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Hello everyone, I bought a 2001 C5 a couple of months ago and after my battery died I have been getting the service column lock message periodically. It doesn’t affect anything but It just pops up on the dash. Is there any way to see if I have bypass lock installed on the car already?
Last edited by Mike1985; Feb 16, 2021 at 07:35 PM.
Reason: Spelling
With the ignition off, can you turn the wheel left or right. If so one of the bypass modules or possibly a GM fix was applied.
Is the car an Auto or Manual?
also did you replace the battery or just charge it? these cars are funky if the voltage isn't just right
Thanks for the replies, it’s a 2001 Manual when the ignition is off I can turn the wheel alittle not much though. I jumped the car as well. It started today once I turn on the ignition the message will pop up but won’t inhibit the car in any way. Any ideas on how much a shop would charge to install a column lock bypass?
See this link. From what I understand, you can do this yourself. Not expensive. It was a GM recall issue and I “believe” mine was done on my 2000 as I have a recall service complete on a my pre-buy Carfax and the wheel “moves” slightly when turned off as described above. Lots of thread info available on the forum. Good luck.
I agree. And FWIW, YEARS ago, long before the LMC5 was available (and I installed one), I removed my steering wheel, removed the "column lock plate", chucked it up in a lathe, and machined off the "recesses" that the locking pin engages in, therefore rendering the lock mechanism inoperative. Therefore, absolute worst that could happen, if EVERYTHING failed, I could still steer the car, therefore drive it, although the 5 MPH limiter might kick in. But I wouldn't be stuck, immobilized.
I agree. And FWIW, YEARS ago, long before the LMC5 was available (and I installed one), I removed my steering wheel, removed the "column lock plate", chucked it up in a lathe, and machined off the "recesses" that the locking pin engages in, therefore rendering the lock mechanism inoperative. Therefore, absolute worst that could happen, if EVERYTHING failed, I could still steer the car, therefore drive it, although the 5 MPH limiter might kick in. But I wouldn't be stuck, immobilized.
You can have the LMC5 and still see the Service Column message. My car has the LMC5 and the Service Column message will come up, if the battery isn't fully charged.
When I keep the car's battery on a tender, the message never pops up when starting.