CLB is not the answer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: New Orleans La.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06
Originally Posted by Monk
Can folks with '98s and problem-free CLBs let us know their production date and/or VIN so that we can try to detemine a compatibility break point?
Le Mans Master
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From: Athens Ohio
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The CLB can and will work in most cases. Our 98 MN6 Coupe was produced in September of 97. Two different CLB's produced the same result. Every 4th or 5th start I would get the pull key, wait ten seconds message. Once I removed the CLB the message did not reappear. I'm probably going to get hit with a locking column at some point, but the car will not work with a CLB. I bought mine from JMX and he was great to deal with.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
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From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Originally Posted by Doughan
I did a key fob re-learn on one fob and it works fine with one but won't keep the setting on the other. Small price to pay in my opinioin.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Originally Posted by SLICKMAN
All I can say is that I installed the CLB a year ago and its working fine for me. I know of others that have had things go well also. This sounds like something went wrong with the install of the CLB..
Don't know what caused the problems but they all went away after the CLB was removed.
From the responses on this forum and others I would say there appears to be a problem with using it in all applications.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 575
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From: Wylie TX
My 98 M6 started this crap two weeks ago. I have been able to get it unlocked pretty easy by putting the sterring wheel tilt all the way up and jiggle left and right several times. However, I have had it lock about 6 times since it started. Don't think it had anything to do with it but I installed the stinger intake and a couple of weeks later this started. I called to order the CLB from "Corvettes of Houston" and the guy actually talked me out of it. At least until I take it to the dealer. He said I need to have it cleared and BCM flashed first. Called the dealer, gave him my VIN and the only recall is for seat belts. I followed the directions for clearing the computer codes in this thread. Weird thing, I did not have a code for "colum lock" there or in history. I cleared the couple of codes that I did have and disconnected the battery. So, we'll see what happens. 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Bonney Lake Washington
We'll See
Read previous threads.
Called my trusty Corvette Mechanic at Titus-Will Chevrolet (Olympia, WA)
He checked the recall list (nothing for mine he said)
I asked if I should install a CLB.
His response was, not a bad idea, might help, couldn't hurt. I asked if it would instigate any problems. He said no.
He installed it in about 15 minutes and said he was very impressed with the device.
This was for a 2002 6MT Coupe.....about two weeks ago....
Called my trusty Corvette Mechanic at Titus-Will Chevrolet (Olympia, WA)
He checked the recall list (nothing for mine he said)
I asked if I should install a CLB.
His response was, not a bad idea, might help, couldn't hurt. I asked if it would instigate any problems. He said no.
He installed it in about 15 minutes and said he was very impressed with the device.
This was for a 2002 6MT Coupe.....about two weeks ago....
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 439
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From: Framingham MA
Originally Posted by Mark 84ltblu
The CLB can and will work in most cases. Our 98 MN6 Coupe was produced in September of 97. Two different CLB's produced the same result. Every 4th or 5th start I would get the pull key, wait ten seconds message. Once I removed the CLB the message did not reappear. I'm probably going to get hit with a locking column at some point, but the car will not work with a CLB. I bought mine from JMX and he was great to deal with.
Hmmmmm. Does anyone know... are all CLBs created equal (i.e., designed and manufacturered by the same company regardless of where purchased)? Or are they designed or made by different companies? Are there different versions or revisions? May I ask those folks with 100% successful installs in '97s and '98's... no codes or other nonsense whatsoever... when and where did you buy your CLB???
Monk
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
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From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Originally Posted by Doughan
What is a "key re-learn" then?
It can be done 2 different ways, 1 is with a scan tool and it's a fast re-learn.
The 2nd way is lenghty, about 35 min. either way should work but with a CLB in place in my car neither worked.
I would like to point out another thing, if the CLB was the answer, don't you think GM would be the first to install it in every A4 Corvette that has the problem?
Of course they would, it's one heck of a lot cheaper and simpler then removing the lock plate out of the steering column.
And then installing a harness with hardware to keep the lock motor connected in the system.
IMHO the CLB was designed around 1 particular vehicle's software and then in typical aftermarket fashion was marketed as 1 size fits all.
I know my car was throwing codes that had nothing to do with the column lock with it installed and with it removed they all stopped.
We should remember these cars have more computing power then the first Apollo mission that landed on the moon.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 439
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From: Framingham MA
Originally Posted by 3Vettes@Home
Odd...I installed mine in my 99FRC over two years ago...without any problems, never threw any codes due to the CLB
Or am I missing something here?
Monk
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Originally Posted by Monk
Why do you find it odd that it doesn't throw codes in a '99 FRC? From my read of these various CLB threads, its us poor folks with '97s and '98s who run into the most problems with the CLBs.
Or am I missing something here?
Monk
Or am I missing something here?
Monk
Not all problems throw codes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Indianapolis IN
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Please see corvettemechanic.com for posts about recalls.
C4C5 a well respected mechanic does not reccommend the installation
of the CLB as it does not maintain proper voltages to the BCM thus possibly throwhttp://corvettemechanic.com/board/index.php?act=ST&f=3&t=684&ing codes.
C4C5 a well respected mechanic does not reccommend the installation
of the CLB as it does not maintain proper voltages to the BCM thus possibly throwhttp://corvettemechanic.com/board/index.php?act=ST&f=3&t=684&ing codes.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 726
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From: Denver CO
Regarding the A4's.....Does anyone know if the fuel shutoff is addressed by the recall along with the column lock? What if the actuator hangs, even though the lockplate has been removed? Will the harness provided in the fix act similar to the CLBs and tell the BCM everything is O.K. regardless of what the actuator's position is? I haven't gotten the fix for this reason, plus I don't know if the early models will get their PCM's flashed along with the other changes.
For what it's worth, I'm on my 2nd CLB from JMX and I still frequently get the "Pull Key" message when the car interior gets hot. I cycle the key and it goes away (never had the message 2 times in a row) but it gives me pause and I'd love to have a recall that really works.
For what it's worth, I'm on my 2nd CLB from JMX and I still frequently get the "Pull Key" message when the car interior gets hot. I cycle the key and it goes away (never had the message 2 times in a row) but it gives me pause and I'd love to have a recall that really works.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 726
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From: Denver CO
have had regular "pull key" messages on my jmX CLB (2nd one, Jim was nice enough to send a replacement) during hot weather (hot interior temps). Always works after cycling key once. Guess I ought to keep the Torx driver handy, though, just in case I have to switch wiring over to the stock CL to get moving again sone day. I'd like to know if the recall for the '97 A4s addresses the electrical side of the issue, or just keeps the steering wheel from locking when the electronics have a brain fart.
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 2,082
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From: Louisville KY
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. I also plan on installing the kit myself.
I thought the "kit" included the harness and the plate?
Give us some info on where you bought it, how much it cost, what's involved in the installation and how long it took you.
Thanks