Service Column Lock
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Henderson Nevada
Service Column Lock
Anyone encountered this yet? Went out to my car and my steering column wouldn't move and the computer told me to "service my column lock." Turn the key off for 10 sec. Which I did. But it is still reading service column lock and my steering wheel won't move? I have been told this is more or less a recall item on our cars? My car is a 98 - can anyone concur?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 653
Likes: 5
From: Florida
I just had the same problem on my 99 FRC. I posted on the forum and found out I could buy a CLB. This is a Column Lock Bypass. It is sold at various places. I bought mine from thunderracing.com for 65.00. Anyway here is a link to the site. CLB
To unlock your column just turn the wheel to the right using all of your strength. At the same time while pulling to the right, insert your key and turn the ignition on. This should pop the column lock.
To unlock your column just turn the wheel to the right using all of your strength. At the same time while pulling to the right, insert your key and turn the ignition on. This should pop the column lock.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Lots of controversy on this subject. Once your column is locked you can't install the column lock bypass. It has to be installed on a problem free car.
There is even a poll happening here somewhere. GM is supposed to be recalling but not very many here have received the recall notice. Do a search and you'll find tons of threads on the subject. But if you can't get yours going it'll have to be flatbedded to the dealership. Unless out of warranty and your good with taking a steering column apart. Good luck and keep us posted. And I am sure others here will help you out if they can. There are a lot of forum members in your area. Good luck
There is even a poll happening here somewhere. GM is supposed to be recalling but not very many here have received the recall notice. Do a search and you'll find tons of threads on the subject. But if you can't get yours going it'll have to be flatbedded to the dealership. Unless out of warranty and your good with taking a steering column apart. Good luck and keep us posted. And I am sure others here will help you out if they can. There are a lot of forum members in your area. Good luck
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Henderson Nevada
Can't get it started - so planning on flatbedding it to the dealership in the morning. You are the second person to tell me it is on recall. So I'm hoping that is the case. My friend told me to have them completely remove the pin.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,459
Likes: 13
From: Phoenix
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'09
Originally Posted by Melodie
Can't get it started - so planning on flatbedding it to the dealership in the morning. You are the second person to tell me it is on recall. So I'm hoping that is the case. My friend told me to have them completely remove the pin.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 3
From: Orange County California
Originally Posted by Melodie
Anyone encountered this yet? Went out to my car and my steering column wouldn't move and the computer told me to "service my column lock." Turn the key off for 10 sec. Which I did. But it is still reading service column lock and my steering wheel won't move? I have been told this is more or less a recall item on our cars? My car is a 98 - can anyone concur?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,407
Likes: 1
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Originally Posted by MikeNMaxZO6
MIne is a 2002 ZO6. It locked up last week. I re-started the engine and the column unlocked, took it to the dealer and they replaced the actuator and even gave me a free loaner from Enterprise. Hopefully this is the fix!
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
Originally Posted by Melodie
So there is a recall! That is exactly what I wanted to hear! Thanks!!!
You can still pay for the dealer to install the new holeless lock plate out of pocket (about $280), then GM will reimburse you later when the recall makes it to your car if you have an A4. If you have a MN6 then the recall will only have them reprogramming the PCM, so just have the dealer 'fix' the current problem, then get yourself a $50 CLB so it won't happen again. They will install the new plate in a MN6 if you ask them to, but you'll have to sign a waiver since it's a federal requirement that cars come with either a locking steering wheel or locking transmission interlock.
Good luck
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,420
Likes: 4,589
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Install a CLB yourself
Originally Posted by Melodie
Can't get it started - so planning on flatbedding it to the dealership in the morning. You are the second person to tell me it is on recall. So I'm hoping that is the case. My friend told me to have them completely remove the pin.
Once you release the pin and unlock the steering column, do not attempt to start the engine until after you install the bypass or it may lock up again. You might not get a second chance if it does.
Just follow the installation instructions that come with the CLB kit, it's really not difficult at all. Hardest part is to re-attach the lower dash panel. You can buy a CLB for less than $60 at Corvettes of Houston or Thunder Racing. Many other Forum vendors carry them as well.
Here is a link to the best instructions for installing a CLB:
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?ar...f4a2979a77ef4c
Hope this helps.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 24,592
Likes: 44
From: The Rock Arkansas
Elite Member
Cruise-In III Veteran
Jerking the wheel violently and then turning on the ignition has worked for several. For me, nothing worked, then the next morning it started fine with no problems. If the jerk method doesn't work, try it again in the morning and see what happens. Good luck! 
column lock
column lock
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 1
From: South Alabama
Originally Posted by Melodie
Anyone encountered this yet?
Do a search on this topic and you'll gag on all the posts.
This post was started by Corvette SSX and was a "sticky" before the Forum software was changed. I think you will learn much regarding your options by reading it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=847351
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,869
Likes: 0
From: Maumelle AR
Just to clarify a few points. The recall includes ALL model years for C5. If you go to www.nhtsa.gov and search for your model year C5 under automotive recalls, steering anti-theft lock, you will see it's included. The laters C5 A4's have already had the steeting lock removed because they have the tranny lock.
They have only notified 97 MY cars, 98's will be done soon. If you have an automatic the recall will fix it once and for all. If you have a 6 speed, the recall will only prevent (we hope) the column locking at speed. GM has been very slow on this recall. Their letter to NHTSA stated they would notifiy dealers and owners by 2nd quarter '04. They missed that a tad. Good luck on your car.
They have only notified 97 MY cars, 98's will be done soon. If you have an automatic the recall will fix it once and for all. If you have a 6 speed, the recall will only prevent (we hope) the column locking at speed. GM has been very slow on this recall. Their letter to NHTSA stated they would notifiy dealers and owners by 2nd quarter '04. They missed that a tad. Good luck on your car.
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Many have encountered this problem. There is another thread that was just posted this weekend that talks about this issue in detail.