column lock
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Ocala Fl
column lock
Had car towed to dealer Monday, for recall on lock. Thursday they call me up and tell me that the column lock module was gone. They told me it was going to cost 900.00 to fix it . they said it wasn't part of the recall. It went from being free to the cost of a vacation. I talked to some guys I know from another dealer back home ,and a GM Rep is going to contact them and see what the problem is. They say that it should be taken care of. Will see.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 3
From: West Texas
Good god don't take it to a dealer, especially in Odessa. Read up!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ky-please.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ck-bypass.html
Also there are quite a few LS1 guru's in Odessa. PM me if you need more info.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ky-please.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ck-bypass.html
Also there are quite a few LS1 guru's in Odessa. PM me if you need more info.
Last edited by Boss75; Jun 13, 2014 at 11:38 PM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 2
From: Killeen Texas
I had the same problem, use the LMC5 module. I don't know crap about cars and it worked for me. Word of caution though, if the steering wheel is not currently unlocked you're going to need to twist and turn that steering wheel until you hear a click or feel a nudge. Then you can use the unlocker
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Had car towed to dealer Monday, for recall on lock. Thursday they call me up and tell me that the column lock module was gone. They told me it was going to cost 900.00 to fix it . they said it wasn't part of the recall. It went from being free to the cost of a vacation. I talked to some guys I know from another dealer back home ,and a GM Rep is going to contact them and see what the problem is. They say that it should be taken care of. Will see.
If that scares you, you might just want the dealer/someone to remove the unit and not replace it. However, anything you do yourself would be money in the bank.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 29
From: Chilliwack B.C.
I urge you to get the car out of the dealer even if it has to be towed home. You DO NOT need a lock motor. The car can be fixed with an LMC5 aftermarket module that will cost you about $40 plus shipping. If the column is locked you MAY need to but the unlocker as well. But for less than $75 you will be back on the road and will NEVER face the column lock symptoms again.
The dealer is going to gouge you for something that is NOT necessary.
Your problem that started the column lock symptoms is a weak or bad battery or loose or corroded battery cables. When you get the car home use a digital multi meter to measure the voltage across the battery posts with the neg battery cable disconnected. Needs to be greater than 12.5 for the column lock system to function correctly. If it is 12.5 or less you can try charging the battery fully. A good battery at full charge will measure 12.7 to 12.9 volts measured as I described. If you cannot charge it to at least 12.7 volts then the battery is on its way out. Don't bother with dash gauge readings. They tell you the state of health of the charging system and NOT the state of health of the battery. Car will start with as little as 12.2 volts or less but the column lock system WILL fail with voltage that low. Column lock runs BEFORE the engine starts so voltage from the alternator after the engine starts is too late.
Install the LMC5 and take care of your battery issue and you will be all set.
The dealer is going to gouge you for something that is NOT necessary.
Your problem that started the column lock symptoms is a weak or bad battery or loose or corroded battery cables. When you get the car home use a digital multi meter to measure the voltage across the battery posts with the neg battery cable disconnected. Needs to be greater than 12.5 for the column lock system to function correctly. If it is 12.5 or less you can try charging the battery fully. A good battery at full charge will measure 12.7 to 12.9 volts measured as I described. If you cannot charge it to at least 12.7 volts then the battery is on its way out. Don't bother with dash gauge readings. They tell you the state of health of the charging system and NOT the state of health of the battery. Car will start with as little as 12.2 volts or less but the column lock system WILL fail with voltage that low. Column lock runs BEFORE the engine starts so voltage from the alternator after the engine starts is too late.
Install the LMC5 and take care of your battery issue and you will be all set.
Listen to the above advise and get it OUT of the dealer's shop TODAY!!!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Ocala Fl
Well after a bunch heated discussions . The dealer refused to do the recall, they said they had to put a column in. Went to dealer today and told them I was taking car out of there. Then I told them that there corvette specialist better go back to school and work on vettes. Then they ask me to leave, car will be home tonight. Guess i'll fix it myself.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Ocala Fl
parked car in garage 2 days later went to get it out, would not unlock. message said pull key out wait 10 try again . no good, then said service column lock. the car never had service on it .its a 01 with 35000 on it 6sp car. had car towed home tonite. will fix myself. will buy the things I need from Houston, since i'm in tx. hope to back on road in a few days.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Ocala Fl
got the car home last nite , shook wheel 2 or 3 times and it unlocked . going to order that peace from Houston and put it in. I also filed complaints with the BBB and the attorney general here in tx. Well guys thank for all the info. From what I understand a dealer can't refuse to do a safety recall. Joe
Last edited by who928; Jun 19, 2014 at 06:57 PM.
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