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"Service Column Lock"

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Old Jul 12, 2004 | 07:47 PM
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Default "Service Column Lock"

Found by 99 convertable w/ this error showing and indeed unable to turn steering wheel. After a difficult extraction from under the house parking spot, got her delivered to the dealer via flatbed wrecker. Have any of you experienced this?
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Old Jul 12, 2004 | 08:00 PM
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Yeah....You can say that....The column lock has been experienced by many here on the forum...ORder the CL bypass kit from thunder racing and save yourself the headache next time
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Old Jul 13, 2004 | 05:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Automag928
Yeah....You can say that....The column lock has been experienced by many here on the forum...ORder the CL bypass kit from thunder racing and save yourself the headache next time
.
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Old Aug 27, 2004 | 08:34 AM
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Default Can CLB be installed after your column has failed?

I got this same message on my 1999 coupe this morning. Can I install the Column Lock Bypass (CLB) now, or do I need to have the dealer "unlock" the column, THEN install CLB? I'm kicking myself for not installing it sooner!
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Old Aug 27, 2004 | 08:40 AM
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My understanding is that dealers performing the recall will remove CLBs from the cars.

If your car has been recalled it would seem best to get that done before considering a CLB if you feel you still need one.

When I had my column lock the dealer took care of it including the towing charges at no cost to me.
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Old Aug 27, 2004 | 08:44 AM
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There are 2 kinds of C5 owners, those that have had the column lock problem and those who will!
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Old Aug 27, 2004 | 08:54 AM
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My understanding is that dealers performing the recall will remove CLBs from the cars.
Not true. I verified that with a manager at GM yesterday. He said they are still required by federal law to have an anti-theft device, so on the 6-speeds all they do is "adjust" (whatever that means) the column lock alignment and do a software update that will stall the car if the pin locks-up again. They leave the pin in place, and it can still cause the steering column to lock-up again. It's not a real fix.
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Old Aug 27, 2004 | 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by JSW
Not true. I verified that with a manager at GM yesterday. He said they are still required by federal law to have an anti-theft device, so on the 6-speeds all they do is "adjust" (whatever that means) the column lock alignment and do a software update that will stall the car if the pin locks-up again. They leave the pin in place, and it can still cause the steering column to lock-up again. It's not a real fix.
Thanks. Like I said, I don't have a M6 so maybe they'll leave it in for them.
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Old Aug 27, 2004 | 09:15 AM
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Well, I have an MN6 car. Can I remove the column lock AFTER it has failed and install the CLB, or do I need to have the dealer fix the car first?
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Old Aug 27, 2004 | 09:25 AM
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I don't have a M6
Ahhh. I've never seen a automatic C5 in person, so I tend to forget that they exist. For the standard ones, the dealer does not remove the lock, so it is still a problem.
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Old Aug 27, 2004 | 09:28 AM
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Steering column needs to be unlocked to install the CLB, from what I have read. Have the dealer do the recalls (both, the plate update and the PCM Flash update). While your Vette is at the dealer's to have this done, order the CLB from Corvettes of Houston or Thunder Racing ($55 +s&H). When you get your Vette back and get the part, install it. It takes maybe 30 minutes to do and is very easy. Hardest part for some is pulling down the lower steering column trim. Here are the detailed instructions:
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?ar...bbd92a57ce0d1e
Once installed, you won't have to worry about it again!
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