Column Lock Bypass (CLB)
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
Column Lock Bypass (CLB)
Hi All
Got stranded with this issue and had to tie car home. After looking at forum I disconnected battery a couple of times and finally got it to release. However, I can only hope doesn't lock again before I get it to mechanic. I am not mechanically handy, so could I install instead of mechanic. Cheers
Got stranded with this issue and had to tie car home. After looking at forum I disconnected battery a couple of times and finally got it to release. However, I can only hope doesn't lock again before I get it to mechanic. I am not mechanically handy, so could I install instead of mechanic. Cheers
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
You can do this yourself. If not, get the LMC5 and share this with your mechanic. In the interim, make sure your battery is not low. That causes almost all CL issues.
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 in the I/P fuse box, 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.
They also have a great install video in their eBay ads you need to watch.
Compliance Parts website: http://complianceparts.com/index.html
Mr. Sam
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 in the I/P fuse box, 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.
They also have a great install video in their eBay ads you need to watch.
Compliance Parts website: http://complianceparts.com/index.html
Mr. Sam
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The LMC5 is the wise choice for curing the column lock problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: OK
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 8
From: Chicago IL
I purchased the LMC5 and installed it after my steering wheel locked. While the ignition was off i jerked the wheel left and right, then turned on the key and the wheel unlocked and I installed the kit. It was easy to install, I followed the instructions and watched the video.. I even purchased 2 kits and threw the spare in the trunk incase something happens to the first. At 40 bucks, its cheap insurance.
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Mount Pearl NL
I installed an LMC5 in my '99 M6 about 3 weeks ago. Column wasn't locked but I heard so many stories about folks getting stranded, I had to do it. Cost me $100 by the time I got it delivered here in NL, Canada. It was pretty easy, but I did have trouble getting the last wire out of the connector. Took me a half hour of poking at it, over and over again. Finally it came out. I had to really push hard on it. Everything has been working fine ever since the install.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
Fitted LMC5 as per instructions and also need the unlocker as steering locked. Followed exactly as instructed however steering still locked. Re installed and still locked. Also remover #23 fuse, disconnected -battery reinserted #fuse 23 and steering still locked. I even used the unlocker on a separate battery and steering still locked. I am now a little concerned. The car has been converted to right hand drive with relays removed, so I am confused on what the issue is. Could BCM be stuffed? Is there anything else I can do or missed as the installation of the LMC5 was pretty straight forward. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
A few people have had the CL bind up.
It's a mechanical issue where the lock motor plunger gets stuck. With the ignition OFF I would grab the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, try to steer left and right real hard for a few seconds and then try to start it. You can try it with the ignition ON in case OFF does not work.
If that does not work you can go to the column and resolve it. Let us know if you need help to do that. It could be the motor is not getting power or ground to move and is just in the lock position. We could try and test for that or just jumper the motor and see.
If you get the column to unlock just make sure that while the ignition is ON and the CL is not locked, you pull that fuse so it is left "unarmed" and will not lock when you are done and move the steering wheel. Ask me how I know to do that.
Mr. Sam
It's a mechanical issue where the lock motor plunger gets stuck. With the ignition OFF I would grab the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, try to steer left and right real hard for a few seconds and then try to start it. You can try it with the ignition ON in case OFF does not work.
If that does not work you can go to the column and resolve it. Let us know if you need help to do that. It could be the motor is not getting power or ground to move and is just in the lock position. We could try and test for that or just jumper the motor and see.
If you get the column to unlock just make sure that while the ignition is ON and the CL is not locked, you pull that fuse so it is left "unarmed" and will not lock when you are done and move the steering wheel. Ask me how I know to do that.
Mr. Sam
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 430
From: Birmingham Al
LMC5 is the way to go takes longer to read the how to do the install than the install easy to do ,just had friend get locked out of his 2002 ,people were there to help next day BAM LMC5 .. It not if its when ..
-----
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 21
From: Virginia
You can do this yourself. If not, get the LMC5 and share this with your mechanic. In the interim, make sure your battery is not low. That causes almost all CL issues.
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 in the I/P fuse box, 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.
They also have a great install video in their eBay ads you need to watch.
Compliance Parts website: http://complianceparts.com/index.html
Mr. Sam
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 in the I/P fuse box, 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.
They also have a great install video in their eBay ads you need to watch.
Compliance Parts website: http://complianceparts.com/index.html
Mr. Sam
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 80
Likes: 8
From: Savannah GA
A few years ago my car was taken to the dealer by the previous owner and had one of the modules replaced (BCM?) for almost $1000. It was for the service column lock issue.. the car is a 2002.
I got the service column lock message while driving the car a couple weeks ago , but the lock never engaged. I've been driving the car with the message on and no problem.
That said, I ordered the column lock bypass that plugs directly into the harness under the steering column and pulled the BCM fuse to reset the message. Works fine now, although I did notice my battery voltage is getting quite low with the car off or in the accessory mode. It could have been battery related, so getting the battery tested today as well.. but at least I'll never have to worry about it locking for 20 minutes worth of work and $40.
I got the service column lock message while driving the car a couple weeks ago , but the lock never engaged. I've been driving the car with the message on and no problem.
That said, I ordered the column lock bypass that plugs directly into the harness under the steering column and pulled the BCM fuse to reset the message. Works fine now, although I did notice my battery voltage is getting quite low with the car off or in the accessory mode. It could have been battery related, so getting the battery tested today as well.. but at least I'll never have to worry about it locking for 20 minutes worth of work and $40.