Detecting a CLB (new question!)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: Northern NJ nj
Detecting a CLB (new question!)
Before I go and buy the CLB, is there an easy way to tell if the car already has one without having to take off the knee wall? I was thinking maybe doing something with the DIC?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
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From: Lake Elsinore, CA
If you can turn the wheel with the key out of the ignition (obviously with the car off) and you have an MN6 then you have the CLB. If you can do the same but have an A4, then you either have the CLB or your car had the recall done which disables the CL. Either way, you're good to go because you no longer have a locking column.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
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From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
With the key out of the ignition, simply see if the steering wheel turns. If it turns, you have one of the following:
1. A 2001 or newer A4 (no CLB needed)
2. A 1997 to 2000 A4 w/ the GM recall fix performed to it or a CLB installed.
3. Any year 6 speed w/ a CLB installed.
1. A 2001 or newer A4 (no CLB needed)
2. A 1997 to 2000 A4 w/ the GM recall fix performed to it or a CLB installed.
3. Any year 6 speed w/ a CLB installed.
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If you want to verify whether the recall has been done for an A4 (1997-2000) or if a CLB is installed you may have to pull the knee bolster if you do not have documentation on the recall. Otherwise, as all above have said if you can move the steering wheel without the key, the column lock has been disabled. Let us know what you find out. 
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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Originally Posted by xilr8n
turn off key and extract it. whirrrrrrclick = potential problem 
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 476
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From: Orange County Ca
bomb waiting to go off!
Originally Posted by xilr8n
turn off key and extract it. whirrrrrrclick = potential problem
I hate that noise every time I hear it
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2003
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Originally Posted by 3XBlack
Not necessarily. I've had the recall done and the whirrrrclick noise still occurs occasionally. The column however does not lock. My car is a 98 A4.
do yourself a favor and get one now... especially if you hear the noise occasionally
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Originally Posted by Patches
If you can turn the wheel with the key out of the ignition (obviously with the car off) and you have an MN6 then you have the CLB. If you can do the same but have an A4, then you either have the CLB or your car had the recall done which disables the CL.
If you have the manual and the column still locks without the key in the ignition, get the CLB. It will prevent problems down the road.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,084
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From: Stop staring at my azz!!!! IL.
Originally Posted by BiggieBoy
With the key out of the ignition, simply see if the steering wheel turns. If it turns, you have one of the following:
1. A 2001 or newer A4 (no CLB needed)
2. A 1997 to 2000 A4 w/ the GM recall fix performed to it or a CLB installed.
3. Any year 6 speed w/ a CLB installed.
1. A 2001 or newer A4 (no CLB needed)
2. A 1997 to 2000 A4 w/ the GM recall fix performed to it or a CLB installed.
3. Any year 6 speed w/ a CLB installed.