

What I have suggested is that in addition to the CLB I know of some software changes that can be made to help insure that you never get stuck.....and I have offered these few fixes as a package for a very reasonable price considering what I'm offering, it's a great deal.

For those few of you who fancy yourselves as "CORVETTE EXPERTS" with your play school tools messing with your vette in your driveway, who OBVIOUSLY know more about the electronics in your car than I do......PLEASE CALL THE MANUFACTURER AND PURCHASE THE CLB YOURSELF---SAVE THE $100 BUCKS---INSTALL IT YOURSELF---AND GET YOUR OWN PIZZA TOO

For the sake of those who are interested in having their cars fixed properly....do not own tools...can not or do not want to work on their own vehicle....and those that "KNOW" they are not corvette experts....please find some other thread where you can prove how knowledgeable you really are.

Some of the Corvette Forum readers might actually be interested in repairing their cars and finding out how the system works.

Thank you for understanding.
Chuck CoW

 

I might get static for this but.....

ya'll saying 150bux is too much $$$ are cheep.

You bought a corvette, it has a problem and chuck cow is willing to help. Shop hour rates keep going up, Everyone knows a corvette is expensive to work on, and their cramped spaces make your neck hurt, back hurt etc. Id be willing to bet some guys don’t do a column lock fix because of those reasons alone.

I think this deal is a steel, plus you get to hang out with fellow corvette owners, kick it and have a good time, and food.

How much does hanging out with corvette owners usually cost ? 10-20bux for a show 15bux for lunch, and maybe an other 40bux for dinner...plus gas... and you had no work done..... just came home with a trophies for showing up

my .02 cents

 

I've read about guys that had the recall did at the dealership and it still locked up. I would go ahead and install the CLB in your car. It's a very easy install that only takes a few minutes.

 

Just to drive my point in deeper....

To anyone in my area, I'll install your CLB FREE OF CHARGE. Just drop me a PM and we'll work out the details. Maybe aftwords, we can take a test drive in your car and go dutch on a hamburger and coke.

 

Sorry, I suffered a compression fracture in T3-5 (Thorasic spine - 3 vertabrae) and I still installed my CLB in under 45 minutes. My car is lowered, it's a royal pain to crawl under and especially to work in the interior. The CLB is the easiest and cheapest modification I have ever done to my car. I've installed everything from headers, cam, stereo, redone the seats, and much of it more than one time. Back, neck, or money problems all being the same to me. This is 100% a rip off.

 

Hey Chuck............if you were over here I would sign up in a heart beat. I like pizza to I hope you get a good turn out.

 

Well,, we got tons of calls today and it looks like I'm gonna have to order EXTRA PIZZA....

The response has been good and I appreciate all of the support from the forum members who called the shop today.....

Additionally, while we're on the subject of reprogramming....I thought that anyone who shows up to the event will get some free JUICE too...Not the type you drink from a cup...but...some FREE computer mods that will give your car some extra ponies.....Trust me, you will love it....It's something I add to all my computer tunes....You WILL leave with a smile...

Hope to see you there...
Chuck CoW