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If there is no CLB installed (or if the recall hasn't been done), then you will hear about a 1 second sound coming from the steering column every time you remove the key or install the key and turn it to the ON position. That is the sound of the the little motor moving the locking pin in or out. Make sure the radio etc is off so you can listen.
The best way to tell is that the steering wheel does not lock with the key removed if the clb has been installed.
My car pulled this on me twice the first week I owned it. I bought it with 42K on it. The original owner said it never happened with him. GM says the first recall was done on it so they won't do any of the other recalls. Both times mine locked I noticed I had parked with the wheels turned. This freaked me out because I wouldn't be able to get it on my trailer if I needed to so I started making sure the wheels are straight before I turn it off. The problem has not reoccurred. Go figure but I think having the wheels turned had something to do with the column staying locked.
BTW both times it locked I was able to get it free by waiting the 10 seconds and pulling hard to the right on the wheel while I turned on the key.
I had purchased a 01' M6 Coupe new and had no problems with the colum lock until the car was 4+ years old when I started getting the column lock problem. After several tries, it would work. After a half-dozen time of haveing the problem, I got a new battery for the car.....the problem went away.
Low battery voltage will trigger the problem. Try a new battery if yours is old or just get the bypass.
My 03 last week displayed service column lock and never locked up. Took it to the dealer and who said need to service it of it might lock up. After he said he put in a wiring harness and a relay a few days later the wheel locked when I went to start it. Finally pulled the wheel to the right a couple times when starting and it unlocked. WTF
Now I have noticed that my Dyno tune is gone. The one to 4 shift is back and it is back to 6500 cut off when it was tuned to 6800. I am pissed. The dealer says he only put in the relay and harness but he had to have flashed the computer. He wants me to bring it in to check it but now I am leary. I calling Corvettes of Houston now for a CLB.
At least it only cost me $75 due to a warranty for the dealer but I am out $350 for the tune. It was a great tune too made 404 at the wheels.
Steering Column Lock Bypass
Steering column lock bypass kit for all 1997-2004 Corvettes
This bypass will eliminate the problem with the steering column locking up
The kit includes bypass box, harness and connector, instructions and everything you need to install
Also includes a 12 Volt adapter, which is necessary to disable the lock before installing the bypass box. The adapter is no longer needed after the bypass box has been installed.
Purchase now and avoid being stranded because you start your Corvette and have the steering column lock and can't turn the wheels