Eric's Column Lock Unlocker/Bypass
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
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From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
Eric's Column Lock Unlocker/Bypass
I had my column lock up on me the other day, but I think I know why it happened. I parked on a hill in the grass in my yard, and when I got out of the car I hoisted myself out with the steering wheel and twisted it so it locked. Then the steering wheel locked up when I went to move the car. Following instructions from fellow members, I took apart the bottom steering column cover and whacked away with a rubber hammer and sure enough it disengaged.
Im not going to install a real CLB because 1) i dont need my car to get stolen/towed any easier 2) I've read alot about the CLB screw ups for a 97-98 3) I'm too cheap to buy a CLB
Soooo....I came up with my own CLB. I now keep in my car T15 and T20 torx bits so I can take apart the steering wheel, and I keep the rubber mallet incase I need to beat on the steering column.
Im not going to install a real CLB because 1) i dont need my car to get stolen/towed any easier 2) I've read alot about the CLB screw ups for a 97-98 3) I'm too cheap to buy a CLB
Soooo....I came up with my own CLB. I now keep in my car T15 and T20 torx bits so I can take apart the steering wheel, and I keep the rubber mallet incase I need to beat on the steering column.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
So you now keep a column unlocking tool kit in the car handy for the thief? 
j/k Eric. Just remember that a would-be thief could make use of those just as easily as you could so your first justification is partially null. I agree with your second reason that the CLB could create problems. Your third one is your preference.
j/k Eric. Just remember that a would-be thief could make use of those just as easily as you could so your first justification is partially null. I agree with your second reason that the CLB could create problems. Your third one is your preference.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
If you have an A4 the pin will be removed and you won't have the problem again.
Ignoring the recall could cause its own problems. You can still install a CLB on a M6 even after they do the recall.
Ignoring the recall could cause its own problems. You can still install a CLB on a M6 even after they do the recall.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
My car is a M6. I've read that on 97-98's the CLB can cause the BCM to go haywire because it doesnt supply the necessary voltage.
Also the torx bits wont help a theif steal the car any more. Banging the steering column only gets the column lock to unlock after it does not unlock WITH the key.
Also the torx bits wont help a theif steal the car any more. Banging the steering column only gets the column lock to unlock after it does not unlock WITH the key.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
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From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by eRiCdWoNg
I had my column lock up on me the other day, but I think I know why it happened. I parked on a hill in the grass in my yard, and when I got out of the car I hoisted myself out with the steering wheel and twisted it so it locked. Then the steering wheel locked up when I went to move the car. Following instructions from fellow members, I took apart the bottom steering column cover and whacked away with a rubber hammer and sure enough it disengaged.
Im not going to install a real CLB because 1) i dont need my car to get stolen/towed any easier 2) I've read alot about the CLB screw ups for a 97-98 3) I'm too cheap to buy a CLB
Soooo....I came up with my own CLB. I now keep in my car T15 and T20 torx bits so I can take apart the steering wheel, and I keep the rubber mallet incase I need to beat on the steering column.
Im not going to install a real CLB because 1) i dont need my car to get stolen/towed any easier 2) I've read alot about the CLB screw ups for a 97-98 3) I'm too cheap to buy a CLB
Soooo....I came up with my own CLB. I now keep in my car T15 and T20 torx bits so I can take apart the steering wheel, and I keep the rubber mallet incase I need to beat on the steering column.
As I have mentioned previously, grabbing the steering wheel, either when entering or exiting the car is a recipe for future column lock. Many forum members who have had their columns lock have admitted to this behaviour and quite a few who never grab the wheel have mentioned that even though they are driving a 97-99 model, no lock-ups have occured. I drive mine daily and have never had a problem (after 3+ years).
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Hadn't thought about this method of unlocking the steering column. Hey, if it works .... I went ahead and installed the CLB - don't have to worry whether it will unlock or not.
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