Ok, my car (2002 Coupe 6 speed) is heading out to the dealer for the 3rd time with Column Lock. I just had it fixed about 6 months ago. I have search and I'm confused about a few things. I was going to put the CLB on but it looks like you can't use it any longer with the latest fix and I saw some posts where a CLB can damage the PCM.

I guess the question is can I still use a CLB when I get it back with the latest fix that GM will do. If so, which one will work and not cause any damage?

 

Yes, but your PCM has to be undone from the GM infected recalls.

Only guy i know who does this is Chuck at Corvettes of Westchester, (vendor here)

 

I think, since you have committed to take to Chevy for recall, re-work, or whatever, as I understand it, they will physically remove the locking plate and flash the PCM to NOT shut off fuel if that condition arises.

I think the incidence of smoking the computer due to the CLB mod is a rare occurrence probably less than .01% of the time, if it actually does cause any problem.

Not sure, but if Chevy removed locking plate, so that it can not happen again, don't think you would still need CLB.

I get confused about this too, so don't take as gospel what I say.

 

The locking plate was removed on a previous visit. All I get now is the service column lock and can't go over 2 MPH. This was just fixed not 6 months ago and I was hoping it was gone for good. I just want a way to know I will not have to worry about it again.

Does Chuck have to do this personally? I'm in Florida so that is obviously not an option.

 

Just a suggestion. Call Chuck at COW and talk to him directly for the true skinny on your problem. Maybe you (with his guidance) can send him your PCM or whatever by mail for the repair. Good luck with this.

 

Hey man....I'm still in China on a tuning trip....I'll be here for another day or so...(and then 2 days to get home....pluss some jetlag. ) so please don't send your pcm to me till I get back.

I can fix it for you....Don't waste any time or money with the dealer...I know just what to do.

Chuck Chuck CoW

 

I feel your pain. My 00 MN 6 is at the dealer right now. This is also my 3rd trip. I ordered the CLB from Corvettes of Houston, but I am afraid to install it after the dealership "fix". I think I will buy a VW bug.:

 

not to make you guys in this cituation feel worse, but once you step over the cliff with these recalls and are still having these problems the CLB may not be a option. $50.00 sure saved alot of corvette owners alot of agrivation.

 

I think, that, in part is what is confusing. For many, the opposite of the traditional is happening. That is, the column doesn't lock, just throws a message in DIC. Or, when turning the car off (and remove key), DIC displays Service Column Lock, but it may run fine or just barely next start up, but the lock solenoid is NOT activated into the column...it is in fact retracted...

Thus, given the reverse situation (column isn't locked up) just a DIC error, does the CLB mod actually work in that situation?

 

Anybody have the answer to these questions??? I too went to take the vette out of storage Saturday and to my surprise I too have this error message across my DIC. The car dies as soon as I try to move it!!!! This recall was done 6-06. My dealer just told me today that I will need it towed there. Is there a fix to get the car to work long enough to get it to the dealer or a permanent fix??? Please help!
Thanks,
KD

 

the CLB just fools the computer tells it everything is ok here, the recalls have changed the original electronics for the column lock, i may be wrong, the CLB is designed to work on the original system.

 

Well, got it back this morning. I had him print the history of my car out and the last column lock I had was in November. They did:

Install Harness Kit - Failed Part Number - 89023816
Switch Column Release Replace - Failed Part Number 88965331

This time they did the following:

Open in steering lock actuator - replaced actuator and restest ok. Looks like the part number was 88965331

I hope I'm done with it now.

 

KD,

Don't, Don't, Don't, Don't, Don't, Don't, go to the dealer!

The dealer's "fixes" will modify / remove wiring and a relay from below the dash on the passenger side. Don't do it.

The other guy is right....After that, the CLB (which will work even better with my pcm reprogramming) might not be of any help any more.

That's the skinny.
Chuck CoW

 

Chuck,

I have taken mine to the dealer last year for the fix a week later it died again, they said it was a bad module and fixed it. Now this weekend I went to start it, I think the battery was low, and I got the samething it woud die at 2MPH. I put in the garage and called the dealer they are coming to get it Thursday at 8AM.

2 things,

Can a low battery cause the issue and will charging the battery help? I have read that maybe the case.

Is it too later for the CLB and PCM fix? If not, Do you know of anyone in the New England area to help out with the CLB and PCM?

What to do??

Steve

99 Vert 6Spd.

 

CRAP CRAP CRAP IS RIGHT!

Hey steve,

I'm in the airport in Hong Kong right now waiting for my flight back to USA..I should be at my desk in 2 or so days....I can fix it for you then.

Yes, battery voltage plays a big role and usually is responsible for setting it off....Most of the time though, once it happens....it keeps happening and you get stuck.

Contact me at the shop in a few days and I try to take car of it for you.

Chuck CoW

 

So, to summarize...if I may be so bold...(flame suit is zipped and ready)...we have a persistent problem caused by faulty engineering at the production stage, then made worse by a recall that does NOT fix the problem and to add insult to injury...screws up any possibility of an after market "good engineering" fix? Do I have this correct?? My Y2K has not exhibited this problem...yet. I sure know what to do if it does...better said...WHEN it does.

I do not understand why GM cannot or will not provide a simple, inexpensive fix to a problem they created? Unless...they want the thing to fail and to generate more service revenues?? Did I say that? Surely not...!

LT

 

A good question would be why is GM not using a CLB to solve the problem rather then trying to reprogram and remove things???

Just a note, when I bought my car it had already had the dealer recall done, I now get the DIC message, but locking up. This only started happening after the detailer disconnected the battery, can I just clear the code and be done with it?

 

I'm very interested in this thread. Every time I start my '99 ragtop I get the "Steering Column Lock" message. I simply hit the reset button and everything is fine. I've been doing this for 4 years now. Sure, it would be nice to not have to hit the button every time, but I've never suffered drivability problems. (sound of wood being vigorously knocked on)

Should I take action?

 

Don't think you need a flame suit. Well..not yet anyway. When yours DOES go on the fritz, you may need it to contain the anger of the whole episode you are facing.

I spoke at length yesterday to GM Tech that is VERY familair with this ongoing problem. If your car has been in service for more than 6 years and/or has 100,000 miles - does not matter if first, second, third, or tenth time to the shop, the cost is ON YOU to fix. GM will over only to 6yr / 100,000 mark. There is NO GOOD-WILL provision and you are wasting your breath trying.

Yes GM knows they have a problem and each fix for some reason or another doesn't fix it. Hear tell now, they are using new vendor for the solenoid/actuator and no longer removing locking ring. in fact, GM rep said they are Re-installing locking rings that were previously removed. The are 'that confident' of the lastest 'fix'.

Honestly, I don't think they really know what is causing this continued problem. I've just about given up hope on mine. I'll do the CLB mod but am willing to bet the DIC messages will continue to reappear ad nauseum till death or trade/sell it. I love this car to no end, but simply can not nor will not put up with things that can not be explained, nor, seemingly fixed for good by the manufactuer of the car. Christ, it's not a fricking Cavalier, it's GM's most prized stable stud and they abandon you like you have the plague if it's out of it's 'grace' period. They will though gladly take your $$$ (lots of it) for a fix you and they both know wont work and you will be back with it. Simply Rediculous!

 

Here's a true story..Took my 99 in for some a/c work. Dealer said I also needed the recall column lock work done...mine's an a4...No charge for the recall work..Picked the car up...drove it home..parked in driveway..10 minutes later went out to drive it into garage...got the pull key wait 10 seconds....then got service column lock..fuel shut down @ 2mph...this is less than 30 minutes after picking it up from dealer..immediately called dealer..they flat bedded back to dealership..order another GM harness...no charge..while it was in the shop...I ordered a clb bypass from Corvettes of Houston...Picked the car back up at dealership late the next day...waited 2 days for the clb..put it in have... had no problems in over a year.....