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Old Jan 2, 2016 | 11:51 PM
  #1  
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Default Run flats

I've noticed even with my traction control on my car seems to shoot one way or another not straight and I'm wondering if it's the run flats that are causing it I feel like I can't just nail it when I want more like I have to gradually get on it I'm hoping it's not my Tcs? Anybody dealt with this??
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 01:08 AM
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Originally Posted by ZeeOh6vette
I've noticed even with my traction control on my car seems to shoot one way or another not straight and I'm wondering if it's the run flats that are causing it I feel like I can't just nail it when I want more like I have to gradually get on it I'm hoping it's not my Tcs? Anybody dealt with this??
I just recently wore out my set of runflats on my y2k wheels and just swapped over to some Dunlop Non-runflats on wagon wheels for the time being that I just picked up a week ago.

It is night and day traction wise. Even now that it is starting to get cold. Runflats are like ice skates compared to these Dunlops. And I have to mention the quieter and smoother ride as well.

With my traction control on the car would still get completely sideways with the runflats. These Non-runflats grip alot better.

My advice is get those runflats off if you plan on doing any spirited driving.

Last edited by 16SecondVette; Jan 3, 2016 at 01:09 AM.
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 02:11 AM
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Originally Posted by 16SecondVette
I just recently wore out my set of runflats on my y2k wheels and just swapped over to some Dunlop Non-runflats on wagon wheels for the time being that I just picked up a week ago.

It is night and day traction wise. Even now that it is starting to get cold. Runflats are like ice skates compared to these Dunlops. And I have to mention the quieter and smoother ride as well.

With my traction control on the car would still get completely sideways with the runflats. These Non-runflats grip alot better.

My advice is get those runflats off if you plan on doing any spirited driving.
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 09:31 AM
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Are your run flats the ones that originally came on the car? If so, that could be part of your problem - as tires age they tend to get hard and traction is diminished. Also, if they are summer tires, in colder temps the traction goes down.

Yes, non-run flats will give you better traction. You will notice a big difference not only in the traction your car has, but also in the handling, ride quality and lower road noise with non runflats. But again, unless you get all season tires, colder weather will affect the traction the car has.

Another thing is traction control is designed to primarily prevent wheel spin. Active handling helps prevent side to side motion.
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 10:30 AM
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Dits the RF and get some good rubber on the road...and enjoy your Z06.
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
Profile says the car is an 03 Z06. NO Z06 ever came from the factory with run flats. Someone (previous owner?) decided they couldn't live without run flats on the Z06...
They look fairly new my car has 50k on it and it's a Arizona car I'm assuming there added after the fact I thought they came on the car originally cause there isn't a spare? I wouldn't know though being this is the first vette I've ever owned.


Thanks for the replies everyone
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by ZeeOh6vette
They look fairly new my car has 50k on it and it's a Arizona car I'm assuming there added after the fact I thought they came on the car originally cause there isn't a spare? I wouldn't know though being this is the first vette I've ever owned.


Thanks for the replies everyone
FYI... if you haven't checked... make sure you have the LMC5 module fix for the column lock issue... here is a link of "how to install" which will show you where it is and help to identify/verify if it's been done... IF it hasn't order one from Compliance Parts and INSTALL it...

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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by 73Corvette
FYI... if you haven't checked... make sure you have the LMC5 module fix for the column lock issue... here is a link of "how to install" which will show you where it is and help to identify/verify if it's been done... IF it hasn't order one from Compliance Parts and INSTALL it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV42FuGWjoE


Thanks what's that do?
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by ZeeOh6vette
Thanks what's that do?
The LMC5 module will NOT allow the column to lock... a common failure... in fact it's NOT if it will fail, it's when will it fail...when it does you steering column is LOCKED and won't turn.

This might help...

http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...d.php?t=125651
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by 73Corvette
The LMC5 module will NOT allow the column to lock... a common failure... in fact it's NOT if it will fail, it's when will it fail...when it does you steering column is LOCKED and won't turn.

This might help...

http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...d.php?t=125651
If it doesn't lock is that a bad thing what does that mean other than the noticeable? Sorry so may questions
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 11:25 AM
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Got rid of my run flats early on and have never looked back
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by ZeeOh6vette
If it doesn't lock is that a bad thing what does that mean other than the noticeable? Sorry so may questions

* GM installed a Steering Column Lock mechanism on all 1997 - 2004 manual (MN6) cars and on 1997 to 2000 automatic (A4) cars
* There is a GM recall for this problem on affected models and years
* It is one of the most problematic issues that we C5 owners deal with
* It can happen to you if you have a pre-2001 A4 without the recall or CLB installed OR any year MN6 or Z06 car without a CLB installed. Age or mileage makes no difference.
* Low battery voltage seems to aggravate and sometimes cause column lock failures


Q: What is the symptom of failure?
A: Your steering wheel will not unlock and the DIC will display an error message "Service Steering Column Lock". Your owner's manual will instruct you to have your vehicle towed to the nearest GM dealer for repair.

Q: What exactly causes this failure?
A: When you insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position, the BCM (Body Control Module) sends a command to your Column Lock Motor to "unlock" and then checks a status line to ensure that the steering column is unlocked. If it gets the wrong status, it will display an error message as mentioned above. It can be caused by ECL (Electronic Column Lock) mechanism failure and occasionally by low battery voltage, which sometimes confuses the BCM.

Q: Can anything be done to unlock the steering column once it has locked up?
A: Sometimes; turn the ignition OFF and REMOVE the key. Shock your lock motor actuator assembly by jerking the steering wheel against the stops. Re-insert your key and try again. Also, if your battery voltage is low, charge your battery or replace it.

Q: If my battery is discharged and I jump it to get the engine started, the alternator is now charging shouldn't the column unlock?
A: NO; The whole unlock sequence occurs before you ever turn your key to start your engine. If the battery is too low, you will probably have trouble with your column lock. Several folks have replaced their battery and the column lock problem has never occurred since.

Q: Does this problem affect both A4’s and MN6 vehicles?
A: Yes; however if you have 2001 or newer A4 car, the ECL lock plate has been replaced.

Q: What years are affected?
A: Pre-2001 A4 cars and all MN6 or MN12(Z06) cars.
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by 73Corvette
* GM installed a Steering Column Lock mechanism on all 1997 - 2004 manual (MN6) cars and on 1997 to 2000 automatic (A4) cars
* There is a GM recall for this problem on affected models and years
* It is one of the most problematic issues that we C5 owners deal with
* It can happen to you if you have a pre-2001 A4 without the recall or CLB installed OR any year MN6 or Z06 car without a CLB installed. Age or mileage makes no difference.
* Low battery voltage seems to aggravate and sometimes cause column lock failures


Q: What is the symptom of failure?
A: Your steering wheel will not unlock and the DIC will display an error message "Service Steering Column Lock". Your owner's manual will instruct you to have your vehicle towed to the nearest GM dealer for repair.

Q: What exactly causes this failure?
A: When you insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position, the BCM (Body Control Module) sends a command to your Column Lock Motor to "unlock" and then checks a status line to ensure that the steering column is unlocked. If it gets the wrong status, it will display an error message as mentioned above. It can be caused by ECL (Electronic Column Lock) mechanism failure and occasionally by low battery voltage, which sometimes confuses the BCM.

Q: Can anything be done to unlock the steering column once it has locked up?
A: Sometimes; turn the ignition OFF and REMOVE the key. Shock your lock motor actuator assembly by jerking the steering wheel against the stops. Re-insert your key and try again. Also, if your battery voltage is low, charge your battery or replace it.

Q: If my battery is discharged and I jump it to get the engine started, the alternator is now charging shouldn't the column unlock?
A: NO; The whole unlock sequence occurs before you ever turn your key to start your engine. If the battery is too low, you will probably have trouble with your column lock. Several folks have replaced their battery and the column lock problem has never occurred since.

Q: Does this problem affect both A4’s and MN6 vehicles?
A: Yes; however if you have 2001 or newer A4 car, the ECL lock plate has been replaced.

Q: What years are affected?
A: Pre-2001 A4 cars and all MN6 or MN12(Z06) cars.

Oh IC I'll look into that the warning was coming on when I bought it but it went away and hasn't showed back up for six months since I've owned it I thought it was because it was never driven im
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by ZeeOh6vette
Oh IC I'll look into that the warning was coming on when I bought it but it went away and hasn't showed back up for six months since I've owned it I thought it was because it was never driven im
LOL... not crazy... VERY important that you get this fixed with the LMC5 module IF it hasn't been done... and while your at it, when you call Compliance Parts its nice to get rid of the CAGS... computer aided gear selection function... some call it "skip shift" anyway if you noticed you can't shift from 1st to 2nd if your at a certain RPM or SPEED... you have to shift to 4th.... it was done to circumvent some government regulations concerning gasoline usage.

This is the one I got...





http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-4...1997-2013.aspx
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 11:41 AM
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Originally Posted by 73Corvette
LOL... not crazy... VERY important that you get this fixed with the LMC5 module IF it hasn't been done... and while your at it, when you call Compliance Parts its nice to get rid of the CAGS... computer aided gear selection function... some call it "skip shift" anyway if you noticed you can't shift from 1st to 2nd if your at a certain RPM or SPEED... you have to shift to 4th.... it was done to circumvent some government regulations concerning gasoline usage.

This is the one I got...





http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-4...1997-2013.aspx
Already got it brotha I ordered it a month ago.
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by ZeeOh6vette
Already got it brotha I ordered it a month ago.
From there lol
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 11:52 AM
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Originally Posted by ZeeOh6vette
From there lol
Good deal... another thing that I did that helped out my MN6 was doing the Anti-Venom mod, also the Ranger Method to clean the clutch fluid, I also switched to Lucas DOT 4 full synthetic...
and for what it's worth the $125 I spent for a C6 Z06 shifter and box...WOW what a difference
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 12:05 PM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
The C5 Z06 did NOT come with run flats from the factory. All the other versions of the C5 DID come with run flats. ( Actually referred to as EMT's or Extended Mobility Tires from Good Year)

The MOST COMMON cause of the column lock symptoms and messages is a weak or bad battery or loose or corroded battery cables including at the starter.

If the car had column lock messages when you got it, that may have been due to a low battery from lack of being driven. Many if not most C5 owners keep the battery connected to a battery tender device if the car is not going to be driven for a week or more. The battery in the C5 can easily be drained by just letting the car sit for periods of time.

If your column does NOT lock with "no key in the ignition" then it may have a Column LOCK Bypass (CLB) installed or it may have the later version of the GM column lock recall service done to it. The later version of the GM column lock recall (04006C) is NOT a guarantee that you will not be stranded if the battery unexpectedly goes low (2 mph fuel shut off).
Thanks for chiming in Chuck... I think what 8vette7 is saying is you STILL need to get the LMC5 module to insure you don't get stranded in the future, regardless of what "recall work" has been done
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
The C5 Z06 did NOT come with run flats from the factory. All the other versions of the C5 DID come with run flats. ( Actually referred to as EMT's or Extended Mobility Tires from Good Year)

The MOST COMMON cause of the column lock symptoms and messages is a weak or bad battery or loose or corroded battery cables including at the starter.

If the car had column lock messages when you got it, that may have been due to a low battery from lack of being driven. Many if not most C5 owners keep the battery connected to a battery tender device if the car is not going to be driven for a week or more. The battery in the C5 can easily be drained by just letting the car sit for periods of time.

If your column does NOT lock with "no key in the ignition" then it may have a Column LOCK Bypass (CLB) installed or it may have the later version of the GM column lock recall service done to it. The later version of the GM column lock recall (04006C) is NOT a guarantee that you will not be stranded if the battery unexpectedly goes low (2 mph fuel shut off).
The column does not lock when my key is out of the ignition, I just went out to the garage and checked it.
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Old Jan 3, 2016 | 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
Guess I should have said that the LMC5 is the only permanent solution to the column lock problems on the C5.
What would be my next step?
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