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Column Lock recall

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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 09:36 AM
  #1  
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From: cedar rapids iowa
Default Column Lock recall

have a 98 A4 with the CLB on it.

I took it in this morning, and less than an hour later they called me and told me it was done. They did not take the CLB off and all they did was reflash the computer.

I don't think that's what they should have done, but I'm not sure I care, do I? The CLB was doing it's job, but I continue to get the 10 second message so I really was most motivated to get the flash on the computer to see if that would help me on the 10 second issue.

Plus, I can offically say that I had the recall done to the car.
what do you guys and gals think? Should I push to have them take the CLB off. I don't really care about the $50 it cost me.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by madmustang
have a 98 A4 with the CLB on it.

I took it in this morning, and less than an hour later they called me and told me it was done. They did not take the CLB off and all they did was reflash the computer.

I don't think that's what they should have done, but I'm not sure I care, do I? The CLB was doing it's job, but I continue to get the 10 second message so I really was most motivated to get the flash on the computer to see if that would help me on the 10 second issue.

Plus, I can offically say that I had the recall done to the car.
what do you guys and gals think? Should I push to have them take the CLB off. I don't really care about the $50 it cost me.
Have them perform the CLB service bulletin. They will remove the pin that locks the steering wheel. I had the PCM reprogram and the next day the column locked again. Now, no pin no way to lock the steering column. Also it seemed to lighten the steering feel.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 12:19 PM
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The automatic fix is mechanical, the 6 speed is the reflash.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by z060ntrack
The automatic fix is mechanical, the 6 speed is the reflash.

My A4 was done Monday. All they do on A4s is remove the pin and no re-programming.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 12:54 PM
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I'd take it back and tell them they need to do what the recall calls for. They should have taken the pin out of the column lock on an auto.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
I'd take it back and tell them they need to do what the recall calls for. They should have taken the pin out of the column lock on an auto.


the CLB does not work with some 97-98's and that may be why the "pull key" message is coming up. There is no reflash for an A4
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 01:28 PM
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I read the TSB for the recall (97-00 U.S. spec. A4s) and it didn't mention pin removal. The procedure inserts a "shorting harness" between the ECL connectors, i.e. unplug from the ECL (or the CLB if you've got one), plug into new shorting harness and plug shorting harness into the ECL (or pin actuator, or lock drive, or whatever you want to call it). Additionally, they remove the steering wheel then remove the locking plate from the steering shaft; it looks like a 3" dia. washer from the top. They replace the locking plate with a smaller diameter "cam orientation plate" and reassemble. This way, if the pin were to extend, it won't be able to lock the steering.

I'm 99.9% sure this is what occurs on the recall, FWIW.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by cscollis
Have them perform the CLB service bulletin. They will remove the pin that locks the steering wheel. I had the PCM reprogram and the next day the column locked again. Now, no pin no way to lock the steering column. Also it seemed to lighten the steering feel.
I don't know who your techs are, but they don't follow procedure (and I wouldn't take my car back to them). There is no PCM reflash for the column lock issue on 1997-2000 A4's.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 03:39 PM
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Just had the CL recall did to my 00 6 sp. yesterday. They just reflashed computer to update it. Raised the front wheels and rotated the steering wheel left and right all the way to listen for any interference of pin to plate. None found and off they sent me. Accourding to my tech this was the first time he has done it this way. Previously they would have taken the original plate off and replaced with a smaller one without holes in it. He stated this was the latest of the latest revision from GM??
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 03:50 PM
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Dealer "reflashed" my 2002 ZO6 and I was out in 45 mins.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 04:35 PM
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well, I went and picked it up over the noon hour and really couldn't get a straight answer, but I think this is what they did:
They found out I had a clb installed, so all they did was flash the computer and called it a done deal.

The recall letter indicated that an automatic would be in the shop for around 2 hours of work and that manuals take about 45 minutes.
The guy on the phone told me they didn't take the dash apart and that they would not remove my clb unless I paid to have it removed, so not sure how they could have done it according to recall spec.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 04:38 PM
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Originally Posted by TopCat
I read the TSB for the recall (97-00 U.S. spec. A4s) and it didn't mention pin removal. The procedure inserts a "shorting harness" between the ECL connectors, i.e. unplug from the ECL (or the CLB if you've got one), plug into new shorting harness and plug shorting harness into the ECL (or pin actuator, or lock drive, or whatever you want to call it). Additionally, they remove the steering wheel then remove the locking plate from the steering shaft; it looks like a 3" dia. washer from the top. They replace the locking plate with a smaller diameter "cam orientation plate" and reassemble. This way, if the pin were to extend, it won't be able to lock the steering.

I'm 99.9% sure this is what occurs on the recall, FWIW.

That's exactly what they do. The Tech showed me the plate for the A4's while he was doing my M6.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 04:45 PM
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I have a 98 with the auto. trans. I just went to the dealer about my recall notice and the service manager said they only reprogram the computer and it would only take half hour. He then said it may take 2 hours. I don't have a warm feeling that he knows what has to be done. I know that there is a difference between the auto and manual cars, and some years make a difference too. I never installed the bypass so that should not be a problem. Is the service manager right or should I look for another dealer?
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 04:52 PM
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I have a 2001 6 speed. I'm hoping ALL THEY DO is reflash. I can't bear to think about a dealership removing the steering wheel, etc. They'll most likely scratch something, create a rattle, etc.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 05:48 PM
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Actually this is the second recall I've had done. The first, 2 years ago was to install a relay on my M6 and this 2nd one was only a reflash. I don't know the purpose of the additional relay install in the first recall. Does anyone know the reason for the relay install in the first recall?
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 07:24 PM
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I have extensive edit work in the ECM. Will this reflash leave me high and dry? I can't have the fuel curve get flashed back to stock, or it probably wont even run.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 09:14 PM
  #17  
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Take it back. They should have put in the GM Harness K which is the GM's equivalent of the CLB. Cost for that part is $190 Canadian. So they short changed you. And as far as charging you to take the CLB out. That's BS. Get them to do their job or report it to GM. They are also supposed to reimburse you if you had your column lock previously and for all expenses that you incurred. Go get'em. Keep us posted.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 09:17 PM
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U.S. Spec 1997-2000 A4s: shorting harness and replacement of locking plate on steering column
U.S. Spec 2001-2005 A4s: NOT built with column locks
Export 1997-2005 A4s: ALL have column locks; no fix as of yet.
M6's, depends on year, 97's and 98's, if I remember correctly, don't have a fix as of yet, up to 5/28(?)/98.
M6's on and after 5/28/98: listen to locking plate for scraping or clicking; must be quiet...hope your tech doesn't listen to Metallica or drive without mufflers so he can hear......also, FLASH PCM!!!! Any and all tuning will be LOST! Also, issues regarding copying existing program and re-flashing after fix...not recommended, so have to get all values off current tune and reprogram (YIKES!!!!)

If tech wants to flash your A4, he doesn't know how to read his TSB!!!

Hope this helps.

- TC
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