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Steering Column Lock FAQs - please read before you post (sticky please)
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
No the steering wheel will not lock at all, I'm guessing it has a CLB installed, I don't know about the k-harness. I would try another key but I only have one. And yes the car has been dyno tuned by Next Level Performance.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Naples FL
No column lock problem....yet
Here's my story. Bought 1999 pewter C5 conv. auto with 14,000 miles 2 months ago. No column lock problems yet. The car is perfect, like new. I almost blew lunch when I stumbled on this and I want to be proactive. But I have questions.
Does the steering column lock problem affect all C5s, or only some? Does lock up hit like a drone missile when it comes? That's no good.
How can I tell if the first owner (whom I don't know) answered the recall? If he did, is the problem fixed? How/where can I find out if the car was repaired under the recall? Do I have a shot at responding to the recall this late?
Is the CLB a tricky job? What are the risks; If I make a mistake do I create a disaster? Do I have to do anything with the transmission? Or resetting the fuel shut-off? How long does the CLB job really take?
If I can find someone to do a CLB, what should this cost? Can a good garage do it if I package up the instructions from Forum sources?
Moi? I'm 70, slim, but enthusiastic and have owned Vettes for a long time. Have repair manual set, floor jack and ramps. But still I'm 70 and flexibility's not my middle name. I picture a lot of contortion on my back under the dash.
Are these too many questions? Hope not. Thanks fellas for all that you do. I look forward to hearing from you. Really, 14,000 miles!
Tom, STEPP UP (FL)
Does the steering column lock problem affect all C5s, or only some? Does lock up hit like a drone missile when it comes? That's no good.
How can I tell if the first owner (whom I don't know) answered the recall? If he did, is the problem fixed? How/where can I find out if the car was repaired under the recall? Do I have a shot at responding to the recall this late?
Is the CLB a tricky job? What are the risks; If I make a mistake do I create a disaster? Do I have to do anything with the transmission? Or resetting the fuel shut-off? How long does the CLB job really take?
If I can find someone to do a CLB, what should this cost? Can a good garage do it if I package up the instructions from Forum sources?
Moi? I'm 70, slim, but enthusiastic and have owned Vettes for a long time. Have repair manual set, floor jack and ramps. But still I'm 70 and flexibility's not my middle name. I picture a lot of contortion on my back under the dash.
Are these too many questions? Hope not. Thanks fellas for all that you do. I look forward to hearing from you. Really, 14,000 miles!
Tom, STEPP UP (FL)
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Centreville VA
Sent you a PM, posting it here just in case someone else runs into this speedbump.
2000 FRC, 6 speed with 50k miles
Started to get remove key/service column, purchased the CLB from houston now after I installed it I cant get the error to go away and my car shuts off at 2mph. Now my steering wont lock thanks to the CLB but cant seem to reset the error and make the 2mph safety go away. I purchased a new yellow top (yellow top avg 12.7-12.9 and the new red tops are 12.5-12.6 new, we tested out 4 new optima's at autozone) well the problem I have is that my relay wiring does not look like any of the described here and for some reason my purple wire is on a different relay.
Anyone can shed any light on how I can bypass this? Should I just buy 2 relays and switch them both?
2000 FRC, 6 speed with 50k miles
Started to get remove key/service column, purchased the CLB from houston now after I installed it I cant get the error to go away and my car shuts off at 2mph. Now my steering wont lock thanks to the CLB but cant seem to reset the error and make the 2mph safety go away. I purchased a new yellow top (yellow top avg 12.7-12.9 and the new red tops are 12.5-12.6 new, we tested out 4 new optima's at autozone) well the problem I have is that my relay wiring does not look like any of the described here and for some reason my purple wire is on a different relay.
Anyone can shed any light on how I can bypass this? Should I just buy 2 relays and switch them both?
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Naples FL
Thank you, 8VETTE7. With the keys out the wheel turns without locking. So it looks like a dealer did the recall. I talked with the Kathy at Corvettes of Houston. She said I should install their CLB since the dealer fix could (would probably) fail...do you agree? I ordered one. She said that she thought there was no need to have the fuel shut-off re-programed...do you agree? She said the installation was semi-simple and should take an hour...do you agree?
You are a wonderful resource and I appreciate all that you have said on the Forum. I would like to contact you from time to time but I don't know what "PM" means. Thanks, Tom
You are a wonderful resource and I appreciate all that you have said on the Forum. I would like to contact you from time to time but I don't know what "PM" means. Thanks, Tom
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Santa Ana CA
just removed K harness
I just removed the recall K harness installed by the dealer because the service column lock message appeared. I plugged back to how it was originally and everything works now. Just wanted to show what the K harness looks like for those having the same problem after the recall. I'm just waiting for the CLB that I ordered online to arrive so I can install it in place of this defective K harness.
click link for photo:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater
click link for photo:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater
Last edited by brotherhien; Jul 24, 2011 at 05:13 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Naples FL
We're rollin!
PM is private message. In the upper right corner of your screen is your screen name "8birds"
Just below your screen name it says "Your Notifications" You should have 1 there as I sent a PM to you.
Installing a CLB in your automatic won't hurt but it also will not be of any big benefit to you since your column does not lock. The CLB protects against 2 things:
1) the column locking on you. Since yours does not now lock there is no benefit to you.
2) If you do not install a CLB then the column lock motor could fail. If that happened, the BCM would not get back the "completed" signal it requires from the lock motor in response to the lock or unlock commands it sends. When the BCM fails to get the "completed" signal it sends a "enable fuel shutoff signal to the PCM that will result in fuel being shutoff if you try to drive the car faster than 2MPH. Lock motors do fail but not all that often. When you install a CLB you disconnect the lock motor and the CLB sends the "completed signal back to the BCM on behalf of the lock motor.
As far as setting the fuel shutoff to a high number, I personally would do that if it were my car. The likelihood that the battery is going to go low is greater than the likelihood the lock motor will fail. If the battery gets below 12.5 volts, the column lock electronics is going to fail to operate corretly. However the car will start if he voltage is above 12.2. So if the battery is lower than 12.5 but you can start the car, the fuel shutoff will get enabled. If it remains set at 2mph, then the car can be driven but very slowly..... If you have the fuel shutoff set to say 200mph, then if you can start the car you can drive it up to the new fuel shutoff speed.
CLB is easy to install. You do need to remove the GM K Harness if it is still installed from the recall service that was done to your car.
If you need more info on the K Harness let me know.
Check your PM's...
Just below your screen name it says "Your Notifications" You should have 1 there as I sent a PM to you.
Installing a CLB in your automatic won't hurt but it also will not be of any big benefit to you since your column does not lock. The CLB protects against 2 things:
1) the column locking on you. Since yours does not now lock there is no benefit to you.
2) If you do not install a CLB then the column lock motor could fail. If that happened, the BCM would not get back the "completed" signal it requires from the lock motor in response to the lock or unlock commands it sends. When the BCM fails to get the "completed" signal it sends a "enable fuel shutoff signal to the PCM that will result in fuel being shutoff if you try to drive the car faster than 2MPH. Lock motors do fail but not all that often. When you install a CLB you disconnect the lock motor and the CLB sends the "completed signal back to the BCM on behalf of the lock motor.
As far as setting the fuel shutoff to a high number, I personally would do that if it were my car. The likelihood that the battery is going to go low is greater than the likelihood the lock motor will fail. If the battery gets below 12.5 volts, the column lock electronics is going to fail to operate corretly. However the car will start if he voltage is above 12.2. So if the battery is lower than 12.5 but you can start the car, the fuel shutoff will get enabled. If it remains set at 2mph, then the car can be driven but very slowly..... If you have the fuel shutoff set to say 200mph, then if you can start the car you can drive it up to the new fuel shutoff speed.
CLB is easy to install. You do need to remove the GM K Harness if it is still installed from the recall service that was done to your car.
If you need more info on the K Harness let me know.
Check your PM's...
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Naples FL
Thanks ... again. One more time, where do I get the fuel shutoff reset, and what is a fair price for this work? I asked my trustworthy garage that services my car about this and they can't/don't do this.
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Dalton GA
Hey guys,
Wondering if I could get some help with this issue.
I've got a 2002 Z06 that started the 'Service Column Lock' over the weekend. I checked the battery voltage, it was 12.5v. I replaced it with a new one to see if that was the issue, but it still has the error. I even replaced the relay under the passenger side next to the BCM.
I ordered a CLB from Corvettes of Houston yesterday, but went ahead and tried the relay and battery. I was hoping that I didn't have to install the CLB.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Wondering if I could get some help with this issue.
I've got a 2002 Z06 that started the 'Service Column Lock' over the weekend. I checked the battery voltage, it was 12.5v. I replaced it with a new one to see if that was the issue, but it still has the error. I even replaced the relay under the passenger side next to the BCM.
I ordered a CLB from Corvettes of Houston yesterday, but went ahead and tried the relay and battery. I was hoping that I didn't have to install the CLB.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by twins0203; Aug 2, 2011 at 09:06 PM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Dalton GA
2002 Mn6 should have had the GM K Harness installed between the BCM and the lock motor for the GM Recall service. Additionally the PCM would have been reflashed to have the fuel shutoff speed set to 2mph. To know what was in fact done to your car you need to LOOK and verify.
Drop the drivers side knee bolster:
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24
The link has instructions with pictures and tool list for dropping the knee bolster. Once it is down you are looking to see if they installed a GM K harness. It looks like this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ky-please.html
Then scroll down to the first pic.
It is easily recognised by a female connector that has only two wires going into the back side of it. One white and one purple. If you find that female connector that is the female end of the K Harness. If there is a K Harness then you need to disconnect the male connector plugged into that female connector. That male connector will have wires that appear to go up into the column. Then follow the white and purple wires to the relay portion of the K Harness. Then follow the 4 wires from the other tail of the K Harness to the female connector that is attached to the bottom of the dash. Disconnect the male connector coming from the K Harness and plug the other male connector (from the lock motor) into the female connector attached to the bottom of the dash. This restores the lock motor wiring to factory. This should get the car going again after you manually clear all DTC's and DIC error messages. I would still install the CLB because the lock motor can and will fail leaving you stranded with both a locked column and the fuel shutoff. The CLB replaces the lock motor function of responding to the BCM lock and unlock signals and leaves the column permanently unlocked. You can still suffer from the fuel shutoff again in the future. The only way to prevent the fuel shutoff is to find a tuner with HP Tuners or EFI Live tuning software and have the fuel shutoff reprogrammed to a high number like 255mph. Then as long as you can start the car you will never have a locked column nor be stranded by the fuel shutoff.
Drop the drivers side knee bolster:
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24
The link has instructions with pictures and tool list for dropping the knee bolster. Once it is down you are looking to see if they installed a GM K harness. It looks like this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ky-please.html
Then scroll down to the first pic.
It is easily recognised by a female connector that has only two wires going into the back side of it. One white and one purple. If you find that female connector that is the female end of the K Harness. If there is a K Harness then you need to disconnect the male connector plugged into that female connector. That male connector will have wires that appear to go up into the column. Then follow the white and purple wires to the relay portion of the K Harness. Then follow the 4 wires from the other tail of the K Harness to the female connector that is attached to the bottom of the dash. Disconnect the male connector coming from the K Harness and plug the other male connector (from the lock motor) into the female connector attached to the bottom of the dash. This restores the lock motor wiring to factory. This should get the car going again after you manually clear all DTC's and DIC error messages. I would still install the CLB because the lock motor can and will fail leaving you stranded with both a locked column and the fuel shutoff. The CLB replaces the lock motor function of responding to the BCM lock and unlock signals and leaves the column permanently unlocked. You can still suffer from the fuel shutoff again in the future. The only way to prevent the fuel shutoff is to find a tuner with HP Tuners or EFI Live tuning software and have the fuel shutoff reprogrammed to a high number like 255mph. Then as long as you can start the car you will never have a locked column nor be stranded by the fuel shutoff.
Here's a couple of shots of what I'm looking at:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/328776/DSCN1300.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/328776/DSCN1298.jpg
The two connectors that are on either side of the yellow connect, both have wires running up the steering column, but they have 4 wires each.
Am I just missing it?
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Dalton GA
Did you check the fuses in the IP fuse box in the passenger footwell? Specifically chech 9, 13, 19, 22, 23, 25, 29, 47 and 50. Depending upon RPO's for your car you may not have a fuse #22.
Did you check the carpet near the BCM to see if it was wet?
Do you see anything on the aluminam can the BCM is inside of that looks like water or condensation stains?
Did you pull the DTC's??
Thanks again for your help!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: honolulu hi
Great Information! helped me understand what was happening when I found the dreaded SVS COLUMN LOCK on the DIC AGAIN! but the twist is the recall had already been done on my 98 which not only included the Harness K but removal of the lock bar and the reset of my cpm with fuel shut off! With my best angry face on I took it back to the dealer! they of course with their I do not care face told me that I would have to pay for the new Harness K. As we speak I have a running back and forth on this with the dealer as I did not think I should have to pay for an official GM recall fix that had to be fixed again. Maybe I am pissing in the wind but I did contact the NHTSA safety section and related my feelings behind this problem. The way the government works My complaint may have ended up in file 13 (trash) but I got my 2 cents in. Everyone that has had the same problem and I know their are a large number of you out there should also give the NHTSA a call and let them know that the number is growing. Their Safety Hotline number is 1-888-327-4236. Maybe if enough complaints keep pouring in they will have to re-open the recall to include additional fixes for future owners not yet having this same problem.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Naples FL
Great Information! helped me understand what was happening when I found the dreaded SVS COLUMN LOCK on the DIC AGAIN! but the twist is the recall had already been done on my 98 which not only included the Harness K but removal of the lock bar and the reset of my cpm with fuel shut off! With my best angry face on I took it back to the dealer! they of course with their I do not care face told me that I would have to pay for the new Harness K. As we speak I have a running back and forth on this with the dealer as I did not think I should have to pay for an official GM recall fix that had to be fixed again. Maybe I am pissing in the wind but I did contact the NHTSA safety section and related my feelings behind this problem. The way the government works My complaint may have ended up in file 13 (trash) but I got my 2 cents in. Everyone that has had the same problem and I know their are a large number of you out there should also give the NHTSA a call and let them know that the number is growing. Their Safety Hotline number is 1-888-327-4236. Maybe if enough complaints keep pouring in they will have to re-open the recall to include additional fixes for future owners not yet having this same problem.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton FL
****!
I can't go to work, the car keeps shutting off on me saying service column lock!!!
the fuel is being cutoff after 2mph.... the steering wheel does NOT lock though
what kind of stupid ****ing recall is this? wtf do I do!?!?!?
someone please helpppp, I can't make it to work now!!!
'03 Z06
I do have access to HP Tuners with a friend, I can have him come during lunch to change the fuel cutoff to like 200mph or something.... but does that make the message go away? I'm gonna be real annoyed if from now on I always get the message...
eta: been reading the thread in a hurry... but it seems like I don't have the steering wheel lock anymore, the wheel doesn't lock (never has locked actually, which always made me wonder why) so I might have the CLB or something similar that doesn't let it lock?
should I check to see if I have the CLB installed by previous owner or something? but then I wouldn't get the 2 mph fuel cutoff or the message if I did I assume...
I also checked the battery voltage via DIC. with engine off, it shows ~11.6 or so... I'm not sure how accurate that is, but that's what I got. Sounds too low to me. perhaps my battery is on it's way out? (it's a fairly new battery at around couple years maybe?) I might take it into autozone to have them diagnose it, maybe it can be recharged?
I can't go to work, the car keeps shutting off on me saying service column lock!!!
the fuel is being cutoff after 2mph.... the steering wheel does NOT lock though
what kind of stupid ****ing recall is this? wtf do I do!?!?!?
someone please helpppp, I can't make it to work now!!!
'03 Z06
I do have access to HP Tuners with a friend, I can have him come during lunch to change the fuel cutoff to like 200mph or something.... but does that make the message go away? I'm gonna be real annoyed if from now on I always get the message...
eta: been reading the thread in a hurry... but it seems like I don't have the steering wheel lock anymore, the wheel doesn't lock (never has locked actually, which always made me wonder why) so I might have the CLB or something similar that doesn't let it lock?
should I check to see if I have the CLB installed by previous owner or something? but then I wouldn't get the 2 mph fuel cutoff or the message if I did I assume...
I also checked the battery voltage via DIC. with engine off, it shows ~11.6 or so... I'm not sure how accurate that is, but that's what I got. Sounds too low to me. perhaps my battery is on it's way out? (it's a fairly new battery at around couple years maybe?) I might take it into autozone to have them diagnose it, maybe it can be recharged?
Last edited by Z06seal; Aug 9, 2011 at 06:33 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Z06seal
This is very common. What you are experiencing is what happens after the recall was done. You need to search 8vette7 and read his posts it will only take a few minutes. I could write it all down for you but you could find it faster than I can write it. The information is all in this thread.
If you get the speed increased you will be able to drive it but to get rid of the message you need to fix the root case and put in a CLB.
First check voltage at the battery, the dash reading doesn't mean much, actually nothing. It has to be at least 12.5 at the battery.
This is very common. What you are experiencing is what happens after the recall was done. You need to search 8vette7 and read his posts it will only take a few minutes. I could write it all down for you but you could find it faster than I can write it. The information is all in this thread.
If you get the speed increased you will be able to drive it but to get rid of the message you need to fix the root case and put in a CLB.
First check voltage at the battery, the dash reading doesn't mean much, actually nothing. It has to be at least 12.5 at the battery.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton FL
I'm on from my phone right now. at autozone while they charge the battery... It had 12.4v charge. They're charging it now...
Could you kindly post the link to it? It's hard as hell to get around the site from the phone... Lol
Is it possible I might have the clb? Anyway to check it without taking the dash off?
I'll do the tune thing today, at least I can make it to work this way..
It won't lock up when I'm doing 70 on the highway right? It never locked up before, but you never know. LOL
Could you kindly post the link to it? It's hard as hell to get around the site from the phone... Lol
Is it possible I might have the clb? Anyway to check it without taking the dash off?
I'll do the tune thing today, at least I can make it to work this way..
It won't lock up when I'm doing 70 on the highway right? It never locked up before, but you never know. LOL
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton FL
Waiting 
I checked the relay area by the passenger side btw, I have no idea what I'm looking at. I do see the BCM though... lol
battery says need replacement btw. it went from 12.42 to 12.7 volts, but the CCA went from 537 to 545 or something...
I checked the relay area by the passenger side btw, I have no idea what I'm looking at. I do see the BCM though... lol
battery says need replacement btw. it went from 12.42 to 12.7 volts, but the CCA went from 537 to 545 or something...
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton FL
8VETTE7
thank you so much for all your help! it ended up being a long day, but I got the relay and battery replaced. I apparently already have teh CLB module.
without you, I would have probably been stranded tomorrow as well
thanks again!
thank you so much for all your help! it ended up being a long day, but I got the relay and battery replaced. I apparently already have teh CLB module.
without you, I would have probably been stranded tomorrow as well
thanks again!