Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

Column lock Bypass

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 01:00 AM
  #1  
Slick Rick's Avatar
Slick Rick
Thread Starter
Pro
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 650
Likes: 4
From: Pittsburg Ca.
Default Column lock Bypass

Hi guys, Just got my c5 today and from what Ive read here on the forum ther is a recall for this. I just bought the car and it still has the column lock. I will bring it in to my local dealer to have the column lock removed . But since I didnt receive the recall will they still do it for me? And if so can anybody give me an Idea of how long it takes. Thanks Rick
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 01:17 AM
  #2  
87SAM's Avatar
87SAM
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,387
Likes: 691
From: Boise ID
Default

In short form, do not drive the car until you buy an after market CLB and install it. In longer form, order the CLB on Monday and install it on Thursday.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 04:15 AM
  #3  
DeeGee's Avatar
DeeGee
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

As I read your post the column hasn't locked yet and you just want to have the mod done to protect you for the future? Glad you recognised the need to fix it before it catches you out.

My advice would be don't waste time on the Dealer Recall. We see stories of members having the fix done and within days the column locks up again.

The CLB kit is $50 and takes about 30 mins to fit. Its rare to see any problems at all with that mod. I think I've heard of one in 4 years on the Forum.

Corvettes of Houston sell the CLB I think. I'm sure there are other Forum Vendors that sell it too.

Just fit the CLB and you can rest easy.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 05:18 AM
  #4  
FiberglassFan's Avatar
FiberglassFan
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 6
From: Lake Oswego, Near Portland Oregon
Default

There have indeed been a bunch of worthless service recalls and s- called fixes bt GM for the problem, but there has been ONE FINAL SOLUTION .....Service Bulletin 04006C. Previous services re-flased the computer, one proveded a harness plug-in similar to the commercially offered 'CLB', ; Column Lock Bypass } but THIS one removes your steering wheel to get at the guts of the problem, .....and then removes the actual plate that the motor driven locking pin fits into. Once the lock plate is removed and replaced with a blank, the lock moter can errantly extend the pin and nothing happens. I have a PDF of the actual service bulletin, and would be happy to send it to you via email. Please feel free to send me a PM with your email address and I;ll forward it ti you, so you can print it out and bring it to your ignorant dealer.

Please gat this fixed. It is the single largest safety issue with the C5.
Jennifer
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 07:44 AM
  #5  
Sorny's Avatar
Sorny
Pro
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: Owatonna MN
Default

Buy a CLB kit and install it; forget the recall.



Sorny
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 07:57 AM
  #6  
rws.1's Avatar
rws.1
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Default


with the others, install a CLB your self.
It is a 20-30 minute job that anyone who can turn screwdriver can do.
I have the one from Corvette's of Houston

http://www.corvettesofhouston.com/pr...38eb71ff7f6894

Others buy the variant from Thunder racing
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 10:09 AM
  #7  
427435's Avatar
427435
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 25
From: Rochester Minnesota
Default

Originally Posted by Sorny
Buy a CLB kit and install it; forget the recall.



Sorny
Why is this better than having GM remove the locking ring altogether (for free)?
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 10:18 AM
  #8  
DeeGee's Avatar
DeeGee
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Originally Posted by 427435
Why is this better than having GM remove the locking ring altogether (for free)?
Because it avoids you having to post

I just had the GM recall done and now my car shuts off at 5mph.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 10:20 AM
  #9  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,338
Likes: 24,779
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

Get the column lock bypass kit from a forum vendor like Thunder Racing and you'll be set.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 10:27 AM
  #10  
427435's Avatar
427435
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 25
From: Rochester Minnesota
Default

I believe there were 2 CLB recalls that affected my car. The first one was supposedly done by the original dealer before the car was sold to me. However, the wheel still is locked when the ignition key is out----so the 2nd one hasn't been done. What happens if the aftermarket CLB kit is installed on top of the 1st factory "fix"???
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 10:58 AM
  #11  
Cajun99's Avatar
Cajun99
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 1
From: South Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by Slick Rick
Hi guys, Just got my c5 today and from what Ive read here on the forum ther is a recall for this. I just bought the car and it still has the column lock. I will bring it in to my local dealer to have the column lock removed.
Like they've said...DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP...ANY DEALERSHIP...TO HAVE THAT RECALL DONE. The recall is a joke and has caused countless other problems for people. Just read some of the other active threads regarding the recall...they had it done and the problems just keep on comin'.

Install a COH CLB and forget the recall. You'll have years of worry free cruising.

One other suggestion since your new...fill out a decent profile and sig so we know what you have. Nowhere do you state whether or not you have a manual or auto tranny....and get some pics up

Last edited by Cajun99; Apr 29, 2007 at 11:01 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 02:11 PM
  #12  
87SAM's Avatar
87SAM
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,387
Likes: 691
From: Boise ID
Default

Originally Posted by 427435
I believe there were 2 CLB recalls that affected my car. The first one was supposedly done by the original dealer before the car was sold to me. However, the wheel still is locked when the ignition key is out----so the 2nd one hasn't been done. What happens if the aftermarket CLB kit is installed on top of the 1st factory "fix"???
This makes it the perfect time for the aftermarket CLB!
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 03:04 PM
  #13  
M6 Vetter's Avatar
M6 Vetter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,176
Likes: 1
From: Hafnafjörður Iceland
Default

Buy a CLB!!!!!!!
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 08:17 PM
  #14  
Sorny's Avatar
Sorny
Pro
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: Owatonna MN
Default

Originally Posted by 427435
Why is this better than having GM remove the locking ring altogether (for free)?
Becuase they'll flash your PCM and when the recall fails (not if), you'll be stuck with a car that needs a CLB installed. I know from experience, taking the car in for the recall was the 2nd worst mistake I've made with the car (don't ask about the first, it involves a ditch, and is only a smidgen behind the recall in stupidity).



Sorny
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 08:24 PM
  #15  
SSWEET's Avatar
SSWEET
Team Owner
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 23,900
Likes: 218
From: Foxtrot Delta Tango
Default

Read Closely.....My car went into "pull key wait 10 seconds" and then fuel shutoff less than 15 minutes after leaving the dealer after having the recall performed....They trailered it back to the dealership where they installed another k harness...I did make it home then....and immediately purchased a CLB from Corvettes of Houston, removed GM"s K Harness and installed the CLB upon arrival.... Learn from my mistake...
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 10:29 PM
  #16  
Cscokd's Avatar
Cscokd
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 19
From: Carson City, NV
Default


Good advice given. Here are the cardinal rules of Column Lock Hell:

1. DO NOT take it to the dealer
2. Be proactive and install a CLB
3. If you're not sure how to do this and/or other column lock troubleshooting, do ask for help first and be sure to indicate what year, automatic or stick, what recalls have been performed, does you steering lock when you pull the key, etc. There are many folks on here that can help you if you ask.
cscokd@gmail.com
John
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 10:49 PM
  #17  
TomBoy's Avatar
TomBoy
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 818
Likes: 7
From: Senecaville Ohio
Default

I'm posting this here too for answer

I am getting so confused on this issue. I have a 04 M6. Never had a column lock yet. Did have the recall done which I verified with the dealer as reprogramming the computer only. My actuator still buzzes and then locks steering at shut off. But, I did order the CLB from Corvettes of Houston last week. Can I install this with no issues being that my actuator is working still without a fuel shut off problem arising? I asked Corvettes of Houston, and they said I shoud be fine. Any feedback for me guys?
Laurie
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2007 | 11:12 PM
  #18  
lt1george's Avatar
lt1george
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 0
From: rochester n y
Default

Originally Posted by Cajun99
Like they've said...DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP...ANY DEALERSHIP...TO HAVE THAT RECALL DONE. The recall is a joke and has caused countless other problems for people. Just read some of the other active threads regarding the recall...they had it done and the problems just keep on comin'.

Install a COH CLB and forget the recall. You'll have years of worry free cruising.

One other suggestion since your new...fill out a decent profile and sig so we know what you have. Nowhere do you state whether or not you have a manual or auto tranny....and get some pics up
This is the best advice you can get.......and it's Free. Welcome aboard. Save the Wave.>George
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Column lock Bypass





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:34 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE