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C5 column lock by-pass installation

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Old Dec 16, 2014 | 09:27 PM
  #1  
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Default C5 column lock by-pass installation

I live in Western Maine and am looking for a reputable shop to install a column lock by-pass on my '02. Please, no suggestions on how to do this myself. I want someone who knows what they're doing to complete the job. Any suggestions?
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Old Dec 16, 2014 | 10:38 PM
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First, I'd install the LMC5 rather than the CLB - much simpler as there is no need to work under or in the dash on the drivers side.

Second, Richard at Compliance Parts that supplies the LMC5 is great to work with.

Going to a dealer would cost you a fortune and they will do the recall change that does not guarantee a fix - while the LMC5 parts are around $40 and it takes less than an hour. I'd call around to some of the Mom & Pop type places and see what they can do. (I've done two or them myself).

Good luck.
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Old Dec 16, 2014 | 11:02 PM
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Watch this...if you still think you can not do this then buy this part and take it to almost anybody who works on cars and let them watch this video.

My car locked on Sunday, I ordered the part from them(Ebay store)( Search LMC5), and got it today and installed it. it was $46 and I paid for express shipping ($20). The dealer may charge up to $1000 dollars for this and it still may fail...

Last edited by jdvann; Dec 16, 2014 at 11:06 PM.
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Old Dec 17, 2014 | 12:22 AM
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I understand your reluctance to tackle the job yourself, but it really is not that difficult to do if you have some basic mechanical skills. I took my time when I did mine and everything worked perfectly. But I do agree that the LMC-5 would be an easier change to make.

If you decide to take it to someone, perhaps a local Corvette club would have some recommendations.
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Old Dec 17, 2014 | 02:32 AM
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lol for months now ive been reading how easy it is to do this,,,ive finally seen the video and theres no way anyone who isn't a mechanic should be attempting this.

Imagine the look on your mechanics face when the car doesn't start and you have to tell him u were digging around in the floor-board cutting wires, swapping plugs and messing with the ECU .... LOL

DO NOT attempt this unless you are qualified
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Old Dec 17, 2014 | 05:17 AM
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Wow! Great! Thanks!
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Old Dec 17, 2014 | 07:26 AM
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Originally Posted by schulte26
I live in Western Maine and am looking for a reputable shop to install a column lock by-pass on my '02. Please, no suggestions on how to do this myself. I want someone who knows what they're doing to complete the job. Any suggestions?
You can have your install done right at Enhanced Street Performance in Sterling, Ma. Sure its a ride but you get to enjoy your Vette at the same time. They have worked on my Vette and have a reasonable labor rate. http://www.enhancedstreetperformance.com/
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Old Dec 17, 2014 | 09:00 AM
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I did the LMC5 mod and it was not difficult at all, if you can read and are not color blind U can do this with no problem. Your car so U make the call, just saying.
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Old Dec 17, 2014 | 10:20 AM
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WOW, if you can't do this, maybe driving your car is too complicated too.
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Old Dec 17, 2014 | 10:46 AM
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I recommend getting the LMC5 since if your car had dealer recall work before this unit does not require you to undue anything like the K-Harness install.

PS: I assume you have a manual tranny since the autos in 2002 do not have a column lock feature.
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Old Dec 17, 2014 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by jdvann
Watch this...if you still think you can not do this then buy this part and take it to almost anybody who works on cars and let them watch this video.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV42FuGWjoE

My car locked on Sunday, I ordered the part from them(Ebay store)( Search LMC5), and got it today and installed it. it was $46 and I paid for express shipping ($20). The dealer may charge up to $1000 dollars for this and it still may fail...
Awesome video..........thanks for all the help. The video really simplifies the process.
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Old Dec 18, 2014 | 06:58 AM
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Some more info:

I consider the LMC5 to be the best Column Lock problem permanent fix out there. It also does not require you to “undo” any previous CL attempts to resolve this issue. Their eBay ads have a good video that shows the install at the BCM. It does not cover everything in the written instructions. So, read the instructions and also here is some extra info. In some cases, the BCM timing is off just enough to cause some issues. They make several versions and they can swap out/provide one of these if you have any issues. Their customer support is as good as it gets.

Not uncommon for people to "put the column in a pre-lock condition" and not know it and then start with the install. In other words, they started with the column lock “energized’ even if it was not actually locked yet. If not actually locked yet, it will be as soon as you turn the steering wheel after the LMC5 install. It will then remain in the locked condition until you cause the motor to unlock. It will then remain in the unlocked condition since the motor is then unpowered with the circuits disconnected.

Here is one way to prevent that if your column locks and unlocks normally:

If the CL is functioning normally you don't not need the Unlocker, merely turn the ignition ON, pull fuse #23, turn ignition OFF, turn the steering wheel (left and right) and verify it is unlocked. Next, disconnect the negative battery terminal, re-insert fuse #23 and continue with the install.

Also the 1999 and later C5's have a column lock relay that can be unplugged or else it will be powered and could fail and drain the battery. The LMC5 written guidance provides this info. This relay is above the BCM.

Compliance Parts website: http://complianceparts.com/index.html
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Old Dec 18, 2014 | 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by 1Willy1
lol for months now ive been reading how easy it is to do this,,,ive finally seen the video and theres no way anyone who isn't a mechanic should be attempting this.

Imagine the look on your mechanics face when the car doesn't start and you have to tell him u were digging around in the floor-board cutting wires, swapping plugs and messing with the ECU .... LOL

DO NOT attempt this unless you are qualified

You have no clue what you're talking about...

I'm not a certified mechanic...

I installed mine today in 20 minutes.
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