I had the same problem with my '98, which has the recall installed. Try this, you've got nothing to lose except for 15 secs...

A month ago I didn't turn the ignition switch far enough and false started the car. This generated the dreaded "pull key" and subsequent "service column lock" messages. Apparently when this happens the ECL does not fully disengage and the BCM reads this as an error. The error is cleared by quickly turning the ignition key, from the off position, on-off-on-off (don't engage the starter) - I did this and the lock released immediately! Haven't seen the error since.

 

Guys,
I have a 98 6 speed with 24K miles. Just received the recall note in the mail. To date (knock wood) never had a problem. After reading a ton of messages on the subject I remain confused. Seems like if I go for the recall I may create a problem. If I don't I run some risk. If I install an after market solution, it appears I may due some damage. Maybe I should take the position if it ain't broke don't fix it???
Pls. help with some direction. Thanks for all the good info on the subject.....
AT

 

The dealer will not fix your car. There is no advantage to taking it in.

Get a bypass so that your column cannot lock.

 

Follow my instructions in the sticky and remove and bypass the recall mod relay located under the passenger footwell. Then install your aftermarket CLB so you are done with this problem for good. The recall did not solve the problem and did nothing to prevent you from being stranded with a steering column lock.
Cheers,
John

 

John - Hat's off to you for compiling this!! You saved yet another Corvette brother a tow bill - the instructions on fuse 23 and 25 (which was blown) did the trick and got Taaz024 back on the road. He called me I went right to the sticky thread, and got him back on the road again (on his way to ordering a column lock bypass!).

Thanks to you and the forum.

 

In response to Cskod.....We could not find the relay in the passenger side.....could it be that since I brought the car to the dealership with no problems that this step was skipped???? I dont think the dealership did the complete fix since it was not broken in the first place. CAN I INSTALL THE BYPASS NOW AND HAVE THE PROLEM REPAIRED SINCE THE DEALERSHIP IN SIOUX FALLS ALREADY WORKED ON IT AND DISABLE THE LOCKING PLATE ETC? AGAIN, I THINK THEY MAY HAVE SKIPPED A STEP. WHAT DO I DO??????

 

To make matters worse now I only have 1 day to have the car repaired so I dont know what I am going to do. The first day of our Classic starts on Wed but we dont have to leave until Thursday morning. Thanks GM for the nice rocking seat, the oil pressure sensors that go out, and the Column lock problems. I wont get into the oil burning issues on some of the C5's either. Maybe I will have to drive one of my Hondas to the Classic....at least they would make it there.

 

Thanks for the feedback! I seldom get to hear good news but it sure is rewarding when I hear that I've helped a fellow forum member.
Cheers!
John

 

Joe,
Do the following:
1. With the key out of the ignition, turn your steering wheel. If it is not locked then you're okay.
2. If it is locked, go ahead and install your CLB carefully following the instructions provided.
3. While you're in there, notice the wiring harness going to your BCM. If you see four wires: orange, purple, green and black, you don't have the recall mod. If the four wires are white, purple, green and black, you have the recall mod.
4. If your CLB works, I would leave it alone until you get back from your trip since you seem to be on a tight time schedule.
5. If you DO have the recall mod, then when you get the time, I would go into your passenger footwell and remove the relay mod. It will probably be tucked in behind your BCM. Follow instructions in my sticky to remove the relay and bypass it so it will be as it was stock. This should eliminate another frustrating situation for you when that relay fails and leaves you stranded once again.
I hope this has answered your questions. If you get in the corner on this, email me with your phone number and I'll call you and talk you through it.
Regards,
John

 

Thank you so much Cscokd. I recieved the Column Lock Bypass today via overnite delivery and will have it installed after my trip to the Black Hills Corvette Classic. I had the car towed to the dealership after the "pull key wait ten seconds" and the Service Column Lock came up on the DIC. As I stated previously the car would go up to 2 mph and shut off. I had the car towed to Chevrolet and they stated I had 2 burned fuses $7.84 and a diagnostic check for $123.15 and $42.00 for the towing company I lined up. There were other misc charges for $9.24 for a total bill of $193.02. My Column Lock Bypass was well over $100.00 due to a panic stricken buy and I paid my personal mechanic to check to see if the relay was ever installed near the BCM on the passenger side and it was never installed. Plus the dealership never had the recall written on the history of the car and it was fixed the same time the seatbelt retractors webbing guides were supposed to be repaired and they never did work properly either. I cannot believe the dealership would not cover this under the recall. This is . I really think GM would treat their customers better especially when this is a number one prolem with the C5's. Oh well whats $400 bucks?

 

Well here I am...went to leave for the Black Hills Corvette Classic 5:30 am and I pull the car out ot the garage "wait 10 seconds pull key" and the Steering Column Lock showing up again on the DIC. The car will not go over 2 mph and the motor kills. Just like it did before the last $400.00 that I spent. Now my fiancee and I are waiting for the tow truck to bring it back again to Lithia Chevrolet in Sioux Falls S.D. I suppose they wont cover it on recall just as they didnt cover it the last time. I guess I will have to bring it up with GM. I do have the Column Lock bypass in the car and will ask them if they would like to install it. I am very very irate. All my friends have already left for the Classic and I will be stranded at the dealership again. :

 

If you've got the recall installed did you try the on-off-on-off trick I posted above?

I know it sounds too simplistic but it worked in my '98 MN6 (that has the column lock recall installed). Haven't seen the error since.

 

I want to offer a short-term, immediate solution that I received from a cousin with a 97 that locked up regularly. This worked for me and I want to offer it to all. It appears that a common occurence is during a time when heat and humidity is present and the electronics get "confused". I was instructed to perform the following:

Start the car and run the A/C on Max.
Point all vents toward column as much as possible.
Wait about 10-15 minutes
Shut the car off, jiggle the steering column aggressively, wait 10-15 seconds and start car again.
When it was explained to me, I was skeptical; but, it worked like a charm. Sure beats waiting for a tow truck and paying fees. Let alone the embarrassment of your beautiful Vette being put onto a flatbed in front of all your admirers.
Hope this helped a few people.

 

Well I did not have the recall done and guess what happend last night, service coulemn ,pull key and wait 10 sec, thank god I been looking on the forum ,I was able to pull key and jerked wheel several times and then started car, to get home ,but it does it every time I start car ,I ,ll call dealer monday to set up recall appt,I hope they have all the program issues resolved any one else just have recall done any problems yet after recall done,

 

Thanks for these instructions and FAQ!!! I had a fellow just email me asking some information about your instructions. I checked here and there they were! I think this is a great idea. I posted a link to your site on my site. Thanks for the link in your instructions.

Pat Freeman

 

I recieved my car back from the dealer on the 3rd visit and second tow in. I waited from 7:00 am until 2:00 pm and finally got the car repaired. The problem was the #25 fuse. I drove to the Classic and back and put several hundred miles on it with no more problems. The dealership also installed the Column Lock Bypass. I still have to take the car apart to re-cut the wire for my European tailights. When I hit the brakes they all light up. The dealership reconnected it in error which I can understand. The car would kill at 2 mph ...wait 10 seconds pull key and Service Column Lock was showing again on the DIC. I am going to send the receipts and towing bills to GM ...I should think they should pay for it...if not I will let everyone know.

 

I called GM today and they listened to my problem and put me on hold for about 5 minutes while they called the dealership. I was intructed they will probably pay for the repairs and told me to call back tomorrow for the final decision. I am keeping my fingers crossed for luck.

 

Being a rather new person to this forum, and rather a new person trying to familiarize myself with my recently acquired Y2K vert with a 6-spd.......I must say this thread has scared the hell out of me!

I took my VIN to Mr. Goodwrench today and had them check to see if this recall was still open. Sure enough, IT IS. So I made an appointment to get the 'problem' fixed even though it really isn't a problem to me as I have had no problems with the 20K mile car. My concern is that it seems Mr. Goodwrench does not know what to do other than install a harness. Then I see Product Safety Recall 040006, 04006A, and now supposely #04006B. What does 'B' add to the mod? Is there actually someone at the dealerships that knows what has to be done with these cars? I am beginning to wonder. My dealership said they have done about six of these recall mods. Yet they didn't volunteer whether or not the cure fixed the problems. It sounds as though the fix can be worst than the problem and GM then just lets one hang.

There is nothing that bothers me more than having someone do something to one of my cars while having no idea as to why they are doing it......other than just following a list of step by step instructions that were obviously written by someone in more doubt than me!!

I hope I am doing the right thing by having this recall complied with next week.

 

Is anyone with an 04 MN6 having these column lock issues? My car was built in about June of 04 and I've checked on a recall for it on this issue and GM tells me there is no recall for my car. So, I'm wondering whether to do the CLB or not. How's the old saying, "don't trouble trouble 'til trouble troubles you." I'm not sure that should hold true here or not. Thoughts? Thanks. Dan

 

The right thing is to ignore the recall and get a CLB installed...

Read the thread again.