chad3113

So for the past month my column had been locking up, service column, pull key msg, etc.

Ordered the LMC5, installed it without a problem, and all is well now for over a week. I chose the LMC5 since you don't have to take apart your dash. I would suggest giving it a try.

My one bit of advice... MOVE THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK ALL THE WAY before disconnecting the battery. I didn't and then wished I had the extra room

Also, I'm not sure about everyone else, but when my column locked (7-10 times) over the course of about a month, I would just turn the car off and jerk the wheel to the right to free it up. Sometimes I had to do this a few times untill the motor released, but it never failed me. Just FYI in case you are stranded in BFE.

Vetteman Jack

Thanks for the review. Good to see another product out there that can fix the dreaded column lock problem on these cars.

mxz800

I stopped at my local Chevy Dealer, I had them run my Vin for any outstanding recalls they said the Column Lock, and Seatbelt recalls hadn’t been done yet. I’m dropping my car off Monday. I haven’t had an issue yet, I hope I’m not going pay down the road for breaking the if it ain’t broke don’t fix it rule.

65GGvert

I think you're making a mistake having the dealer do the recall. You'll end up with the fuel cutoff programmed in. I'd get a CLB or LMC5 and install it. Maybe one of the column lock experts here could convince either you or me which way to go.

Mickeyrx70

I agree it's a mistake to let the dealer do the recall. Buy the LMC5 CLB & the unlocker along with the inexpensive tool kit they sell. Carry it with you in case you experience the column lock or install it if you wish. The recall causes more problems than it solves.

mxz800

I found this online which makes me think if I have the recall done there won't be a lock so problem solved or I'm I missing something?

"The LMC5 Unlocker is a simple device that is used to unlock the steering column in ANY 1997-2004 Corvette. The LMC5 Unlocker is designed to be used in conjunction with the installation of an LMC5 module. During the LMC5 installation, you attach the LMC5 Unlocker to the battery, attach the leads to the proper vehicle wires, and unlock the steering column.

Since the first factory recall disabled the steering column lock mechanism, your steering column will only lock if none of the factory recalls have been performed. Therefore,

You DO NOT need the LMC5 Unlocker if your steering column does not lock at all. This means that the steering wheel can be freely rotated without locking up, whenever the key is out of the ignition."

Illini Al

You are missing something. This means that you won't need their Unlocker. You'll still need the LMC5 unit itself. The recall was done on my '99, but I have the LMC5 sitting in my trunk ready to go, if needed.

mxz800

Not wanting to miss something again does that mean I should get the recall done like you did, and get the LMC5 unit? If that is the case where is my best bet to get the LMC5?

Txsailor

The LCM5 doesn't always get along with the bcm. Mine didn't and although the column will never lock again the 2 mph shut off will still work. Mine would flash the pull key wait 10 seconds warning ever once in a while. When it did if you don't do what it says it will kill the car as soon as it moves. I called and they sent me a LCM5R which has a small relay in it. Now mine never gives a problem. Rick explained that some times the paramaters the bcm looks for are not quite satasified by the LCM5 but they are by the R unit. He also said the R is not better just a little diffferent. He said they are working on getting the LCM5 to work with the picky bcm's and when they do they will send me one. It is solid state and really a better unit than the R.

You can have the 2 mph shut off programed to a higher speed and not have to worry about it killing the car if something goes wrong with the LCM5. I plan to do that if I get a tune.

Illini Al

At this point, you can probably skip the recall, and just get both the LMC5 and the Unlocker. Cheap "insurance".

leebay

chad3113

Yes don't let the dealer do the recall. When I bought the car the vehicle was having problems with the column locking. The dealer "fixed it", performed the recall, whatever you want to call it and all was well for about 1000 miles untill the problem returned again. Instead of going back to the dealer which would have been covered under the GM 12month program on parts/service, I opted to fix it myself with the LMC5.

I wanted to comment that I noticed when I would park partially on a curb, such as when you park on the street, the column would be more prone to lockup. In addition, letting the car sit for a few days would also make the column more prone to locking up.

Gary Green

dont doit i took mine to dealer they fixed it lasted 2 years and 1500 miles broke again also recall was done in 2004

frodo84

This thread was from 2012.

walleyejack

very observant, does it bother you ?
then don t read it or don t respond.

frodo84

Letting someone know that they've accidentally bumped a very old thread is a courtesy. Have a good day.