[Z06] Service Column Lock Forced Unlock
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
Service Column Lock Forced Unlock
Hey guys,
So today I came out of the grocery store with my girl and as soon as I put the key into the ignition I saw; "Pull key wait 10 seconds" and I already knew what would happen. As soon as I put the key back in it showed me the service column lock messaage.
The car would start but the steering wheel was locked. This is the first time I'm seeing this message on my car. It's a 2002 Z06 with 20k on it.
I flipped out for a while, mainly because I've had every problem possible with this car ( reduced power because of a loose wire in the door, sychros went out 2 months ago so gonna drop 5k for a built trans and new clutch, now this, hoping I don't have valve spring issues later).
After I was finished "venting" and scaring my girlfriend I turned on my brain. I remembered reading that I could possibly unlock it by turning the steering wheel all the way left and right with the car off. I did just that and it took a LOT of strenght to do but it worked and as soon as I turned the key to "on" the steering wheel snapped to center and unlocked.
So now I'm trying to figure out what it could be because of. I'm suspecting my battery so I checked the voltage as I drove home and it was at 13.4 and when I would use the AC/windows it would drop as low as 11.5, is this normal? The battery is a redtop and it's about two years old.
Also I want to buy the bypass now since there's no way I'm risking towing my very low vette on any truck. Does anyone have a link to show me where to get the bypass?
Cliffs: Column locked, forced it unlocked, drove home, suspect battery and want opinions on voltage, want link to bypass mod.
Thanks for reading guys.
So today I came out of the grocery store with my girl and as soon as I put the key into the ignition I saw; "Pull key wait 10 seconds" and I already knew what would happen. As soon as I put the key back in it showed me the service column lock messaage.
The car would start but the steering wheel was locked. This is the first time I'm seeing this message on my car. It's a 2002 Z06 with 20k on it.
I flipped out for a while, mainly because I've had every problem possible with this car ( reduced power because of a loose wire in the door, sychros went out 2 months ago so gonna drop 5k for a built trans and new clutch, now this, hoping I don't have valve spring issues later).
After I was finished "venting" and scaring my girlfriend I turned on my brain. I remembered reading that I could possibly unlock it by turning the steering wheel all the way left and right with the car off. I did just that and it took a LOT of strenght to do but it worked and as soon as I turned the key to "on" the steering wheel snapped to center and unlocked.
So now I'm trying to figure out what it could be because of. I'm suspecting my battery so I checked the voltage as I drove home and it was at 13.4 and when I would use the AC/windows it would drop as low as 11.5, is this normal? The battery is a redtop and it's about two years old.
Also I want to buy the bypass now since there's no way I'm risking towing my very low vette on any truck. Does anyone have a link to show me where to get the bypass?
Cliffs: Column locked, forced it unlocked, drove home, suspect battery and want opinions on voltage, want link to bypass mod.
Thanks for reading guys.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 56
I found this while searching:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ky-please.html
As far as your battery voltage, it should never drop that low. Sounds like you have a charging issue and / or battery issue which according to that sticky, will cause issues with the steering lock.
I actually had that 'pull key wait 10 sec' message come up on mine too after I had my car on jack stands & ramps doing the trans fluid flush. I didn't know it involved the steering lock at the time as mine did not lock up on me. I'm scared it will do it one day as well so I'll be buying one of the bypass kits soon.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ky-please.html
As far as your battery voltage, it should never drop that low. Sounds like you have a charging issue and / or battery issue which according to that sticky, will cause issues with the steering lock.
I actually had that 'pull key wait 10 sec' message come up on mine too after I had my car on jack stands & ramps doing the trans fluid flush. I didn't know it involved the steering lock at the time as mine did not lock up on me. I'm scared it will do it one day as well so I'll be buying one of the bypass kits soon.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
have battery checked and replace and it should cure problem 11.7 not good. I personally don't believe in clb and neither do many mechanics at numerous gm dealers...just something aftermarket sells and they DO, REPEAT DO fail and then same problem happens, I know this for a fact from a friends car who had clb. do what makes you feel good AFTER you have battery and charging system checked...good luck.
