Column Lock Recall Y/N?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 729
Likes: 18
From: Oxford Pa
St. Jude Donor '05-'10-'12, '15
Column Lock Recall Y/N?
I have a y2k mn6 vert with 10,000 miles in warranty. Next week, I am taking it in to fix the usual diff leak. Do I let them reprogram the PCM
for the column lock recall or not? It has never locked up on me. Hate
to fix what is not broke.
for the column lock recall or not? It has never locked up on me. Hate
to fix what is not broke.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,550
Likes: 6
From: Now in God's Country, the Big Sky, Montana!
Cruise-In 7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
I went ahead and did it even thought I've never even had a hint of a problem. If something should happen later I will have recourse. I say do it.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
From: Redwood City Ca
When I bought my '99 coupe brand new in early 1999, this was a big topic on the Forum. I went ahead and installed the Column Lock Bypass as my first mod, so I would never have to worry about column lock. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 794
From: Longview Texas
Originally Posted by BlueDragon
Is there a mechanical only fix? I have 120K on my 98, never had a problem!
If you want a mechanical fix, you can remove the lockplate and install the smaller plate that comes with the recall kit for the automatics.
You still have to install the harness that comes with the kit to keep the fuel from shutting off if the actuator fails, but there is physically no way for the column to lock.
Of course, having the column where it cannot lock does not do you much good if the fuel shuts off when you try to drive it.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge Virginia
Vette8
Most definitely, take the car to the delaer for the steering lock recall. My Y2K locked up on me in a remote town in Arkansas and I had to be towed a lot of miles to a Chevy dealer to have it fixed. This was prior to the recall. And, when it locks up, you're all done. Also, I'm taking mine back in on the recall so they can repair it according to the specs of the process.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 2
From: New York NY
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by nco663
I have a y2k mn6 vert with 10,000 miles in warranty. Next week, I am taking it in to fix the usual diff leak. Do I let them reprogram the PCM
for the column lock recall or not? It has never locked up on me. Hate
to fix what is not broke.
for the column lock recall or not? It has never locked up on me. Hate
to fix what is not broke.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 729
Likes: 18
From: Oxford Pa
St. Jude Donor '05-'10-'12, '15
Originally Posted by Icemanskis
I would not trust a dealer to resolve the column lock issue. If I am correct they do need to reprogram your PCM, which means you will lose any tune you have had flashed. After the reflash your column still can lock while driving. The dealer only programs the PCM to shut off the fuel valve in the event of a column lock. I have also heard of cases on the forum of losing hp and feeling that the engine is sluggish after taking it to a dealer. Much better idea just to install the column lock bypass so that PCM programming is not an issue. Just spend the extra $50 on the bypass. someone else can chime in on this.
I am going to ask dealer if I have the locK installed can he leave my PCM alone. Thank you
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 70
From: Upstate NY
Originally Posted by nco663
I am going to ask dealer if I have the locK installed can he leave my PCM alone. Thank you
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
From: Redwood City Ca
One more thing to be aware of - having the recall done doesn't mean your column will never lock up again. Several Forum members, including a buddy of mine, had theirs lock up again following the recall. The only way to guarantee that your column will never lock up is the bypass. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 0
From: rochester n y
Originally Posted by Icemanskis
I would not trust a dealer to resolve the column lock issue. If I am correct they do need to reprogram your PCM, which means you will lose any tune you have had flashed. After the reflash your column still can lock while driving. The dealer only programs the PCM to shut off the fuel valve in the event of a column lock. I have also heard of cases on the forum of losing hp and feeling that the engine is sluggish after taking it to a dealer. Much better idea just to install the column lock bypass so that PCM programming is not an issue. Just spend the extra $50 on the bypass. someone else can chime in on this.
Don't let Chevrolet dealer mess with it. My .02.Save the Wave.>George
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 179
Likes: 10
From: Malone New York
where is a good place to get a bypass
I don't trust the local dealerships to work on my baby. I think i will get the bypass and put it in my self. My dealer himmed and hawed for two weeks about putting in my airbag cut off switch, so i did it myself and told them I was going to wait until spring to do the recal. I just don't trust them any more if they are afraid of installing a simple switch. Maybe they had better stick to mini-vans and pick-up trucks! 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
Originally Posted by TEXHAWK0
Of course, having the column where it cannot lock does not do you much good if the fuel shuts off when you try to drive it.
I think I'd rather have the fuel shut off then the column lock. If the column locks you cant even push the car and steer or coast it down a hill. I too have had the recall notice but refuse to bring the car in. The previous owner had the column lock serviced although I'm not sure what happened to it. I've had my lock lock up once and thats cause it was on a hill and I heaved myself out of the car pushing on the wheel. I thought about a CLB but since I have a 98 apparently they dont take too well to the CLB. I may investigate trying to get a non-lockable plate from an auto...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
From: Spring Tx
Mine has locked up 4 times, it is very easy to unlock, look in the tech tips. Now it is a minor inconvenience taking no more than thirty seconds to unlock.Now they are sending me reminders on the recall...lol
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 2
From: New York NY
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by lost
Mine has locked up 4 times, it is very easy to unlock, look in the tech tips. Now it is a minor inconvenience taking no more than thirty seconds to unlock.Now they are sending me reminders on the recall...lol
The real issue is having the column lock when you are moving at 75mph down the freeway. 30 secs and you are f*ed. The column lock bypass will prevent this situation.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 98
From: Jacksonville FL
Originally Posted by Lestat52
Since it is a safety recall, they will probably do it while they have it. I dont know if you can tell them not to.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 729
Likes: 18
From: Oxford Pa
St. Jude Donor '05-'10-'12, '15
Thank you all for your help. I will
(a) put in the column lock myself
(b) Tell them not to mess with my PCM
(c) Find a dealer in which to trust my baby to fix diff leak
Here's my first three dealer options
Country Chevy in Oxford, Pa (closest)
D'Ambriosio Chevy in Kennett Square, PA (closest to work)
Porter Chevy in Newark, DE
Any experiences (no details just positive or negative) ?
(a) put in the column lock myself
(b) Tell them not to mess with my PCM
(c) Find a dealer in which to trust my baby to fix diff leak
Here's my first three dealer options
Country Chevy in Oxford, Pa (closest)
D'Ambriosio Chevy in Kennett Square, PA (closest to work)
Porter Chevy in Newark, DE
Any experiences (no details just positive or negative) ?