Column Lock Bypass Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, PA
Column Lock Bypass Question
I do have a quick question before I order the Column Lock Bypass. I have a 2000-manual and it the steering was totally locked and had to be towed to be repaired. The dealership replaced the steering harness and it seemed to be working. I went out this weekend to drive it and I had the message "steering column lock". The wheel will move but when I go to back out of the garage the fuel will cut off. Will the column lock bypass fix this? Thank you for your help! I look forward to any and all help.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Discuss the issue with Corvettes of Houston where I would suggest buying the by-pass module, as I believe the "K" harness might need to be removed. (I seem to recall hearing that.)
What it sounds like is you have had the service recall versions A-C performed. A added the harness, B reprogrammed the computer (fuel cutoff added) and C removed the lock plate in the steering column and replaced it with a modified plate. In addition the ECM had two connector pins re-pinned. (I making this assumption based on the characteristics your described.)
What the by-pass module will do is send an 'ok' signal to the computer so that it doesn't set the service column lock condition. This will in turn not allow the computer to shut down the fuel at 2 mph.
But you need to confirm with CoH if no modifications are necessary having had the recall performed. (All three parts.) If that was a Chevy dealer is it possible to get a complete explanation of exactly what they did?
What it sounds like is you have had the service recall versions A-C performed. A added the harness, B reprogrammed the computer (fuel cutoff added) and C removed the lock plate in the steering column and replaced it with a modified plate. In addition the ECM had two connector pins re-pinned. (I making this assumption based on the characteristics your described.)
What the by-pass module will do is send an 'ok' signal to the computer so that it doesn't set the service column lock condition. This will in turn not allow the computer to shut down the fuel at 2 mph.
But you need to confirm with CoH if no modifications are necessary having had the recall performed. (All three parts.) If that was a Chevy dealer is it possible to get a complete explanation of exactly what they did?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
I am going thru this same thing right now. My column lock is locked. I am checking now to see if I can get it fixed under warranty. In the mean time ...I had ordered the clb and unlock connection from coh. Tried this over the weekend and the column lock would NOT unlock. Now it's off to the dealer. Regardless of what the dealer does...I will still install the clb when I get it back.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
I am going thru this same thing right now. My column lock is locked. I am checking now to see if I can get it fixed under warranty. In the mean time ...I had ordered the clb and unlock connection from coh. Tried this over the weekend and the column lock would NOT unlock. Now it's off to the dealer. Regardless of what the dealer does...I will still install the clb when I get it back.
So expect to pay.
Did you try the clearing the codes, removing the fuse 25 for a few minutes and trying again?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Well I'm sure CoH is not going to tell you to go out and rack your steering in hopes of getting it to break free. It something gets damaged they would be liable. The system needs to be unlocked to perform the mod. There is no question about that.
The procedure involves powering up the actuator to fully retract it, then removing power from the module. That permanently keeps it retracted. Then the module is connected. A fuse pulled to clear the condition and the system re-energized and the vehicle started and tested to ensure the condition is cleared.
The procedure involves powering up the actuator to fully retract it, then removing power from the module. That permanently keeps it retracted. Then the module is connected. A fuse pulled to clear the condition and the system re-energized and the vehicle started and tested to ensure the condition is cleared.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, PA
I agree fully but in this case (Y2KMagRedLady) the column is not locked as I read her post. So there is no reason to take the car to the dealer unless she chooses to do so. But be prepared for a sizeable repair bill if you do. That wouldn't be bad but unfortunately it will NOT be a permanent fix and the car will be back there soon for additional column lock service.
. They had it for almost 2 months the first time....$300+ later it is broken again! I'm going to order the CLB asap. Lets keep our fingers crossed that this will work. It just makes me sick! 
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Nashua NH
Susanne,
Do not take your vette back to the dealer. They obviously do not care for you or your car. You are behind the 8-ball because the recall work was done. Find a Corvette specialist in your area and have your BCM reprogrammed. They can help you more than anybody. Read the sticky about Column Lock on the top of the tech page. My 2000 has been fine with the by-pass installed for 3 years but I did not have the recall work done. Good luck in your endeavors.
Do not take your vette back to the dealer. They obviously do not care for you or your car. You are behind the 8-ball because the recall work was done. Find a Corvette specialist in your area and have your BCM reprogrammed. They can help you more than anybody. Read the sticky about Column Lock on the top of the tech page. My 2000 has been fine with the by-pass installed for 3 years but I did not have the recall work done. Good luck in your endeavors.
Last edited by Slotcar; Jul 7, 2009 at 09:45 PM.