I read all the threads I could on the control column lock issues and the recall. I was under the impression that all C-5s with the six speed transmission were subject to the recall. Today I went to my local Chevy dealer and after providing my VIN, I was told there was no recall on my Vette. I explained to the service rep that they had to be wrong because I read on the internet that their was a recall.we laughed and after I was assured that there was no recall on my 2004 Vette. That gave me a number for Chevrolet Corporate so I could verify what they said was correct. I called corporate and they too said no recall on my Vette and it had never reported a problem with the control column lock since it was put in service September 29, 2004. I guess my question is do any other C-5 owners with the 6 speed found out there was no recall on their Vette and then developed a problem with the column lock. I’m planning a road trip and I am concerned with the probability of encountering a problem far away from home..

 

I found this online; will not vouch for the accuracy. Is it possible there was a failure to communicate- the dealership may have been telling you that no recall work had been done to your car as opposed to your car was not subject to a recall? It's also possible your car was manufactured late enough in '04 that it might not have been covered (I noticed after posting the below quote, the date of it s early in '04).

2004 Chevrolet Corvette Steering Recall 04V060000

• Action Number: N/A
  Service Bulletin Number: 04V060000
  Report Date: Feb 09, 2004
  
  Component: Steering
  Potential Units Affected: 126624
  Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
• Summary: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with electronic column lock systems (ecl), when the ignition switch is turned to "lock," the ecl system prevents turning of the steering system. When the vehicle is started, the ecl unlocks the steering system. The vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the vehicle is started and the customer tries to drive, the fuel supply will be shut off so that the vehicle cannot move when the vehicle cannot be steered. If voltage at the powertrain control module is low or interrupted, however, the fuel shut off may not occur and the vehicle can be accelerated while the steering system is locked. Also when the control system shows that the ecl is unlocked and the vehicle is being driven, the lock pin location can vary. Depending on the location of the lock plate relative to the switch transition point, there could then be contact between the lock plate and pin causing the steering to lock while driving.
  
  
  Consequence: If this occurs, a crash could occur without warning.
  
  
  Remedy: On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the dealer will disable the steering column lock by removing the column lock plate. When the ignition key is removed, the transmission shifter will lock but the steering column will not lock. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module, perform a dimensional check of the column lock and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. The steering column on these vehicles will continue to lock when the key is removed. Owner notification to owners of 1997 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions began on april 26, 2004. Owners of 1998 through 2004 vehicles (except 1997-1998 manual transmission vehicles) will be notified beginning on august 2, 2004. The remaining owners (1997-1998 manual transmission vehicles) will be notified later in 2004, when parts are available. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
  
  
  Notes: Gm recall no. 04006. Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

 

Don't let the dealer TOUCH your 2004 C5 Corvette with 6 speed. The dealer can ONLY do more harm than good.

Install the LMC5............................then be happy!! Any good mechanic can do this for you in a hour.

[url] [/ame]

 

Just get the lmc5 module and be worry free $50 for piece of mind, I just put mine in today

 

From what I've read on the subject very late 2004 MY C5s equipped with a manual transmission were not subjected to column lock recalls. I do not know what the VIN cut off is.

My general rule of thumb for C5s is to go out into your car with it off and no key in the ignition and try and turn the steering wheel. If it doesn't lock, then you have either had a GM recall performed or your car currently has the smaller "euro" lock plate installed (2001-04 automatics and very late 04 M6s). If it doesn't lock just buy an LMC5. If it can still lock you need to buy both an LMC5 and the 12v unlocker that Richard at ComplianceParts sells. You use the unlocker in case your column locks for whatever reason, say you neglect to install the LMC5, so you can unlock the column prior to installing the LMC5.

No C5 is 100% safe from column lock issues. Like the sticky reads column lock can strike at any point and without any real warning. It can be anything from just letting your car sit for a few days and losing a little battery charge to some real crazy anomaly such as having the EBCM send a signal out of sync for whatever reason.