Vette Tech About Colume Lock
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Pro
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From: Hendersonville NC
Vette Tech About Colume Lock
Just left my car at the dealer for a high coolant temperature problem, which seems to be the fans not coming on. I documented my ECL recall as well, becaue they are back ordered on the plate. I indicated my confusion about this dealer's approach to the service writer, and he brought me over to talk to the Tech. This Tech indicated to me that he is changing out the plate on MN6's with a (claimed) improved version. He is also changing out a wiring harness? He then added that if this doesn't work he is installing a solenoid which will bypass the lock. At this stage, I'm just passing this on for what it's worth, because it contradicts the procedure listed on the recall. When I questioned him about the reflash of the computer for fuel shutoff, he indicated that was a waste of time, and he's not doing it. I will report further on this when they notify me the plate is in and I actually have the work done. Could there be a Chevy dealer who is actually recognizing the need for a Colume Lock Bypass? We shall see.
Former Vendor
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From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
"Could there be a Chevy dealer who is actually recognizing the need for a Colume Lock Bypass? We shall see."
No,that is a dealer opening themselves up for alot of litigation by not following the procedure as outlined by GM and NHTSA
No,that is a dealer opening themselves up for alot of litigation by not following the procedure as outlined by GM and NHTSA
Last edited by C-5 TECH; Aug 24, 2004 at 10:54 PM.
Melting Slicks
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From: MCO
My dealer was also very willing to install the A4 fix in my M6. Unfortunately, he didn't have any of the A4 rings in stock. He "promised" to call me when they got some.
(we must be near the end of the automotive world as we know it)
Le Mans Master
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From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by ACELR8N
When I questioned him about the reflash of the computer for fuel shutoff, he indicated that was a waste of time, and he's not doing it.
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Drifting
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From: Maumelle AR
Originally Posted by C-5 TECH
"Could there be a Chevy dealer who is actually recognizing the need for a Colume Lock Bypass? We shall see."
No,that is a dealer opening themselves up for alot of litigation by not following the procedure as described by GM and NHTSA
No,that is a dealer opening themselves up for alot of litigation by not following the procedure as described by GM and NHTSA
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From: Hendersonville NC
Got the car back from the Dealer and 180 degree turn from their statements this morning. The Tech did the check of the plate and reprogramed for the fuel shut off. I talked to him about the change and got the A4 vs MN6 shuffle, followed by the plate will only be installed if they get noise while moving the wheel back and forth. I continued to nicely call him in his do-do and it was apparent that he was mandated to perform the recall as prescribed by GM. I further questioned him about the bypass he mentioned and he now asserted it wasn't in this campaign (their term for recall). Seemingly, this tech knows what nonsense the recall is and was going to go through the motions, but do a bypass. Either he sought authorization and was made to do the GM prescribed exercise in futility or he is a real bad communicator. Bottom line is I now have the ECL recall satisfied, useless as it is, and he could not find anything wrong about the high temp. coolant warning I got at 264 degrees F. Hey, but I only went without the car for a day, at least they didn't need to keep it overnight. Now, do I do the CLB on my own so I don't have to worry about a Colume Lock at 75 mph, even though it doesn't get fuel to continue to accelerate??? 
Former Vendor
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From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Originally Posted by EscapePod
My dealer was also very willing to install the A4 fix in my M6. Unfortunately, he didn't have any of the A4 rings in stock. He "promised" to call me when they got some.
(we must be near the end of the automotive world as we know it)
Not being reimbursed for the claim will be the least of their problems if GM detects a pattern. 
Though we may not always agree with GM's procedures,no way should the dealer take it upon themselves to stray from them 
Last edited by C-5 TECH; Aug 24, 2004 at 10:15 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by ACELR8N
I talked to him about the change and got the A4 vs MN6 shuffle, followed by the plate will only be installed if they get noise while moving the wheel back and forth.
Former Vendor
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From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Originally Posted by Shylor
I thought they had to do a visual inspection?
Personaly,I can not tell for the life of me how the different lock plate will prevent the column lock from locking at speed when it is the lock actuator itself failing to retract or fully retract that is the issue 
My question is,if this is such a "magic" locking plate installed on the M6 should the vehicle fail the so called "functin test",why isnt it installed in ALL the M6 vehicles under the recall,not just the ones that fail the "function test":????? Who is to say that the vehicle doesnt fail the "function test" 6-12 months down the road after the recall being performend????? Makes absolutely no sense what so ever
Last edited by C-5 TECH; Aug 24, 2004 at 11:35 PM.
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From: Hendersonville NC
Originally Posted by C-5 TECH
No visual inspection.A "function test" is performend which consists of listening for the lock plate skipping on the column lock pin,which is the cause of the few reported cases of the column lock locking while at speed.If any noise is heard,the lock plate is replaced with a different design (the same lock plate used in the 70's) Personaly,I can not tell for the life of me how the different lock plate will prevent the column lock from locking at speed when it is the lock actuator itself failing to retract that is the issue
Personaly,I can not tell for the life of me how the different lock plate will prevent the column lock from locking at speed when it is the lock actuator itself failing to retract that is the issue
Former Vendor
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From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Originally Posted by ACELR8N
That's the word my Tech used, "Function Test" He listened for noise and downloaded the program change for the fuel shut off, if a colume lock occurs. I think the Techs know that this is not a fix, and the guys with a conscience are trying to find a better way of doing it. Trouble is, we all have to play the game, and do what the Bean Counters and Lawyers say. After GM pays out a few billion in liability claims for injuries sustained due to this defect, they will machine a proper part and fix. I think the locking up while driving is minimal, so they're tossing the dice, betting the liability costs will be less than the cost for a proper fix. What a world! Nice bet, unless you're one of the unfortunates that gets in a serious accident.
You hit the nail right on the head Then there will be yet another recall This is an issue that will not go away for a long,long, time 
Race Director
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From: Indianapolis IN
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Originally Posted by Sprags2004
I don't understand...the Vette Tech in my area tells me that MN6's are not subject to this Column Locking problem. He assured me its not necessary.
Sprags
Sprags
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From: cincinnati ohio
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Originally Posted by Sprags2004
I don't understand...the Vette Tech in my area tells me that MN6's are not subject to this Column Locking problem. He assured me its not necessary.Sprags
