The famous "steering column lock" problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Odin IL
The famous "steering column lock" problem
Well my 2001 corvette with 32,000 miles decided it was time for the steering wheel to refuse to unlock after starting the car. I had read about this problem many times here on the forum and wondered when/if mine would develope this problem. At least it happened while sitting in my garage at home. After having it towed to the dealer I have some good news and some not-so-good news. The good news is that Chevrolet will pay the full cost of the repair but the not-so-good news is that they want to fix it by by-passing the steering wheel lock so that it will not lock anymore. So, they really are not fixing the problem they are just going to disable it and go around it. Maybe this is the best thing to do but Im not sure. I'm just wondering if any of you have had this done and do you think I should be pushing them to fix it the right way(I'm not sure what that is) . I doubt that Chevrolet will pay for any other fix to this problem. How about resale value when I go to sell it. Would the steering wheel not locking anymore scare potential buyers away?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 986
Likes: 4
From: Galaxy Traveler
I don't think you have a choice after they get their hands on it. My 03 had the original recall done where they just reprogrammed it not to run if it locked and the previous owner said he didn't know anything about it. He said he just took it in for oil changes.
It locked on me twice the first week I had it. GM said they would not provide any free service since it had the original recall performed.
Both times mine locked I had parked with the wheels turned. I decided that wasn't a good idea in case it happened and I couldn't get it unlocked. Both times I got it to unlock by tuning hard to the right while turning the key on and it popped loose. Since I started making sure the wheels were straight before turning the key off it has not happened again.
It locked on me twice the first week I had it. GM said they would not provide any free service since it had the original recall performed.
Both times mine locked I had parked with the wheels turned. I decided that wasn't a good idea in case it happened and I couldn't get it unlocked. Both times I got it to unlock by tuning hard to the right while turning the key on and it popped loose. Since I started making sure the wheels were straight before turning the key off it has not happened again.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
Disabling is part of the standard recall.
What they do is replace the lock ring with one of a smaller diamerter that gives the lock pin nothing to make contact with.
After they disable it, make sure you order and install a CLB.
What they do is replace the lock ring with one of a smaller diamerter that gives the lock pin nothing to make contact with.
After they disable it, make sure you order and install a CLB.
