Column Lock Nightmare!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The dealer is lying to you. There is no part to fix this problem. Deny any recalls to be performed. Get the car back home and install the CLB. tow it if you have to. The steering wheel can be unlocked by yanking it really hard several times. once that is released install the CLB.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
From: Salisbury MD
I just went through thilast week. If it has been more then 12 months since it was replaced they will not pay for it. Just like you they told me that the part could not be found and would cost $350 when they did find it. I ordered a CLB from COH and told the dealership not to fix it until I was able to try that. At that point WOW they where able to locate 1. Someone dropped the ball and they fixed it but gave me $100 off. I am keeping the CLB for back up.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 693
Likes: 92
From: Savannah GA
People who take their C5 to the dealer for any problem before doing research on this forum are making a mistake. If you are having a column lock problem the dealership is the very last place to go. Get a CLB and install it yourself.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA.
column lock
Just last weekend the service column lock warning came on but the steering wheel isn't locked even when the key is out. whats up with that? Service or not?READ THAT a relay or something like was the fix any thoughts. thanks
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 43
From: Scottsdale Az
I just went through thilast week. If it has been more then 12 months since it was replaced they will not pay for it. Just like you they told me that the part could not be found and would cost $350 when they did find it. I ordered a CLB from COH and told the dealership not to fix it until I was able to try that. At that point WOW they where able to locate 1. Someone dropped the ball and they fixed it but gave me $100 off. I am keeping the CLB for back up.
I mean really? They just took you for $250 and you're ok with that?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Whatever you do, don't let them tell you that you need to replace the actuator to get a working system.
The aftermarket CLB kits leave the actuator disconnected, and the bypass relay simulates the actuator signal to the BCM.
Even the GM Harness K relay kit will work with the actuator disconnected, even though it was designed to keep the actuator on the circuit. (You hear the actuator cycle even though the lockplate is removed and the column cannot lock.)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, PA
So after being on the phone with GM enough they magically found a part and it will be at the dealership on Monday. 
When I get my car back I'm thinking I'm going to install the CLB. Is this something difficult to do....remember I'm a woman!! 
Thanks for any pointers!!
When I get my car back I'm thinking I'm going to install the CLB. Is this something difficult to do....remember I'm a woman!! Thanks for any pointers!!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: LEBANON PA.
Hi There:
I'am looking at my GM VIS summary.On 9/2/05 the body computer(control) module was replaced at 7692 miles.On the same day: v1145-04006-perform reprogram & functional test on manuals.I was not the owner of this 01 vette at that time. I'am looking at the letter that gm sent to the original owner.This letter said : THIS IS NOT A RECALL but if you have the pull key & wait 10 seconds message displayed on the DIC you were to bring the car in for service. I would like to know what was involved in the repair in 2005. This letter is dated feb. 2006.This repair work was done at Kerbeck,s in Atlantic City N.J. This car was purchased new from Kerbeck.With the key removed my wheel is locked. Key on unlocked. Thats the way its supposed to work. I have owned the car almost 3 years without any problems. 16,600 on the clock Do I have a potential problem? Is a CLB required?
Thanks.
robsc501
I'am looking at my GM VIS summary.On 9/2/05 the body computer(control) module was replaced at 7692 miles.On the same day: v1145-04006-perform reprogram & functional test on manuals.I was not the owner of this 01 vette at that time. I'am looking at the letter that gm sent to the original owner.This letter said : THIS IS NOT A RECALL but if you have the pull key & wait 10 seconds message displayed on the DIC you were to bring the car in for service. I would like to know what was involved in the repair in 2005. This letter is dated feb. 2006.This repair work was done at Kerbeck,s in Atlantic City N.J. This car was purchased new from Kerbeck.With the key removed my wheel is locked. Key on unlocked. Thats the way its supposed to work. I have owned the car almost 3 years without any problems. 16,600 on the clock Do I have a potential problem? Is a CLB required?
Thanks.
robsc501
Last edited by robsc501; Apr 8, 2009 at 10:35 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, PA
Hi There:
I'am looking at my GM VIS summary.On 9/2/05 the body computer(control) module was replaced at 7692 miles.On the same day: v1145-04006-perform reprogram & functional test on manuals.I was not the owner of this 01 vette at that time. I'am looking at the letter that gm sent to the original owner.This letter said : THIS IS NOT A RECALL but if you have the pull key & wait 10 seconds message displayed on the DIC you were to bring the car in for service. I would like to know what was involved in the repair in 2005. This letter is dated feb. 2006.This repair work was done at Kerbeck,s in Atlantic City N.J. This car was purchased new from Kerbeck.With the key removed my wheel is locked. Key on unlocked. Thats the way its supposed to work. I have owned the car almost 3 years without any problems. 16,600 on the clock Do I have a potential problem? Is a CLB required?
Thanks.
robsc501
I'am looking at my GM VIS summary.On 9/2/05 the body computer(control) module was replaced at 7692 miles.On the same day: v1145-04006-perform reprogram & functional test on manuals.I was not the owner of this 01 vette at that time. I'am looking at the letter that gm sent to the original owner.This letter said : THIS IS NOT A RECALL but if you have the pull key & wait 10 seconds message displayed on the DIC you were to bring the car in for service. I would like to know what was involved in the repair in 2005. This letter is dated feb. 2006.This repair work was done at Kerbeck,s in Atlantic City N.J. This car was purchased new from Kerbeck.With the key removed my wheel is locked. Key on unlocked. Thats the way its supposed to work. I have owned the car almost 3 years without any problems. 16,600 on the clock Do I have a potential problem? Is a CLB required?
Thanks.
robsc501
I also had the letter dated Feb 2006, which expired Feb 2008. I was in the same boat as you and my 2000 just turned 17,000 miles and out of no where my column is locked! I would DEFINITELY install the CLB before the same thing happens to you as it did me! If I could only turn back time!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, PA
Here are the install instructions that you should use:
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24
Print them off and read them carefully. They have some pretty good pictures so you can see what you are getting into. If you have even the least bit of capability you can install the CLB. You will need a flat blade screw driver, a Torx T-15 screwdriver and a pair of needle nose pliars. All are available at a local hardware store for probably under $10. If after reading the instructions you are not comfortable trying this, go to a local Corvette Club meeting and I'm sure that you can find a couple of tech type people that would install it for a couple 6 packs of their favorite malt drink. If you attempt this yourself allow about an hour to do it and follow the install instructions EXACTLY.
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24
Print them off and read them carefully. They have some pretty good pictures so you can see what you are getting into. If you have even the least bit of capability you can install the CLB. You will need a flat blade screw driver, a Torx T-15 screwdriver and a pair of needle nose pliars. All are available at a local hardware store for probably under $10. If after reading the instructions you are not comfortable trying this, go to a local Corvette Club meeting and I'm sure that you can find a couple of tech type people that would install it for a couple 6 packs of their favorite malt drink. If you attempt this yourself allow about an hour to do it and follow the install instructions EXACTLY.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,414
Likes: 25
From: Texas
