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**UPDATE** Yep. Another column lock question..step inside..
So, I have read many threads and FAQs over the years on our column lock issue and recently I have had a problem of my own.
It started a month ago when I washed my car at the local car wash. Started her up and drove 100ft to a gas station and when I went to start again I got the cliche "pull key and wait blah blah blah" message to accompany my steering wheel locking up. I did as I was instructed and on my way I went. Since then every time I start my car I get the message, turn it off, wait 10 seconds, turn on, steering wheel unlocks.
My question is could water have gotten into the bcm somehow? Anyone have experience with that sort of issue of corrosion? And 2, am I too far gone for a CLB?
Check your battery voltage if it has not been changed recently; that will trigger it. Also, check all your grounding points for corrosion. What year is your car, mileage?
Check your battery voltage if it has not been changed recently; that will trigger it. Also, check all your grounding points for corrosion. What year is your car, mileage?
Battery is around 3 months old. Charge is good on it. It's an 03Z with 50k on it.
I'm sure the LMC5 is my way to go but I just find it odd how it is occurring. Does anyone think I need the "unlocker" as well? Or just the LMC5 unit?
if it already unlocks itself, just get the LMC5. sometimes mine does it if i turn the key too quickly after inserting it.
just take a second or so between steps: insert key... wait a count... turn key ON
if it already unlocks itself, just get the LMC5. sometimes mine does it if i turn the key too quickly after inserting it.
just take a second or so between steps: insert key... wait a count... turn key ON
Hmm I'll try this today. You may be right
Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
When was the last time you cleaned the debris from the wiper well drain udders????
Likely NOT a coincidence that the problem began after you washed the car.
If the drain udders are plugged up water backs up into the car when water fills the wiper wells and there are a couple key elements that get wet when that happens,
1) the BCM
2) the column lock relay
Neither likes water very much.
Oxidation on contacts in the BCM or on the contacts of the column lock relay can cause the continuing symptoms you are seeing.
LMC5 should fix issues related to the column lock relay but NOT the BCM.
Looks like I've got some fishing to do! Great info I'll start tracking down potential leaks
Checking the CLR now..any trick to getting that thing out? Holy crap that's a tight spot with little to no play. Pulled it off the gray clip so if have room to maneuver it but can't get it to unplug for the life of me
Okay so I cleaned everything and put it all back together. Started the car and was locked. Turned off, waited, started and still locked. Waited a 3rd time and everything was fine. No lock, no message, and no fuel cut off. For all I know next time I turn it on it will lock up so I am ordering the lmc5 today and calling it a day.
Also, even though I found no signs of corrosion there is definitely water coming in. The light under the passenger dash was fogged with a couple strands of grass inside
PM me with your phone number and I will discuss installing the LMC5. I think it is the best solution and I can tell you how to do it without the unlocker. Since your column locks correctly you must address that during the installation, my way or with the unlocker. Also the benefit of LMC5 is you can remove the CL relay from the circuit.
PS: LMC5 has not yet (I think) put the install video on their website but if you look at one of their eBay ads and scroll down they have a video of the install which I thought was excellent. It however does not discuss having to unlock the column before you start unless they have changed the video.
PM me with your phone number and I will discuss installing the LMC5. I think it is the best solution and I can tell you how to do it without the unlocker. Since your column locks correctly you must address that during the installation, my way or with the unlocker. Also the benefit of LMC5 is you can remove the CL relay from the circuit.
PS: LMC5 has not yet (I think) put the install video on their website but if you look at one of their eBay ads and scroll down they have a video of the install which I thought was excellent. It however does not discuss having to unlock the column before you start unless they have changed the video.
I found the YouTube video and it is definitely great. Makes it seem very easy. Will I definitely need an unlocker, though? The wheel is currently not locked at the moment. I guess that's my grey area with the whole thing
So you are saying that with NO KEY in the ignition the column is not locked? If so are you able to drive the car when you start it or are you experiencing the 2mph fuel shutoff if you attempt to drive????
If the column is NOT locked with NO KEY in the ignition then one of three things has happened.
1) the lock motor has failed with the pin retracted.
2) the pin is retracted but the electrical path between the BCM and the lock motor has an open condition preventing the receipt of the lock signal from the BCM.
3) there is a problem with the BCM and it is not sending a lock command when you remove the key from the ignition or perhaps not even sensing the removal of the key.
An LMC5 will get around problems 1 and 2, but it will NOT get around problem 3.
No no I did not mean it like that. My fault. With the car off if I turn the wheel it will lock. I meant that the last time I started it the wheel was not locked and I did not experience the 2mph shut off
I just ordered LMC5 as well it haven't came in yet ...I had 10 sec pull key message came up when I was getting ready to pull out of gas station. ..I got home and ordered the thing right away even I knew I've should have put the LMC5 long time ago .."o well you live you learn "keep us updated how your issue will workout ..ill follow up here too after I get mine installed...good luck
I just ordered LMC5 as well it haven't came in yet ...I had 10 sec pull key message came up when I was getting ready to pull out of gas station. ..I got home and ordered the thing right away even I knew I've should have put the LMC5 long time ago .."o well you live you learn "keep us updated how your issue will workout ..ill follow up here too after I get mine installed...good luck
Absolutely will do. I hope it doesn't take too long to ship!
UPDATE: LMC5 and unlocker installed and everything is fixed. Honestly, ill say what has been told to me numerous times (and I ignored), GET THE LMC5 even if you are not having any symptoms. It's cheap and easy. Be done with it!!
Thanks for everyone's replies for the help and guidance!