No column lock
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: Westchester NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
Ok, I don't get it: you've already paid for the bloody thing, you're pretty much guaranteed to need to install it at an inconvenient time and place, and there's zero downside to having it installed.
So why is it sitting in your trunk?
So why is it sitting in your trunk?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Westchester NY
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: OK
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Get back to us when it does break and you are in an inconvenient position to fix it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: OK
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
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From: Fords, NJ
Not exactly. 
ALL C5's have the logic built into the BCM to issue an unlock command to the lock module that is under the plastic tupperware surrounding the steering column. The lock module retracts the pin (if you listen carefully when you insert the key into the ignition cylinder and just begin to turn it toward the ON position you will hear a soft bzzzzzt. That is the pin being retracted by the lock motor.
Same when you remove the key from the ignition, the BCM will send a lock command to the lock motor and the lock motor extends the lock pin. HOWEVER, the lock plate that would normally intercept the lock pin and lock the column is a small diameter plate that CANNOT intercept the lock pin on automatic trans C5's. Those cars were never eligible for the NHTSA forced column lock recall service. It is the GM recall service that screwed the pooch and causes all the problems that you read about on the Forum. The untouched system whether in a manual or automatic trans is generally fairly reliable. Not so with the recall modded system.
The BCM is the same on ALL the 2001 - 2004 C5's and the logic to operates the lock motor is hard wired into the BCM so you have a column locking system of sorts. It is just that the column in an automatic will never physically lock.
Aren't you glad you asked?
ALL C5's have the logic built into the BCM to issue an unlock command to the lock module that is under the plastic tupperware surrounding the steering column. The lock module retracts the pin (if you listen carefully when you insert the key into the ignition cylinder and just begin to turn it toward the ON position you will hear a soft bzzzzzt. That is the pin being retracted by the lock motor.
Same when you remove the key from the ignition, the BCM will send a lock command to the lock motor and the lock motor extends the lock pin. HOWEVER, the lock plate that would normally intercept the lock pin and lock the column is a small diameter plate that CANNOT intercept the lock pin on automatic trans C5's. Those cars were never eligible for the NHTSA forced column lock recall service. It is the GM recall service that screwed the pooch and causes all the problems that you read about on the Forum. The untouched system whether in a manual or automatic trans is generally fairly reliable. Not so with the recall modded system.
The BCM is the same on ALL the 2001 - 2004 C5's and the logic to operates the lock motor is hard wired into the BCM so you have a column locking system of sorts. It is just that the column in an automatic will never physically lock.
Aren't you glad you asked?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 734
Likes: 45
From: Over in the UK
Hi all, quick question, when you install this, does it mean the column lock will no longer work on the car? Or is this mod to prevent the fail happening?
I have a 99 auto.. So I guess in the firing line for a fail at some point..
I have a 99 auto.. So I guess in the firing line for a fail at some point..
Racer
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 495
Likes: 36
From: Houston Texas
No column lock
So my 99 mn6 still locks up before I put the key in (so I guess column lock still is active)...I've never had any problems with it yet (I know key word is yet). Should I go ahead and install this too? The steering column lock came on the dic for a while but once I changed the battery, it went away. Is it really a ticking time bomb waiting to happen? I assumed that it was good since it lasted this long. Go easy on me, somewhat new to this lol
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 734
Likes: 45
From: Over in the UK
The column never locks again after the LMC5 install. 
If your car is a 99 automatic and the GM Recall service has been done then the column no longer locks with NO KEY in the ignition anyway.
On the automatics, if the recall service was done correctly (operative word "IF") then the worst that will happen is you will get error messages in the DIC. THe column will not lock because for the automatics the recall service installed a small diameter lock plate that prevents the lock pin from ever physically being able to lock the column. Messages tend to be bothersome to many but the car should still be driveable ( no 2mph fuel shutoff required on automatics), if/when the system fails. LMC5 in your case is piece of mind for the most part.
If your car is a 99 automatic and the GM Recall service has been done then the column no longer locks with NO KEY in the ignition anyway.
On the automatics, if the recall service was done correctly (operative word "IF") then the worst that will happen is you will get error messages in the DIC. THe column will not lock because for the automatics the recall service installed a small diameter lock plate that prevents the lock pin from ever physically being able to lock the column. Messages tend to be bothersome to many but the car should still be driveable ( no 2mph fuel shutoff required on automatics), if/when the system fails. LMC5 in your case is piece of mind for the most part.
My column locks! So I'm going to order one now I reckon