Column Lock Update Please?!?!?!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,010
Likes: 0
From: San Clemente CA
Column Lock Update Please?!?!?!
It's been quite a while since I've spent much time on the Forum. I was a daily fanatic during the time I ordered my '00 MN6 and for about a year after, but haven't been around much lately. I'm sure there have been plenty of threads about the Column Lock Recall, but the ones I'veread don't really answer the question I have. I apologize if this is the umpteenth time for this, but.........
My car ('00 MN6) has 13,000 miles on it (yeah...... I know...DRIVE IT!!!!!!) and I have never had a column lock issue of any kind. Over the years my reading of this forum has made me EXTREMELY cautious about going near any dealer ("be afraid..... be very afraid" was the quote I remember most), so......... what's the prevailing wisdom on this????
Should I have the recall taken care of? Are their reliable reports of the recall actually STARTING problems that weren't there before? Is it possible that NOT having the recall done could cause resale problems down the road?
My car ('00 MN6) has 13,000 miles on it (yeah...... I know...DRIVE IT!!!!!!) and I have never had a column lock issue of any kind. Over the years my reading of this forum has made me EXTREMELY cautious about going near any dealer ("be afraid..... be very afraid" was the quote I remember most), so......... what's the prevailing wisdom on this????
Should I have the recall taken care of? Are their reliable reports of the recall actually STARTING problems that weren't there before? Is it possible that NOT having the recall done could cause resale problems down the road?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Rochester MN
CI 5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
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I'll jump on your last question - it should have no impact on resale value one way or another. As far as 'reliable' reports, several forum members seem to be having new issues after the recall was done, but I think the jury is out as to weather the recall isn't working, or isn't being properly performed by dealers.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 476
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From: Anchorage AK
I had the first recall done on my 99 MN6 about 2 years ago. That involved adding a relay and a new wiring harness. As I understand it, the latest recall for a 6 speed involves "flashing" the computer so the fuel shuts off if you attempt to move the car and the column is locked. They are also supposed to do a physical inspection to check the clearances for the pin and lock plate. I do not plan to get the second recall done. I have not had any issues. I did purchase a CLB as insurance, and will install it if I have any problems.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,017
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From: Plainfield IL
Hey Midlife, how's life in San Clemente? I used to live there in the early 80's. 1408 Buena Vista Apt. B. I'll never forget those days--living in paradise accross the street from the ocean, going to Laguna to see all the hot suntanned slims in their string bikinis....
Back to reality now. I have a 99 FRC (MN6) and I too was reluctant to have the recall work done. I waited once the recall was announced to find out if there was any negative feedback on the recall work performed. I didn't hear anything negative so I went ahead and had it done. I never had the column lock up before or after the recall work. I do know that the work is recorded into the GM data base for your VIN. The only problem I've been having is I keep getting those annoying warning messages about steering column, tire monitoring system, flat tire, etc. I think this problem may be related to the battery draining a few weeks ago when I forgot to unplug the radar detector.
Back to reality now. I have a 99 FRC (MN6) and I too was reluctant to have the recall work done. I waited once the recall was announced to find out if there was any negative feedback on the recall work performed. I didn't hear anything negative so I went ahead and had it done. I never had the column lock up before or after the recall work. I do know that the work is recorded into the GM data base for your VIN. The only problem I've been having is I keep getting those annoying warning messages about steering column, tire monitoring system, flat tire, etc. I think this problem may be related to the battery draining a few weeks ago when I forgot to unplug the radar detector.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,220
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From: St. Robert Missouri
I was stranded for about 3 - 4 hours waiting for my roadside assistance tow company to show up and rescue me due to a lock up. One of the tow drivers tapped on the ignition switch with a small flashlight, inserted the key and tapped on it again and it started right up.I left it at the dealership that night and when I picked it up the next day they said "it started everytime for us" "the diagnostic computer did'nt show anything" "your VIN is not included in any recall". They were very nice and told me to bring the car back and they will do further checking. NIce..... but it appears that they don't have a clue
I will be ordering and installing my own it looks like 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 6
From: Sahuarita AZ
I took my 99 MN6 in to have something else serviced... specifically asked that the recall not be done as I have modified my PCM and didn't want to retune. Needless to say, the dealership has no respect and did the flash anyway. My tune went bye bye, my steering column locked up within two hours of leaving the dealership for it's first time. I ordered the CLB from Corvettes of Houston and my column lock problems have not returned. I would not recommend that anyone have the recall performed unless you have already ordered a CLB. Oh, and I believe other updates were included in the PCM flash they loaded. It seemed to update almost all my calibration and os numbers... didn't someone post a site where you can check your VIN to see what PCM updates have been done to it and what updates are available for your VIN?
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Sahuarita AZ
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Mars
Originally Posted by srchief100
I was stranded for about 3 - 4 hours waiting for my roadside assistance tow company to show up and rescue me due to a lock up. One of the tow drivers tapped on the ignition switch with a small flashlight, inserted the key and tapped on it again and it started right up.I left it at the dealership that night and when I picked it up the next day they said "it started everytime for us" "the diagnostic computer did'nt show anything" "your VIN is not included in any recall". They were very nice and told me to bring the car back and they will do further checking. NIce..... but it appears that they don't have a clue
I will be ordering and installing my own it looks like GM have just announced they will be issuing all C5 owners with a free small flashlight to remedy the problem. "We should have known GM would make light of the problem" said a disgruntled C5 owner.
I bought and fitted a Column Lock. Being thousands of miles away from an American dealer helped me along in this choice.
Administrator
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I had the recall done on mine not too long ago even though I had not experienced any problems with the column lock. But, I had a column lock bypass installed prior to the recall and I put it back on after the recall. I don't plan on having the lock fail at an inopportune time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 771
Likes: 136
From: Vacaville Ca
I just got my second notice safety recall for my Y2K and for the 4 years I have owned since new have had no problem with the steering column not unlocking. I have ordered the by-pass kit and will install it. I just do not trust the dealer working on my C5 and tearing into my steering column to disable the column lock....
