CarriageTownVette

So, my 2000 C5 was in for service at the Dealer (necessary for my warranty) and they caught an open recall on the steering column lock. They installed the relay and I was on my way.

I threw a Service Column Lock code after I installed new plug-and-play headlights (no cutting, no monkeying with anything else) and had to have it towed to the dealership. They determined the relay they had installed was faulty and replaced it. I have a Haggerty policy, so other than being out two days usage of my car, it cost me nothing, and I was on my way.

I've done *nothing* to the car since then, except drive it. Today, I washed it (okay, I've done that, too) and was going for a ride with the missus. I started it up and threw the Service Column Lock code, again.

I've been reading some of the threads about the issue, but have not seen this particular problem, yet. Apologies if I have missed something. Does anybody have a clue what the problem is?

2000 C5, automatic, btw. And my column is NOT locked (but DOES lock, DOES function).

Thanks in advance.

1Willy1

im not the authority on this by any means , but ive been trolling these forusm pretty hard, and from what I gather the dealer does not actually have the proper fix for this, as they are not legally allowed to remove the locking feature.

You need to buy some kit that allows you to bypass the lock ,,,anyways the real vette guys should be chiming in soon with the proper info u need.

frsr06

8VETTE7 is one of the resident experts on this subject. Do a search on "LMC5" which is the fix made by Compliance Parts. Google them - their site has everything you need and the fix only takes about 15 or 20 minutes.

1FUNC5

ordered mine this morning!

Vetteman Jack

The problem is the factory fix does not really fix anything. It has been known to cause more problems. If it were me, I would either get an LMC5 or a column lock bypass kit and install it.

CarriageTownVette

Thanks for the great info! No wetness on the floor. Oddly, when I look into that fuse/relay box, I don't see any modified relays (obvious ones, anyway).

It'll have to get the piggy-back to the dealer this time to get put right, but I ordered a CLB yesterday. I'm going to go read-up on the difference between that and the other unit, now. Thanks, again!

who928

The exact same thing happened to mine . Took 15 min. to put the LMC5 in and I was on my way.

CarriageTownVette

Thanks. After reading, hedged my bets and ordered the LMC5. Since I'm already hemoraging money, I'd rather go with the more fool-proof option. We'll see if somebody in my club wants to buy the CLB.

clegg

I have had my 1999 C5 Auto convertible for over 2 years and it has just recently started to have the Column lock issues. You can keep trying to restart it and after 3 to 4 times (about 5-10 minutes) it will start and drive. It is a very random issue. I know that the recall was performed on my car as the steering does not lock at all. I have ordered a C7 and am trying to sell the C5. I suppose I will go with the LMC5 module to avoid any issues when selling.

yanmar

MINE APPEARED RECENTLY AND I INSTALLED LMC5 KIT. NO MORE WORRIES, AND ONLY $46.00. LUCKILY I WAS AT HOME WHEN THE CODE CAME UP AND WHEEL LOCKED, SO NO TOWING OR REPAIR BILLS. HOWEVER.........MY WALL MOUNT BUTTON GARAGE DOOR OPENER HAS GONE SOUTH, BUT IT'S A SIMPLE FIX AND THE BUTTON IS ON E-BAY SHOULD THAT BE THE CULPRIT. AIN'T LIFE GREAT???????

CarriageTownVette

Update: Flatbed just carted her away... again. Man... first guy was very nervous as I watched him -- took about 30 minutes just to load it up. This was the owner of the company -- been towing for about 50 years. Drove the friggin' car onto the flatbed -- no joke. Here and gone in 5 minutes. I'm a little nervous, but I know he's insured... #c7aroundthecorner

CarriageTownVette

Towed because a) I have the mechanical aptitude of a rodent, b) fuel shut-off, c) dealer has already replaced the faulty relay once, and was flummoxed that it happened again, d) based on all I read, the issue must be corrected prior to the install of either CLB or LMC5, which will refer us back to a.

Battery is brand new (replaced in April; replacing a battery that was only 6 months old).

yoymon

so if your steering wheel turns even with the key out in my 99 automatic, that's means I have the dealer fix? I still hear the sound of something in colum when I shut off car like a electric motor for a second...should I be buying the lmc5 just in case?

CarriageTownVette

The meter is an issue because that is something I neither have, nor how to use (as I said, very little mechanical aptitude). I've ordered the LMC5, but it's going to go through whatever the dealer needs to do, first (I won't have the part 'til after that, anyway). Dealer footed the bill for the tow.

I'm curious about this: If I take the vehicle to be dynotuned, can they reset the fuel shutoff?

CarriageTownVette

From all the threads I'm reading (and the copious helpful and detailed insight from 8VETTE7), I think the answer is simple: If you do NOT have the LMC5, you should install it ASAP.

yoymon

I just didn't know what fix I had I guess ill order one

CarriageTownVette

Again, HUGELY helpful info. Thank you!

GAh! Behind the times. This refers to the post about tuning.

yoymon

8vette7 thanks for all the info...just ordered mine

CarriageTownVette

Update: Dealership diagnosed the column mechanism sending the errant message (EXACTLY as 8VETTE7 said they would!) at a cost of $530. After listening to me call GM a bunch of thieves, the service writer (and boy, isn't THAT a terrible way to run a service department!) checks with the tech about my claims of a $40 aftermarket fix. She says they'll install it if I bring it in and they have removed the recall relay, thus making the car drivable. My part is en route, so here is the dilemma: do I a) just go pick up my car and risk driving it without the LMC5 in my possession, yet? b) go pick up the car and let it sit in my driveway until I get the part? or c) take them up on their offer to install it and let the car sit there until I receive the part?

Of note: My last three days of vacation are today, tomorrow and Thursday.

Cybermind

I guess the good old reliable CLB's are no longer in vogue, huh?

You can also have a CLB installed. They are also very reliable and have a proven track record since the very beginning. I just don't want people to think that their only option is the LMC5. My CLB has worked flawlessly for the last 5 years. Just thought I'd throw it out there.