Another column lock question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Mukwonago Wi
Another column lock question
I hate to keep kicking the dead horse here but I could not find the answer I was looking for.
I have been getting the "pull key for 10 sec" display for a week. So I do it and everything is good. Today I got the "service column lock" message. I drove home and all was ok. It got me wondering. So when the car was off and the key was pulled, I moved the wheel back and forth a few times. My column does not lock. I hear the motor engage and disengage when I turn the key but it stays unlocked. Do you think my locking pin has been removed/cut?
I also never got any of this until I had the bezel surrounding the stereo and the ignition switch removed about a week ago. Could I have bumped something to trigger this?
Do I need to worry about anything else besides my column locking? Or do I need to be concerned about the car not moving as well? 2000 FRC 6 speed.
I have been getting the "pull key for 10 sec" display for a week. So I do it and everything is good. Today I got the "service column lock" message. I drove home and all was ok. It got me wondering. So when the car was off and the key was pulled, I moved the wheel back and forth a few times. My column does not lock. I hear the motor engage and disengage when I turn the key but it stays unlocked. Do you think my locking pin has been removed/cut?
I also never got any of this until I had the bezel surrounding the stereo and the ignition switch removed about a week ago. Could I have bumped something to trigger this?
Do I need to worry about anything else besides my column locking? Or do I need to be concerned about the car not moving as well? 2000 FRC 6 speed.
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 118
Likes: 3
From: Waltham MA
If you hear the motor but the column doesn't lock, someone already did the recall (which includes removing the lock plate so the locking pin, even though its still moved by the lock motor, has nothing to lock against).
If your car is anything like mine (2000 M6 vert), despite the recall, you will eventually sit by the roadside with a "service column lock" message and a 2mph fuel cut-off. An LMC5 is very cheap insurance against that. Heck, I'd even pay double considering the frustration with the THREE times it happened to me AFTER the recall (the first two times, it went back to the dealership; the third time, I installed an LMC5).
If your car is anything like mine (2000 M6 vert), despite the recall, you will eventually sit by the roadside with a "service column lock" message and a 2mph fuel cut-off. An LMC5 is very cheap insurance against that. Heck, I'd even pay double considering the frustration with the THREE times it happened to me AFTER the recall (the first two times, it went back to the dealership; the third time, I installed an LMC5).
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 118
Likes: 3
From: Waltham MA
And, yes, you may have moved something when you removed the bezel, but my guess is it's more a "moved something and changed the resistance through it just enough to upset the BCM" than a hard disconnect, so whatever you did may be both difficult to spot and difficult to undo. Which is why I like the LMC5 (which deals with the problem right at the BCM) over a CLB (which still leaves the wiring harness in the picture).
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Good luck - hope the new part takes care of any column lock problems.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Concord California
First there are 4 different RECALL fixes for this Column Lock Issue, First a "K" harness, Second "Re-programing", Third don't know but it could be the "Y" cable, and Fourth the "Solenoid Plate with NO hole". Mine had the third one I think some "Y" cable at the BCM. GM is responsible to just ONE fix attempt, the rest is on OUR penny.
I know cause I called GM for an anwer, my C5 is a paper weight right now pending a GM tech. tomorrow. I too have the LMC5 and LMC5 Un-Locking Kit, it didn't work (worked with Richard with Compliance Parts, he stayed by me but nothing we could do would unlock the solenoid). I can't wait to get this resolved.. I will update here when I do.
Call GM and give them your VIN number, if they fixed it with one of the above attempts, and it was done by GM they should have that information. If it is not listed, you may be able to have them put the fourth fix on, that really does fix it I hear.
I know cause I called GM for an anwer, my C5 is a paper weight right now pending a GM tech. tomorrow. I too have the LMC5 and LMC5 Un-Locking Kit, it didn't work (worked with Richard with Compliance Parts, he stayed by me but nothing we could do would unlock the solenoid). I can't wait to get this resolved.. I will update here when I do.
Call GM and give them your VIN number, if they fixed it with one of the above attempts, and it was done by GM they should have that information. If it is not listed, you may be able to have them put the fourth fix on, that really does fix it I hear.
Last edited by Jesse Asis; Apr 29, 2012 at 10:49 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 454
Likes: 1
From: Portland Oregon
Over the last couple days I've had a few close calls with the CLB. I suspect it was voltage related on my car and each time I was able to get it to unlock after a few trys. I did order a LMC5 today though, I dont need to get stranded or look like a fool sitting there helpless over 38 bucks.
-Ken
-Ken
