CLB is not the answer
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
I go from being scared to death about this problem to thinking it's silly and everywhere in between.
From the instructions on installing a CLB, I have real concerns about getting my car put back together again. Now I read where at least one person is having trouble because he installed the thing. I've also read that now some CLB owners are claiming that the install (in SOME cases) will correct the problem after it's happened, which is contrary to previous posts. It doesn't seem that there's a real solid body of knowledge about this problem.
Does anybody have any idea of what the actual, documented statistics are on actually HAVING this problem? Is it 1 out of 5? Out of 10? Out of 100?
From the instructions on installing a CLB, I have real concerns about getting my car put back together again. Now I read where at least one person is having trouble because he installed the thing. I've also read that now some CLB owners are claiming that the install (in SOME cases) will correct the problem after it's happened, which is contrary to previous posts. It doesn't seem that there's a real solid body of knowledge about this problem.
Does anybody have any idea of what the actual, documented statistics are on actually HAVING this problem? Is it 1 out of 5? Out of 10? Out of 100?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE
I go from being scared to death about this problem to thinking it's silly and everywhere in between.
From the instructions on installing a CLB, I have real concerns about getting my car put back together again. Now I read where at least one person is having trouble because he installed the thing. I've also read that now some CLB owners are claiming that the install (in SOME cases) will correct the problem after it's happened, which is contrary to previous posts. It doesn't seem that there's a real solid body of knowledge about this problem.
Does anybody have any idea of what the actual, documented statistics are on actually HAVING this problem? Is it 1 out of 5? Out of 10? Out of 100?
From the instructions on installing a CLB, I have real concerns about getting my car put back together again. Now I read where at least one person is having trouble because he installed the thing. I've also read that now some CLB owners are claiming that the install (in SOME cases) will correct the problem after it's happened, which is contrary to previous posts. It doesn't seem that there's a real solid body of knowledge about this problem.
Does anybody have any idea of what the actual, documented statistics are on actually HAVING this problem? Is it 1 out of 5? Out of 10? Out of 100?
1. Installing a CLB on a 97/98 car has been known to cause the "pull key..." message. Why these 2 years are different, I don't know, but it's even stated on my CLB instructions it might not work on those year cars.
2. Pulling the interior panel off is not a big deal, and it is really not that bad to reinstall. You have to consider the various mechanical abilities of the car owners on this forum, which range from rocket scientists to the ones who have trouble adding fuel at a gas station..
3. The CLB will not unlock a stuck column. Your column needs to be unlocked prior to disconnecting it. The included lighter plug will apply power to the motor to unlock it, but if it's stuck to begin with, that won't do it.
The CLB iitself is only a module that fools the BCM into thinking the colum lock is funcioning properly. The real fix occurs when you unplug the lock motor from the wiring harness (after unlocking it). Disconnecting the power source is a pretty safe bet it won't ever move again.
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
Originally Posted by Y2Kvert4me
To address your concerns:
1. Installing a CLB on a 97/98 car has been known to cause the "pull key..." message. Why these 2 years are different, I don't know, but it's even stated on my CLB instructions it might not work on those year cars.
2. Pulling the interior panel off is not a big deal, and it is really not that bad to reinstall. You have to consider the various mechanical abilities of the car owners on this forum, which range from rocket scientists to the ones who have trouble adding fuel at a gas station..
3. The CLB will not unlock a stuck column. Your column needs to be unlocked prior to disconnecting it. The included lighter plug will apply power to the motor to unlock it, but if it's stuck to begin with, that won't do it.
The CLB iitself is only a module that fools the BCM into thinking the colum lock is funcioning properly. The real fix occurs when you unplug the lock motor from the wiring harness (after unlocking it). Disconnecting the power source is a pretty safe bet it won't ever move again.
1. Installing a CLB on a 97/98 car has been known to cause the "pull key..." message. Why these 2 years are different, I don't know, but it's even stated on my CLB instructions it might not work on those year cars.
2. Pulling the interior panel off is not a big deal, and it is really not that bad to reinstall. You have to consider the various mechanical abilities of the car owners on this forum, which range from rocket scientists to the ones who have trouble adding fuel at a gas station..
3. The CLB will not unlock a stuck column. Your column needs to be unlocked prior to disconnecting it. The included lighter plug will apply power to the motor to unlock it, but if it's stuck to begin with, that won't do it.
The CLB iitself is only a module that fools the BCM into thinking the colum lock is funcioning properly. The real fix occurs when you unplug the lock motor from the wiring harness (after unlocking it). Disconnecting the power source is a pretty safe bet it won't ever move again.
As for using the kit to unlock the problem, this is from www.97vette.com
!!! If your column is locked now, read on !!!
I had a friend email me in late 1999. He got the column lock message and decided to install the bypass after getting the error. I asked him to clear the codes/computer and the MESSAGE WENT AWAY! No longer do you HAVE to see the dealer when the column locks! This is great news for anyone who had their C5 go out of warranty. You can attempt to use the column lock installation instructions and install the bypass, then delete the codes. One corvetteforum member tried this, but kept blowing fuses. If this is the case, the column lock is drawing too much current and must be replaced. But if you are successful in retracting the column lock, see the following details:
I received this question via email:
First of all, thanks for taking the time to put such great instructions on the internet. I got the bypass and installed it. However, my steering column was locked when I put the bypass in. I played around with the steering wheel and got it to unlock. I then installed the bypass. The only problem I have is that I get the "service steering column" message every time I start the car. Is there any way to get rid of this message without having to unplug everything and let GM have another shot at fixing the car? Thanks again for all your help. Save the Wave.
My response:
I have spent a lot of time on the CorvetteForum.com (and other forums) and have never seen anyone actually install the bypass after getting a "service column" message. But, if we can get this fixed, this information will be invaluable!
Before removing the bypass, which you already installed, I am going to suggest that you clear the code within the computer, first. Turn the key to the ON position, but don't start the engine. Clear any present messages (like Door Ajar, or Service Steering Column) by pressing the RESET button. Then hold the OPTIONS button down, while pressing the FUEL button 4 times. This will get you into the CODES section of the DIC.
The computer will automatically display all the codes your car is or has created. It will cycle through each code every 3 seconds. You can watch it display codes for every module in your car. If you want to write them down, go ahead. Any code that ends in H is a history code - something that has occured in the past but is fine now. The computer is very sensative and would throw a code if you turned the radio off while tuning it. You should have one code that should be your column code. It may be one of the following codes:
B2587 Column Lock / Unlock Drive (A)
B2588 Column Lock / Unlock Drive (A)
B2592 Column Lock / Unlock Drive (B)
B2583 Column Lock / Unlock Drive (B)
Once the computer has finished going through all of it's automatic codes, press RESET to enter Manual Configuration. It should start with a module and show "NO CODES" or "# CODES". If it shows a number of codes, press and hold RESET until it displays "NO CODES". This is how you reset your codes. Press OPTIONS to go to the next module. Repeat the steps in this paragraph until you have gone through all the computers. Then, I'd turn the car off and disconnect the negative cable to the battery. This will reset the computer. I'd leave it off for a few seconds while the computer resets. It does remember a lot of things, but I have the feeling that by clearing the codes and removing power, you might get the computer to forget that it ever had a column lock problem. Connect the battery and turn the key to ON. If it's still showing "Service Steering Column," I'm afraid that you have no choice but to get the car hooked back up and take it to the dealer.
Let me know if any of my suggestions worked. Like I said, this has never been tried before.
His reponse:
I used your method to erase the DIC message on the steering column and it worked. The message went away and the bypass works great. Thanks. Keep up the good work.
Another CorvetteForum member posted this solution: Leave key in car with engine running. Remove fuse #25 (under passenger seat in fuse box, look on diagram). Now while car is still running, the DIC is blank, you can turn the steering wheel, and the column lock is released. However, if I pulled forward, the car died. Put the fuse back in. Start car. Now the car started fine for me and after a number of tests, everything is still ok, the Service Column Lock no longer comes on and the car drives and handles normally.
Disclaimer: 97vette.com offers the C5 HOW TO section as a guide.
97vette.com will not accept any responsibility if you make a mistake and
damage your Corvette. You assume any and all responsibility to use caution
when performing work on your Corvette to prevent yourself from causing any
damage. --Pat
I had a friend email me in late 1999. He got the column lock message and decided to install the bypass after getting the error. I asked him to clear the codes/computer and the MESSAGE WENT AWAY! No longer do you HAVE to see the dealer when the column locks! This is great news for anyone who had their C5 go out of warranty. You can attempt to use the column lock installation instructions and install the bypass, then delete the codes. One corvetteforum member tried this, but kept blowing fuses. If this is the case, the column lock is drawing too much current and must be replaced. But if you are successful in retracting the column lock, see the following details:
I received this question via email:
First of all, thanks for taking the time to put such great instructions on the internet. I got the bypass and installed it. However, my steering column was locked when I put the bypass in. I played around with the steering wheel and got it to unlock. I then installed the bypass. The only problem I have is that I get the "service steering column" message every time I start the car. Is there any way to get rid of this message without having to unplug everything and let GM have another shot at fixing the car? Thanks again for all your help. Save the Wave.
My response:
I have spent a lot of time on the CorvetteForum.com (and other forums) and have never seen anyone actually install the bypass after getting a "service column" message. But, if we can get this fixed, this information will be invaluable!
Before removing the bypass, which you already installed, I am going to suggest that you clear the code within the computer, first. Turn the key to the ON position, but don't start the engine. Clear any present messages (like Door Ajar, or Service Steering Column) by pressing the RESET button. Then hold the OPTIONS button down, while pressing the FUEL button 4 times. This will get you into the CODES section of the DIC.
The computer will automatically display all the codes your car is or has created. It will cycle through each code every 3 seconds. You can watch it display codes for every module in your car. If you want to write them down, go ahead. Any code that ends in H is a history code - something that has occured in the past but is fine now. The computer is very sensative and would throw a code if you turned the radio off while tuning it. You should have one code that should be your column code. It may be one of the following codes:
B2587 Column Lock / Unlock Drive (A)
B2588 Column Lock / Unlock Drive (A)
B2592 Column Lock / Unlock Drive (B)
B2583 Column Lock / Unlock Drive (B)
Once the computer has finished going through all of it's automatic codes, press RESET to enter Manual Configuration. It should start with a module and show "NO CODES" or "# CODES". If it shows a number of codes, press and hold RESET until it displays "NO CODES". This is how you reset your codes. Press OPTIONS to go to the next module. Repeat the steps in this paragraph until you have gone through all the computers. Then, I'd turn the car off and disconnect the negative cable to the battery. This will reset the computer. I'd leave it off for a few seconds while the computer resets. It does remember a lot of things, but I have the feeling that by clearing the codes and removing power, you might get the computer to forget that it ever had a column lock problem. Connect the battery and turn the key to ON. If it's still showing "Service Steering Column," I'm afraid that you have no choice but to get the car hooked back up and take it to the dealer.
Let me know if any of my suggestions worked. Like I said, this has never been tried before.
His reponse:
I used your method to erase the DIC message on the steering column and it worked. The message went away and the bypass works great. Thanks. Keep up the good work.
Another CorvetteForum member posted this solution: Leave key in car with engine running. Remove fuse #25 (under passenger seat in fuse box, look on diagram). Now while car is still running, the DIC is blank, you can turn the steering wheel, and the column lock is released. However, if I pulled forward, the car died. Put the fuse back in. Start car. Now the car started fine for me and after a number of tests, everything is still ok, the Service Column Lock no longer comes on and the car drives and handles normally.
Disclaimer: 97vette.com offers the C5 HOW TO section as a guide.
97vette.com will not accept any responsibility if you make a mistake and
damage your Corvette. You assume any and all responsibility to use caution
when performing work on your Corvette to prevent yourself from causing any
damage. --Pat
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Originally Posted by Patches
97-98 are known to be finicky about the CLB. The vast majority of guys here running one have had no problems, me included.
I have read of several members getting repeated lockups even after two and three GM "fixes".
Best of luck with your's.
I have read of several members getting repeated lockups even after two and three GM "fixes".
Best of luck with your's.
The GM harness has a device in it that connects in line between the lock rod motor and the BCM.
Allowing normal function of all of the rest of the VATS.
Where as the CLB only connects to the BCM leaving the lock motor out of the circuit completely.
Since GM engineering designed the system they do know how to bypass any part of it correctly, aftermarket parts claim to do the same thing but rarely ever do and have little or no testing to back it up.
And in some cases they cause damage to other expensive parts requireing their replacement also. Since I do all my own work and understand most of the systems in the car I got off lucky!
But someone who will have to pay for the work could end up with a real nightmare on their hands.
Do it once and do it the right way and you'll never be sorry.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
This is true in the A4, but not on the M6. Since the A4 tranny acts as the locking mechanism for theft deterrence, GM disables the column lock on those. However, on the M6, GM replaces components in the column lock and leaves it intact since there is no ancillary theft deterrence built into the M6 tranny as there is in the A4. So manual tranny owners must either trust GM's kit or go with the CLB. 
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
That's easy if you have an A4., and yes, the GM fix does work in this case.
But GM won't install the plate that prevents locking on M6 cars like they did for you.
Now what is your advice for us M6 owners?
But GM won't install the plate that prevents locking on M6 cars like they did for you.
Now what is your advice for us M6 owners?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 24,592
Likes: 44
From: The Rock Arkansas
Elite Member
Cruise-In III Veteran
I installed a CLB myself on my 97 MN6 three years ago and have not had any problems since.
How to address the problem is up to the owner and how comfortable he or she feels about it. The CLB has fixed the problem for the overwhelming majority of people that have installed it. The choice is ultimately up to the owner, but I recommend the CLB from my experience.
How to address the problem is up to the owner and how comfortable he or she feels about it. The CLB has fixed the problem for the overwhelming majority of people that have installed it. The choice is ultimately up to the owner, but I recommend the CLB from my experience.
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Advanced
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: cedar rapids iowa
I installed a CLB this week on 98 C5:
1) column no longer locks
2) the following is now happening more often:
cars starts, I put the car in gear, the car dies, I get the "10 second" message, I pull the key out for 10 or more seconds, the car starts OK.
This happened to me twice yesterday and has happened 4 or 5 times since I installed the CLB last wednesday.
I am hoping that this is a reprogrmming issue that will work itself out over time
1) column no longer locks
2) the following is now happening more often:
cars starts, I put the car in gear, the car dies, I get the "10 second" message, I pull the key out for 10 or more seconds, the car starts OK.
This happened to me twice yesterday and has happened 4 or 5 times since I installed the CLB last wednesday.
I am hoping that this is a reprogrmming issue that will work itself out over time
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Originally Posted by Y2Kvert4me
That's easy if you have an A4., and yes, the GM fix does work in this case.
But GM won't install the plate that prevents locking on M6 cars like they did for you.
Now what is your advice for us M6 owners?
But GM won't install the plate that prevents locking on M6 cars like they did for you.
Now what is your advice for us M6 owners?
88952427 Plate (Replaces column lock plate)
88952429 Harness (Plugs into existing harness between BCM and lock drive motor).
These P/N's are good for 97-98 for sure, for other models I would suspect only the harness might change.
For those of you that have a CLB and are happy with it great
But I sure hope you never have to do a key re-learn cause it won't work, at least mine didn't!
And who knows what other issues may arise from it.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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Originally Posted by madmustang
I installed a CLB this week on 98 C5:
1) column no longer locks
2) the following is now happening more often:
cars starts, I put the car in gear, the car dies, I get the "10 second" message, I pull the key out for 10 or more seconds, the car starts OK.
This happened to me twice yesterday and has happened 4 or 5 times since I installed the CLB last wednesday.
I am hoping that this is a reprogrmming issue that will work itself out over time
1) column no longer locks
2) the following is now happening more often:
cars starts, I put the car in gear, the car dies, I get the "10 second" message, I pull the key out for 10 or more seconds, the car starts OK.
This happened to me twice yesterday and has happened 4 or 5 times since I installed the CLB last wednesday.
I am hoping that this is a reprogrmming issue that will work itself out over time
:flag
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 0
From: Lutz FL
Originally Posted by corvettebob1
You need to purchase the following P/N's and DIYS like I did.
88952427 Plate (Replaces column lock plate)
88952429 Harness (Plugs into existing harness between BCM and lock drive motor).
These P/N's are good for 97-98 for sure, for other models I would suspect only the harness might change.
For those of you that have a CLB and are happy with it great
But I sure hope you never have to do a key re-learn cause it won't work, at least mine didn't! And who knows what other issues may arise from it.
88952427 Plate (Replaces column lock plate)
88952429 Harness (Plugs into existing harness between BCM and lock drive motor).
These P/N's are good for 97-98 for sure, for other models I would suspect only the harness might change.
For those of you that have a CLB and are happy with it great
But I sure hope you never have to do a key re-learn cause it won't work, at least mine didn't!
And who knows what other issues may arise from it. Just out of curiosity...what was the length of time it took for you to take your steering column apart, versus how long it took me to remove 4 t15 torx screws and plug a little four wire plug in? My column locked in a 4th floor parking garage, GM "fixed" my CL per the 1044A recall, by replacing it with - you guessed it - a "NEW" column lock and the NEXT day my column locked up AGAIN (I have a M6). It then was fixed again by the dealer, and 2 hours later my CLB kit went in. I've got a 99 and have had NO codes, messages or anything since.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 24,592
Likes: 44
From: The Rock Arkansas
Elite Member
Cruise-In III Veteran
But I sure hope you never have to do a key re-learn cause it won't work, at least mine didn't!
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 3
From: Southern NH
Originally Posted by corvettebob1
My column locked in my 98 A4 and I read a lot of post's reguarding the CLB so I installed one.
So within a week the car started throwing all kinds of codes and not starting sometimes.
It about drove me nuts, one of the codes was a 2721 which means the passcode is incorrect.
So I tried to do a key re-learn, well with this POS installed it will not do it.
Last night I installed the factory recall parts to correct the problem, it consistes of a different lock plate and a harness that completes the connection through the lock rod drive motor and also a new ingition switch.
So guess what now? Well everything works just fine
So before you wast money on a CLB do it the right way!!!!!!!!!!!
So within a week the car started throwing all kinds of codes and not starting sometimes.
It about drove me nuts, one of the codes was a 2721 which means the passcode is incorrect.
So I tried to do a key re-learn, well with this POS installed it will not do it.
Last night I installed the factory recall parts to correct the problem, it consistes of a different lock plate and a harness that completes the connection through the lock rod drive motor and also a new ingition switch.
So guess what now? Well everything works just fine
So before you wast money on a CLB do it the right way!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob: With all due respect, I think you're wrong. If you think the CLB was the cause of your problems, fine, but as someone who has gone over the schematics of the column lock electronics all the way to the BCM, what you are seeing is in no way caused by the CLB.
I have an MN6 with CLB for 4+ years, installed immediately upon purchasing my car, and have NEVER have any DIC messages or codes related to Pull Key or Pass-Key systems.
I'm happy and confident with the simplicity of the CLB. On the other hand, GM's incompetence on this problem has been clear, and I don't trust anything they've done on this.
and good luck.
Last edited by JC in XTC5; Jul 18, 2004 at 04:31 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 1
From: Fishkill NY
Originally Posted by corvettebob1
My column locked in my 98 A4 and I read a lot of post's reguarding the CLB so I installed one.
So within a week the car started throwing all kinds of codes and not starting sometimes.
It about drove me nuts, one of the codes was a 2721 which means the passcode is incorrect.
So I tried to do a key re-learn, well with this POS installed it will not do it.
Last night I installed the factory recall parts to correct the problem, it consistes of a different lock plate and a harness that completes the connection through the lock rod drive motor and also a new ingition switch.
So guess what now? Well everything works just fine
So before you wast money on a CLB do it the right way!!!!!!!!!!!
So within a week the car started throwing all kinds of codes and not starting sometimes.
It about drove me nuts, one of the codes was a 2721 which means the passcode is incorrect.
So I tried to do a key re-learn, well with this POS installed it will not do it.
Last night I installed the factory recall parts to correct the problem, it consistes of a different lock plate and a harness that completes the connection through the lock rod drive motor and also a new ingition switch.
So guess what now? Well everything works just fine
So before you wast money on a CLB do it the right way!!!!!!!!!!!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
So what's the deal folks??? There was a lot of ruckus about needing to
install the CLB about a couple of weeks ago. I think a lot of us were
sufficiently spooked by all the not "if it's going to happen" but "when it's
going to happen" talk so a lot of us ordered CLB's the last couple of
weeks. Was that all FUD? I have a 2002, never had the column lock
problem, and, until recently, I was pretty confident that I would never
have the problem... but that big hoopla two weeks ago was pretty
convincing... So, what's the deal?
install the CLB about a couple of weeks ago. I think a lot of us were
sufficiently spooked by all the not "if it's going to happen" but "when it's
going to happen" talk so a lot of us ordered CLB's the last couple of
weeks. Was that all FUD? I have a 2002, never had the column lock
problem, and, until recently, I was pretty confident that I would never
have the problem... but that big hoopla two weeks ago was pretty
convincing... So, what's the deal?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 962
Likes: 6
From: Jackson MI
I have a 2000 6 speed vert with a CLB installed as soon as the one with the proper plug became available and have not even thought about since then. Except for those times that I read about another person who failed to take advise and install the CLB. No one here has reported problems with their install except for a few that installed them after the GM so called fix.Hope the C6 cars do not have this problem.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I'll be installing my CLB tonight. I don't really expect any problems, but will see. Too many people say it works to not do the change.