[Z06] Reluctant Column lock installer
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,846
Likes: 5
From: Sandy Ego CA
Reluctant Column lock installer
If any of you guy's have been a little reluctant about opening up your dash to install the column lock bypass, go for it. I just installed a Corvettes of Houston CLB on my 04Z last night, just taking my time to be sure I didn't break or screw any thing up it only took 25-30 min. There are 3 or 4 threads on the forum showing pictures of the install and the directions that came with the unit were straight forward. This lock thing has always been on my mind when I'm out driving and to just have the piece of mind and secruity of knowing I won't get stuck somewhere and have to put my Z on the low bed is more than worth the $55.00 dollars for the bypass. And even more than that I don't want the dealers working on my Z if I can help it. Go for it guy's you will be glad you did.
RoHo
RoHo
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
But still get the recall done. Recalls expire at some point and down the road should you decide to sell the car and the recall(s) weren't performed it could come back to haunt you.
That's what I'm doing. I have the by-pass installed, I'm going to remove it, have the recall done and documented then I'll re-install the by-pass.
Tom
That's what I'm doing. I have the by-pass installed, I'm going to remove it, have the recall done and documented then I'll re-install the by-pass.
Tom
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 10
From: Florida
Good thread I wonder how many Z06 owners have had this recall taken care of. At first I wasn't too concerned about it because I have not had any trouble but you guys bring up some good points. I think I will take it to the dealer soon. Hank
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere MD
If I recall correctly, weren't there some PCM reprogramming concerns associated with the recall? I was planning on installing the CLB on my '04 and ignoring the recall. However, the fact that not having the recall done could affect the resale value is something that hadn't occurred to me. Is there any truth to the rumor that the recall involves reprogramming that could affect performance?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
The latest recall does involve the PCM to be reprogrammed. I have not heard that it affects any performance, unless you have a performance tune done on your Z. I waited until after this recall to use my new Predator programmer, so my Predator has the latest PCM programming stored and I don't have to worry about sending it in to DiabloSport to be cleared. As for the resale value, it could affect the resale of your vehicle. Now-a-days with Carfax, people look to see that recalls were done, that it wasn't wrecked, etc. You might be able to get what you want when you go to sell it, but you might lose a quicker sale as the fact the recall was not done might scare some buyers off. That's my $0.02. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Remember when using a Column Lock Bypass there is a slight chance you could damage the BCM. It is rare but it has happened numerous times and the replacement BCM would be at your expense.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 2
From: Norman Oklahoma
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Originally Posted by Shylor
Remember when using a Column Lock Bypass there is a slight chance you could damage the BCM. It is rare but it has happened numerous times and the replacement BCM would be at your expense.
All the recall does is reprogram the PCM to set the priority of the column lock closer to the first self test run rather than nearly the last.
Don't be afraid of the recall even if your CLB is installed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by RPO_Z06
I've never heard of that happening before, as long as you can read the instructions you should have zero problems doing a CLB.
Not totally true. Here is what was said on another forum and was also confirmed by the forums GM Tech, who personnly has seen damaged BCM's because of the bypass. It is rare but there are documented cases of it happening.
One GM Engineer told me the aftermarket bypasses can effect the BCMs, by causing the two relays soldered to the BCM boards to malfunction. Thus giving messages such as Serv. Column Lock and could eventually damage the relays and trash the BCM. The issue had to do with voltage to the relays, the bypasses reduce it versas the OE voltage and reduced voltage on a relay contact can cause it to stick. Again these are the Engineers words, not mine.
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