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Column lock bypass question

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Old Feb 16, 2021 | 07:28 PM
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Default Column lock bypass question

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
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Old Feb 16, 2021 | 08:32 PM
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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?

Gary
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Old Feb 16, 2021 | 09:08 PM
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what he said ^^^^^

also did you replace the battery or just charge it? these cars are funky if the voltage isn't just right
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Old Feb 16, 2021 | 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by pewter99
what he said ^^^^^

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?
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Old Feb 16, 2021 | 10:25 PM
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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.

https://www.vettenuts.net/index.php?...t_detail&p=470

Last edited by Hepcat; Feb 16, 2021 at 10:31 PM. Reason: Added info
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Old Feb 16, 2021 | 10:43 PM
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Moves "slightly" to me means the column is still locked. You can turn mine 100% in both directions.

Personally, the LMC5 is so cheap and simple to install, it would be silly not to do it.

Read more here - and buy direct from the source.

http://www.complianceparts.com/lmc5whoneeds1.html
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Old Feb 16, 2021 | 11:11 PM
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Just go ahead and purchase and install an LMC5 device. You will not have to worry about column lock issues again.
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Old Feb 17, 2021 | 10:56 AM
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Lmc 5--lmc5--lmc5
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Old Feb 17, 2021 | 11:03 AM
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Originally Posted by vetteman jack
just go ahead and purchase and install an lmc5 device. You will not have to worry about column lock issues again.
amen!!!!!!
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Old Feb 17, 2021 | 11:56 AM
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So....what you guys are saying is...if you can turn the steering wheel without the key in the ignition, then the issue has been fixed?
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Old Feb 17, 2021 | 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by flyingmfrc
So....what you guys are saying is...if you can turn the steering wheel without the key in the ignition, then the issue has been fixed?
No.

If you can turn it while the key is out, SOME fix has been applied. But the GM fix was not a 100% fix, there's been documentation of it failing.
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Old Feb 17, 2021 | 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Stingroo
Moves "slightly" to me means the column is still locked. You can turn mine 100% in both directions.

Personally, the LMC5 is so cheap and simple to install, it would be silly not to do it.

Read more here - and buy direct from the source.

http://www.complianceparts.com/lmc5whoneeds1.html

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.
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Old Feb 17, 2021 | 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by leadfoot4
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.
Smart.

You can turn that fuel cutoff in a tune, I think.
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Old Feb 17, 2021 | 02:31 PM
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Well, I guess I will have to pull the panel off in the passenger side to see if an LMC5 was installed.
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Old Feb 17, 2021 | 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Stingroo
Smart.

You can turn that fuel cutoff in a tune, I think.
Good thought, I'll have to look into that.
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Old Feb 17, 2021 | 11:41 PM
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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.
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