Install LMC5 or not ?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
Install LMC5 or not ?
Just bought a nice 2000 coupe this week. The car has 37,000 miles on it.I found a receipt that showed steering lock recall was performed by dealer in 2005. I bought car from second owner that purchased this car in 2007. He said he never had a issue with streering lock in 7 years he owned it. He confirmed fix after contacting GM, fix was done in 2005 by dealer.
I just bought the car. I am somewhat nervous after reading the horror stories related to steering lock. Having a fully charged battery is crucial also. When key is removed, my wheels will not turn which is normal. Everything is working OK. For peace of mind should I install the LMC5.It sounds like cheap insurance $50 from compliance parts.
Thanks
Richard
2000 coupe 6speed
Delaware
I just bought the car. I am somewhat nervous after reading the horror stories related to steering lock. Having a fully charged battery is crucial also. When key is removed, my wheels will not turn which is normal. Everything is working OK. For peace of mind should I install the LMC5.It sounds like cheap insurance $50 from compliance parts.
Thanks
Richard
2000 coupe 6speed
Delaware
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 363
Likes: 3
Why wait to install it after you have problems. I would strongly suggest you install now instead of installing it later. I could save you a thousand dollars. $50 is cheap insurance. I install the column bypass within two weeks of getting my car. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Reggie
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 191
Likes: 23
From: Louisville KY
I carried mine around for about a year and finally decided to install it yesterday. The instructions are clear and well written, but it is still not something I would want to do in a rush, especially the dark. What do you have to lose by doing it now? If you decide to wait, I suggest reading the instructions and becoming familiar with where everything is.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Holiday FL
I did allot of research on this when I got my C5. The lmc5 is not the same as a bypass, it's better. I read some debate as to wether having a bypass installed long term can cause some wear on the electronics. There is no such debate about the lmc5. The only reason I can see for not installing one right away is if you really want the wheel to lock for security reasons I suppose. At the very minimum I would keep one in the glovebox. I leave mine installed, it took me over 2 hours to get the damn thing in there, those molex connectors suck. Can't imagine doing that in a hot parking lot.
Advanced
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Friendswood Texas
I put off buying and installing the LMC5 and had the column lock problem bite at a very inconvenient time. Luckily, I was able to clear it by jerking the steering wheel a few times. I bought the LMC5 the next day and installed it in about 20 minutes.
I had the car for 7 years without a problem. After the first time it locked up, it happened a 2nd time while the LMC5 was in shipment. Again, I was able to clear it and I haven't had a problem after installing the LMC5.
My advice is to install it now. Also, watch the video first.
Chas.
I had the car for 7 years without a problem. After the first time it locked up, it happened a 2nd time while the LMC5 was in shipment. Again, I was able to clear it and I haven't had a problem after installing the LMC5.
My advice is to install it now. Also, watch the video first.
Chas.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 29
From: Chilliwack B.C.
Why wait to install it after you have problems. I would strongly suggest you install now instead of installing it later. I could save you a thousand dollars. $50 is cheap insurance. I install the column bypass within two weeks of getting my car. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Reggie
It seems we have one person on here just about every week that it happens too. Just do it. This question should never come up.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
Now, it seems the LMC5 is the latest and greatest fix not because it is "better", but because of the ease of installation and good customer support.
I just want to make sure that people are aware there are two reliable fixes for the column lock failures. Don't count the CLB out. Mine has worked reliably for the last 5 years (since I bought the car) with no installation issues. There are tons of other members that have had their CLB for 10 years or more.
The word "better" is a very subjective term unless you have facts to back up the claim.
Having said that, I think anyone who is still sitting on the fence as to whether to install a CLB or LMC5 is just kidding themselves. All column locks will eventually fail on C5's. That is a fact!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 643
Likes: 40
From: Wauregan CT
I went a couple seasons without one. The install of the CLB looked a bit troublesome, and I felt by having the recommended battery and maintaining it with my battery tender that I was not likely to have any issues.
When the LMC5 device became available, and people started describing how utterly simple the install was compared to the CLB, I decided to buy one, and install it to put and end to any lingering concerns about getting screwed by this problem.
I suggest you spend the relatively few dollars it costs, and get it over with before you get into an awkward situation in an inconvenient place...
When the LMC5 device became available, and people started describing how utterly simple the install was compared to the CLB, I decided to buy one, and install it to put and end to any lingering concerns about getting screwed by this problem.
I suggest you spend the relatively few dollars it costs, and get it over with before you get into an awkward situation in an inconvenient place...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,190
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
I have said it in the past and will say it again. The CLB is a safe, reliable and proven product for the C5 that has been around since the very beginning. It has a great track record for long term reliability. There has never been one case reported of a CLB causing any damage to any electronic component. It's a myth.
Now, it seems the LMC5 is the latest and greatest fix not because it is "better", but because of the ease of installation and good customer support.
I just want to make sure that people are aware there are two reliable fixes for the column lock failures. Don't count the CLB out. Mine has worked reliably for the last 5 years (since I bought the car) with no installation issues. There are tons of other members that have had their CLB for 10 years or more.
The word "better" is a very subjective term unless you have facts to back up the claim.
Having said that, I think anyone who is still sitting on the fence as to whether to install a CLB or LMC5 is just kidding themselves. All column locks will eventually fail on C5's. That is a fact!
Now, it seems the LMC5 is the latest and greatest fix not because it is "better", but because of the ease of installation and good customer support.
I just want to make sure that people are aware there are two reliable fixes for the column lock failures. Don't count the CLB out. Mine has worked reliably for the last 5 years (since I bought the car) with no installation issues. There are tons of other members that have had their CLB for 10 years or more.
The word "better" is a very subjective term unless you have facts to back up the claim.
Having said that, I think anyone who is still sitting on the fence as to whether to install a CLB or LMC5 is just kidding themselves. All column locks will eventually fail on C5's. That is a fact!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
Why in the Hell would anyone buy either a CLB or the LMC5 just to put it in the glove box "just in case"? Buy it, put it in, fergetaboudit. These issues seem to give problems at the most inconvenient time, do it while it's in a well lit garage, with plenty of the proper tools readily available.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
As for the the CLB, it's completely plug and play. There is no splicing involved. It just plugs in place of the column lock motor harness which gets completely disconnected. It's no harder than plugging in a CAGS bypass for the manual tranny. Just saying.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 479
Likes: 106
From: Beamsville Ontario
I too just recently purchased a low mileage 2000 coupe. I did the research and knew my recalls were done but to avoid future problems I ordered the LMC5. Well before it arrived, and after moving the car in and out of the garage, doors open for cleaning and not much driving time I ended up with the dreaded Service Column Lock warning. I would assume from a low battery. Luckily this happened in my driveway. Kudos to those that did the install in 20 minutes. I did mine, in a cool garage, with all my tools at my disposal including a much needed trouble light. I think it took me an hour and a half. I couldn't imagine doing this in a hurry in some parking lot hopefully not next to another car that prevented you from opening your passenger door all the way....or in the sun for that matter. The LMC5 is the fix, cheap insurance and great customer service.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 12,414
Likes: 1,750
From: DFW TX
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 569
Likes: 19
From: South Shore, KY
I vote install it now.. It sucks when the feared problem happens and it will probably happen without warning. You don't want that when you're out having fun on a trip 100s or 1000s of miles away from home. It is a simple install so just do it on your next free day.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
I installed mine just in case. Then I rushed the install and Richard was a huge help correcting my mistakes over the phone. It's nice to know I won't have an issue and the support was top notch.