I have been reading the thread on the column lock issues and have some questions regarding my Corvette.

I have a 2002 6 speed manual Corvette. I don’t think the previous owner has taken the car in for any recalls or issues related to the column locking up. Also, when the car is off the steering wheel will lock.

Ok to my questions?

1.) From what I understand since my car is a newer one, in addition to the column locking up the fuel supply will get cut off and I can’t drive faster than 2mph. Correct?

2.) I have considered the column lock block from Corvettes of Houston however, if this keeps the column from locking what keeps the fuel from shutting off on me?

3.) If the fuel shuts off can I reset it myself or do I have to take it to the dealer?

Thanks in advance for the help.

John

 

Not sure, but when you turn on the key you will hear a bzzzzzzzzt sound if the bypass hasn't been installed.


The clb will take care of everything I think.

 

yes, it makes the bzzzzzzt sound.

 

I, too, have an '02 six speed that hasn't been tampered with by the dealer doing the recalls.
The first thing I did after I bought it in '04 was call Corvettes of Houston and order the CLB (column lock bypass) for about $50.00 and the CAGS eliminator for about $20-30.00.
Both of the above items are a must on your car.

If your car has had any of the column lock recalls done on it your fuel supply can still shut down as the recalls called for the reflash of your computer to shut off the fuel supply in case of a column lock.

Contact your local dealer and have them run you vin through their computer to see if any recalls are outstanding and they can run a printout of your car's service history. Tell them you need to check to see if there are any outstanding service or recalls that haven't been performed on your car.
They will probably come up with a long list of things they would like to do to your car but don't be pressurd or intimited as they will try to make it look like the end of world if you don't overpay them for many things any DIY'er can perform himself.

 

I, too, have an '02 six speed that hasn't been tampered with by the dealer doing the recalls.
The first thing I did after I bought it in '04 was call Corvettes of Houston and order the CLB (column lock bypass) for about $50.00 and the CAGS eliminator for about $20-30.00.
Both of the above items are a must on your car.

If your car has had any of the column lock recalls done on it your fuel supply can still shut down as the recalls called for the reflash of your computer to shut off the fuel supply in case of a column lock.

Contact your local dealer and have them run your1 vin through their computer to see if any recalls are outstanding and they can run a printout of your car's service history. Tell them you need to check to see if there are any outstanding service or recalls that haven't been performed on your car.
They will probably come up with a long list of things they would like to do to your car but don't be pressurd or intimited as they will try to make it look like the end of world if you don't overpay them for many things any DIY'er can perform himself.

 

sorry but what is the cags eliminator?

 

Hi jawelsh -

Take the VIN to your chevy dealer and ask them to run the service history.

If the car had been serviced under warranty, it will show up.

If the steering wheel is still locking, then you have not had the service done.

If you have not had the service done, then the fuel system will not shut off.

Buy a CLB and install it - then forget about it.

Wait until it locks up on you and you will be very sorry. Once it sticks, the CLB will not correct it.

best regards -

mqqn

 

CAGS is the system that locks out 2 & 3 gear if you accelerate slowly in 1st. It's a fuel economy thing that most of us don't like. I prefer to shift gears on my own w/o interference from computers. Good mod.

My car is just like yours and the first think I did was install a CLB. It tells the computer the column is unlocked (and it is) so the fuel shut off will never be used.

The PCM only uses fuel shut off when it sees a locked column and a speed of over 2mph. With a CLB it never sees a locked column. Don't leave home w/o it.

 

i was in the same boat as you.. Dealer didnt want to do anything for me since I had the recall done acouple years ago but it was still locking up.. Called up CoH and installed the bypass kit and no problems since then

 

Another way to deal with both the CL and the CAGS is to send your ECU to a tuner. He can take care of both of those issues and give you a little more HP all at the same time.

 

Your lucky, don't take your car close to a dealer. No recalls = no fuel shutoff. Get a CLB quick and you can bypass any upcoming column lock or fuel shutoff threads.

Rick

 

This advice just saved you so much grief and made joining the Corvette Forum worthwhile

You're lucky because most guys have had at least one of the botched GM fixes.

Seeing as you have a clean system, fit a CLB and you'll never have a problem. The best $50 fix ever devised.

Theres a great sticky in C5 Tech if you want to read up on the problem.

 

My 2002 6 speed locked up on me in 06; fortunatley it was in my garage and as I backed out I could not turn the wheel. The dealer already had done one recall fix on the column lock. They arranged to have the vette transported to their service department
($180). They then did the second by-pass fix and Chevrolet paid the entire freight because the 2nd by-pass was also a recall. Evidently there were at least two recalls on the problem. Haven't had a problem since, but I am still worried because I still read the threads on this issue. Two weeks ago, I asked the Service Tech whom I really respect at the dealership, and he said that the second recall should alleviate all of the problems. In all of the posts I have read, I have not seen an answer to lingering questions. 1) has anyone had the problem occur after the second recall has been done, 2) even if the second recall was done, it is adviseable to purchase the kit from COH and install it, and would the install of the COH by-pass affect any of the work done by Chevy on the second recall, and will the COH by-pass still eliminate the problem after Chevy did the second recall?

 

Good questions. I also have an 02 that has had the 2005 recall done (I think that is simply a reprogramming of the computer) and I'm wondering if I can now install the CLB or if that somehow complicates the recall or the programming of the computer.

 

Good advice to get the CLB and the CAGS eliminator.
Some people say just shift properly and you don't need the eliminator. There are plenty of low speed applications where this comes in handy.
Do them both, do them both yesterday!

 

Hi Mtnvettes -

If what you say is true, then you are still at risk.

There have been three separate TSB's all on the column lock.

You are at risk of the CL sticking, the wheel will still be free to rotate, but the fuel will cutoff when you try to move the car.

Get a CLB before you have to call a tow.

best regards -

mqqn

 

Thanks for the information mqqn. I will do as you suggest today. I assume that the CLB form COH will take care of the fuel cutoff problem and then I shall be worry free.

 

Thanks guys!! I ordered a CLB from COH yesterday. However, starting today COH is offering free shipping!! I guess I just missed out.

Anyway, I should have it in a day or so and I'll get that sucker in!

Thanks Again!

John

 

Hi Mtnvettes -

The CLB will prevent the computer from ever thinking the column lock has been set, and thus will prevent the fuel shutoff from ever happening.

best regards -

mqqn

 

Hi mqqn. Thank you for your input on the CLB. I noticed that COH offered free shipping, so I called and ordered the CLB. I talked with Mike of COH and he confirmed what you had said, that the two recalls took care of the locking system, but not the fuel cut-off. He said that the fuel cutoff can occur, especially if the C5 is started and restarted many times over a short period because the computer thinks something is wrong. The bypass is not a cure, but a preventive device so that the computer does not cut off the fuel nor allow the column to lock. This, I would assume, is like the CAGS system where the bypass fools the computer with the solenoid operation and one can shift to second and third without going directly to 4th
gear. I hope your replies in this thread and this post will aid others in understanding that the problem is twofold, locking column problems and fuel cutoff. Both must be addressed and Chevy's recall does not do both. Mike said if the recall has be done, remove the GM device and install the COH bypass and the problems will not occur.