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Steering Column Lock FAQs - please read before you post (sticky please)

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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 07:14 PM
  #1041  
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*update*

I just went ahead and ordered the COH CLB just so we have it on hand. I really don't want to ever ever deal with this again so I'd rather be safe than sorry.

The column doesn't lock, so we think that GM removed the lock bar. Scott from COH was very helpful; highly recommend them.
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 09:25 PM
  #1042  
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
Check your PM's.

PM replied. This guy is unreal for going out of his way to help fellow CF members!

Greatly appreciated
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Old Nov 24, 2009 | 01:41 AM
  #1043  
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Default Concur

I also would like to publicly thank 8VETTE7 for taking so much time to bring this neophyte up to speed. You're a good man!
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Old Nov 27, 2009 | 07:01 PM
  #1044  
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I just did my CLB today, took about 15 minutes. Most "difficult" part was "gently" pulling the knee panel off.

Got mine from COH and their instructions were very good. Followed them exactly and everything went smoothly.

It didn't work at first because I didn't have the cigarette adapter plugged in. Solved that and it worked fine.

Definitely worth the money and 15 minutes it took to do this in preventing getting stranded.
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Old Nov 30, 2009 | 12:01 PM
  #1045  
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Default Successfull field fix for service column lock condition

Got the service column lock yesterday! Car started fine, but died as soon as I let the clutch out and started to roll. I called a couple of guys and a fellow competitor checked on the Internet for me too.

I ended up charging the battery with the alternator for 10-15 minutes to make sure it was topped off. What finally got it working was smacking the column behind the steering wheel with a ball peen hammer lightly a couple of times on each side.

The car spent the night outside on Sat and it was cold enough for a decent frost in the morning. I had left the kill switch on (race Z06) and it powered the transponder all night. I guess that was enough to freak out the computers. I missed the morning practice but got in the afternoon enduro (Summit Point Turkey Bowl).

I plan on modifying the programming on the computer to reset the MPH to 200 for this condition. The locking plate is already removed.
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Old Dec 2, 2009 | 01:24 AM
  #1046  
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One thing that I didn't see in the FAQ's or in previous posts about CLB's is it's effects on interior lighting. I recently installed the Corvettes of Houston CLB in my 2004 MN6, and since then have no longer have dash lights (normal gauge illlumination) when the parking or headlights are OFF & the car is running. I did get the "PULL KEY WAIT 10 SEC" message the first time, and removed the key and fuses 23 & 29 to clear the BCM - no alarms since. The dash lights work fine with running lights or headlights on. I also no longer get overhead lights to come on when I shut the car off & pull the key (logically, because they came on pre CLB when I pulled the key & heard the column lock relay). The company I work for requires headlights burning on their vehicles that I drive every day, so I'm mentally pre-programmed to turn the lights on anyway, and since the column lock/unlock event triggers the courtesy lights, it makes sense in a way, but it still bugs me that it changed. In a nutshell, it this normal with the installation of a CLB or is my car charting new territory?
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Old Dec 2, 2009 | 09:06 AM
  #1047  
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My interior lights did not change at all when the CLB was installed 3 years ago.
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Old Dec 2, 2009 | 09:19 AM
  #1048  
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My interior lights did not change the way you describe but I do have the slightest flicker in the dash lights/radio lights when driving (even when not at idle) that I hadn't noticed before it was installed (although it is so slight that I might have just missed it)
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Old Dec 9, 2009 | 07:32 PM
  #1049  
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Originally Posted by NEPTUNEBILL
I really don't want GM messing with my PCM for obvious reasons--when mine locks occasionally I pull the key turn the wheel hard to the right--turn the key back on and it breaks loose--this has never failed to work so far--I would love to just remove the entire locking setup is this possible--
I did this method and it worked perfectly thank you very much.


If I did this and it worked do I need to install a CLB and if so, why?
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Old Dec 9, 2009 | 09:14 PM
  #1050  
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
Come the time when that technique doesn't work and/or you get hit by the fuel shutoff speed of 2mph and you are left stranded someplace other than in your driveway, you will understand why. It will happen.....Just a matter of when, not if. Don't take my word for it just read through this recent post:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ck-victim.html

Or the thousands ( no exxageration) just like it here on this forum. Search on column lock.
Very good advice.

It's not worth saving $50 and 15 minutes of your time to skip the CLB.

Think about Murphy's Law. It will happen and with the colder weather coming, it'll probably happen at the worst possible time.
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Old Dec 10, 2009 | 09:51 PM
  #1051  
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
Come the time when that technique doesn't work and/or you get hit by the fuel shutoff speed of 2mph and you are left stranded someplace other than in your driveway, you will understand why. It will happen.....Just a matter of when, not if. Don't take my word for it just read through this recent post:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ck-victim.html

Or the thousands ( no exxageration) just like it here on this forum. Search on column lock.
OKAY! OKAY! I get it. lol Thanks for your time Sir.
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Old Dec 12, 2009 | 05:20 PM
  #1052  
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Default Confusing situation......

ok i know this is a very old thread, but I just purchased a 2003 z06 with 18000 miles on it, and the DIC says service column lock on startup......BUT the steering column does not and can not lock, even with the key out and car off. Does this mean i have the bypass and need to clear the computer? I press reset and it goes away until i shut car down and back on. Please help I really dont want to take it to the stealership if i dont have to.
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Old Dec 15, 2009 | 06:34 PM
  #1053  
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14, '16-'17,'19
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I had a slave cylinder installed on my car by dealer. When I went to pick up car the Service Column Lock message was on my DIC. Tech said it wasn't there when he parked car, so I left it there and told them to look at it. They just called and said it will be about $650---need a harness and actuator. The recall had been done on car already. The car runs fine and message goes away when I reset the DIC. My question is----will a Column Lock Bypass kit solve my problem and make message not return?? I got the car back from dealer....runs fine other than the Service Column message, which I can turn off. It is a 2003 ZO6.
Thanks

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Old Dec 15, 2009 | 08:01 PM
  #1054  
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
You have been a member since 2002 and you haven't read the millions, no make that billions of column lock posts????????

What the hell did you read on here for 7 years and still don't know the CLB is the only thing that will resolve the problem????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????
prob reads all the corvette ****
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Old Dec 15, 2009 | 08:21 PM
  #1055  
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
You have been a member since 2002 and you haven't read the millions, no make that billions of column lock posts????????

What the hell did you read on here for 7 years and still don't know the CLB is the only thing that will resolve the problem????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????
What are you my forum stalker?Thanks for your help there Richard.
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Old Dec 15, 2009 | 08:50 PM
  #1056  
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Default My Turn

I bought my MN6 new in 04. Went for the recall a year or two later. Car has about 7000 miles on it and yesterday there it was. Service lock. It didn't lock at all and it's still under extended warranty. Dropped it off today and will pick it up tomorrow. Dreadful.
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Old Dec 22, 2009 | 04:06 PM
  #1057  
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Last week when starting my 2003 C5 Anniversary, I noted the battery started to seem weak. Suddenly, the Service Steering Column warning started appearing. I had already had the recall performed, so nothing locked. THe warning kept coming. I put a new battery in it and still the warning. After reading the posts herein, I pulled fuse 25 as directed. Thought I had screwed up big time because the display LED went Haywire!! Turned it off and now everything is right in my world, it restored to normal. I think I got lucky. THe RIP off dealer wanted 99.25 to "Diagnose" the problem. This is the same jerk that replaced an O2 sensor on my vette, claiming they had to pull the intake manifold to access it. Judging by the line of dust and grit along the manifold, it was obvious that this was a 1500.00 lie.
Anyway, the error msg is gone, now I can get the CLB and install it. I was not sure if I could install it without having the error message cleared or not.

Rick
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To Steering Column Lock FAQs - please read before you post (sticky please)

Old Dec 22, 2009 | 04:10 PM
  #1058  
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Posted this initially to wrong forum (first timer)
Last week battery was going low and Service Column warning started poping up every time I got in. After reading the posts, pulled fuse 25 and the Display went Haywire! THought I had really screwed up, but I guess I got lucky. Did it again and things cleared up , along with the Column Lock warning. I had already had the recall performed apparently, per the rip off dealer that wanted 99.25 to "diagnose" the problem.

Rick
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Old Dec 23, 2009 | 03:41 PM
  #1059  
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I pulled battery terminal off for 10 minutes and error went away. Ordering CLB to install next week.......dealer about got me for 600.
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Old Dec 27, 2009 | 12:34 PM
  #1060  
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Not sure where to start on mine.....Bought it a little over a year ago.. Previous owner told me the recall had been performed...Car is pretty much in storage currently with a C Tek charger hooked up...When I hooked the charger up about a month ago it indicated that the battery was low,,,,Started the car yesterday and got the service column lock message....Shut the car down and removed the key......Checked by steering the car while shut down and I can still steer wheels turn etc...Do I just need to clear the error???Do I need a new CLB????....Edit to add car is a 2000...Auto.....17,000 miles
Thanks, Jim

Last edited by Pops Racer; Dec 27, 2009 at 12:36 PM. Reason: edit to add car info
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