Glad it worked out though!
So there I was..........!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Collegeville PA
So there I was..........!
So there I was a thousand miles from home - put the key in the ignition - turn the key and get "Pull Key and Wait Ten Seconds! Yep, the dreaded column lock!
My wife and I were enjoying our great vacation in Hilton Head when it struck! I got on the phone and called the dealer where we bought the car and I talked with the service manager and the corvette tech. They tell me to pull fuse #25 for at least thirty seconds, replace it and try to unlock the column again. No luck - I tried several times - still no luck. Now I've got to call a chevy dealer in Hilton Head to see if they can tow the car and service the column lock. The service manager gives me the name of tow company to arrange to get the car flatbedded into the dealership. The tow company owner asks me if the wheels were turned at all - I told him they were, just slightly - he says turn the steering wheel in the direction the tires are turned, step on the brake and then try to get the column unlocked. I try it and damn if it didn't unlock! Guy saved me hundreds of dollars!
For the rest of the trip I made sure the wheels were straight before I shut the car off and we didn't have any more problems with the column lock.
My wife and I were enjoying our great vacation in Hilton Head when it struck! I got on the phone and called the dealer where we bought the car and I talked with the service manager and the corvette tech. They tell me to pull fuse #25 for at least thirty seconds, replace it and try to unlock the column again. No luck - I tried several times - still no luck. Now I've got to call a chevy dealer in Hilton Head to see if they can tow the car and service the column lock. The service manager gives me the name of tow company to arrange to get the car flatbedded into the dealership. The tow company owner asks me if the wheels were turned at all - I told him they were, just slightly - he says turn the steering wheel in the direction the tires are turned, step on the brake and then try to get the column unlocked. I try it and damn if it didn't unlock! Guy saved me hundreds of dollars!
For the rest of the trip I made sure the wheels were straight before I shut the car off and we didn't have any more problems with the column lock.
Last edited by L&M'sC5; May 20, 2008 at 03:45 PM. Reason: spelling
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
Interstingly enough, I get the wait 10 seconds thing on a semi regular basis and my car has had the recall done. Each time I wait 10 seconds and it starts right up. Should I worry or is this normal... I honestly thought it was due to me trying to jack with the convertible top when the car was off.. haha. Man am I a quick one!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,050
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles CA
Kinda surprising when a two truck guy knows an exact fix on a vette. Awesome though and kudos to him.
I have a CLB but I still always park with my wheels straight. I don't know, just habit and better safe then sorry in that case.
I have a CLB but I still always park with my wheels straight. I don't know, just habit and better safe then sorry in that case.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: LEBANON PA.
So thereIwas......!
HI There,
What a great story that turned out good.Thanks for the info.I hoped you gave him a nice tip. BTW: He wore two hats: First he was a mechanic & second a tow truck operator. Usually you get a trainee who can jump the battery or give you a ride & thats it.Most of the time moving the steering wheel from left to right, while turning the key at the same time will start the car. Located not to far from you.
robsc501
What a great story that turned out good.Thanks for the info.I hoped you gave him a nice tip. BTW: He wore two hats: First he was a mechanic & second a tow truck operator. Usually you get a trainee who can jump the battery or give you a ride & thats it.Most of the time moving the steering wheel from left to right, while turning the key at the same time will start the car. Located not to far from you.
robsc501
Last edited by robsc501; May 20, 2008 at 05:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Collegeville PA
I would have gotten a CLB awhile ago but my understanding is that it won't work on my year vette. It's a '98 with a manual transmission.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 11
From: Aliso Viejo So. Cal.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg FL
Interstingly enough, I get the wait 10 seconds thing on a semi regular basis and my car has had the recall done. Each time I wait 10 seconds and it starts right up. Should I worry or is this normal... I honestly thought it was due to me trying to jack with the convertible top when the car was off.. haha. Man am I a quick one!!!
