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Steering Column Lock FAQs - please read before you post (sticky please)
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Purcellville, Virginia
locks up while moving
I realize the first message in this thread says it cant happen or is unlikely, but has anyone else had their column lock up after you have begun to move (in reverse no less) ???
We were reluctant to have the recall done on our '99 6-spd coupe, and then we made the time to get it done. Two days later it began locking up while backing up.
This has happened 3 or 4 times since the recall was done. Any thoughts, suggestions or ideas?
We were reluctant to have the recall done on our '99 6-spd coupe, and then we made the time to get it done. Two days later it began locking up while backing up.
This has happened 3 or 4 times since the recall was done. Any thoughts, suggestions or ideas?
Live Free or Die
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,943
Likes: 27
From: One thing is for sure this kind of discourse and BS would not be tolerated on the NCRS forum. Ohio
I just spent the last week diagnosing and repair column lock problems.
I have a 00' 6spd that had the recall and a bypass installed.
I went to Carlisle with the 57' and left the 00' at home. after being gone for 5 days I jump in the car and it would fire for a second and stall. It would run if I held the key in the start position. So I thought ignition switch. Wrong.
So I get out the trusty manuls and start checking things. Key checks out okay. Try to resynch the bcm to pcm and it starts. Great. Wrong
Now it won't move without stalling.
And after a few hours bcm and pcm lose sych 
At this point I'm thinking about pushing it into the woods.
So I clean all the grounds on the car some of which were shockingly bad. I then check all connections. Still no go.
So I come here, and thanks to the great people here I have a running and yes driving car again, athough I still do not trust it just yet.
What I found with your help.
Fuse 25 blown.
Column lock bypass shorted out green wire.
Relay in recall harness shot due to water leak from clogged a/c drain.
So I removed the bypass, jumped the relay, replaced the fuse and re-synched the PCM/BCM and its all good.
Thanks for taking the time to write and maintain this thread.
I have a 00' 6spd that had the recall and a bypass installed.
I went to Carlisle with the 57' and left the 00' at home. after being gone for 5 days I jump in the car and it would fire for a second and stall. It would run if I held the key in the start position. So I thought ignition switch. Wrong.
So I get out the trusty manuls and start checking things. Key checks out okay. Try to resynch the bcm to pcm and it starts. Great. Wrong
Now it won't move without stalling.
And after a few hours bcm and pcm lose sych At this point I'm thinking about pushing it into the woods.
So I clean all the grounds on the car some of which were shockingly bad. I then check all connections. Still no go.
So I come here, and thanks to the great people here I have a running and yes driving car again, athough I still do not trust it just yet.
What I found with your help.
Fuse 25 blown.
Column lock bypass shorted out green wire.
Relay in recall harness shot due to water leak from clogged a/c drain.
So I removed the bypass, jumped the relay, replaced the fuse and re-synched the PCM/BCM and its all good.
Thanks for taking the time to write and maintain this thread.
Live Free or Die
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,943
Likes: 27
From: One thing is for sure this kind of discourse and BS would not be tolerated on the NCRS forum. Ohio
you said you removed your CLB? Are you back on the stock ECL setup again? Or did you put your CLB back in?
I'm back to stock for now. No CLB. I'm not sure I'll buy another at this point. Its funny. I bought the damn as insurance and it bit me in the kiester. At least the OE system almost work as designed.
I am still hating this car right now. The reality is... you have to be afraid you are going to get stuck everytime you drive it. I can only imagine what this would have cost if I didn't do it myself. First words out of the dealers mouth was BCM at the least is bad.
I might just stay in the 57' for now. Nothing there I can't fix with a hammer, vise grips and a adj. wrench.
Thanks again.
Bob
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 20
From: Carson City, NV
Originally Posted by Duntov-097
I'm back to stock for now. No CLB. I'm not sure I'll buy another at this point. Its funny. I bought the damn as insurance and it bit me in the kiester. At least the OE system almost work as designed.
I am still hating this car right now. The reality is... you have to be afraid you are going to get stuck everytime you drive it. I can only imagine what this would have cost if I didn't do it myself. First words out of the dealers mouth was BCM at the least is bad.
I might just stay in the 57' for now. Nothing there I can't fix with a hammer, vise grips and a adj. wrench.
Thanks again.
Bob
I am still hating this car right now. The reality is... you have to be afraid you are going to get stuck everytime you drive it. I can only imagine what this would have cost if I didn't do it myself. First words out of the dealers mouth was BCM at the least is bad.
I might just stay in the 57' for now. Nothing there I can't fix with a hammer, vise grips and a adj. wrench.
Thanks again.
Bob
You really should put your CLB back in. If you like, you can send your bad one to me and I'll look at it and see if I can repair it for you. Another possibility might be to send it back to vendor and request a replacement. It should not fail like that. Don't lose hope with your C5...it's a wonderful car and I enjoy driving mine more and more everyday and it's been 7 years now. This is just a minor inconvenience all will be just fine. Take it easy.
John
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
steering wheel lock quick fix
i have a 1999 corvette with the six speed.
my lock device would hang up often
i found that the windshield on these corvettes leak and
water gets down to the computer
there is a large fuse/relay that gets wet and can short out
which is located next to the computer.
check your relay often and see if there is any moisture in it
once this relay gets wet it will cause the lock to not activate
if you wash your engine bee very careful not to get water near the battery compartment this can also allow water to get to the relay.
i had my car towed several times to the dealer before they determined that this might be the main cause of this problem.
my lock device would hang up often
i found that the windshield on these corvettes leak and
water gets down to the computer
there is a large fuse/relay that gets wet and can short out
which is located next to the computer.
check your relay often and see if there is any moisture in it
once this relay gets wet it will cause the lock to not activate
if you wash your engine bee very careful not to get water near the battery compartment this can also allow water to get to the relay.
i had my car towed several times to the dealer before they determined that this might be the main cause of this problem.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 20
From: Carson City, NV
Originally Posted by rbf5063
i have a 1999 corvette with the six speed.
my lock device would hang up often
i found that the windshield on these corvettes leak and
water gets down to the computer
there is a large fuse/relay that gets wet and can short out
which is located next to the computer.
check your relay often and see if there is any moisture in it
once this relay gets wet it will cause the lock to not activate
if you wash your engine bee very careful not to get water near the battery compartment this can also allow water to get to the relay.
i had my car towed several times to the dealer before they determined that this might be the main cause of this problem.
my lock device would hang up often
i found that the windshield on these corvettes leak and
water gets down to the computer
there is a large fuse/relay that gets wet and can short out
which is located next to the computer.
check your relay often and see if there is any moisture in it
once this relay gets wet it will cause the lock to not activate
if you wash your engine bee very careful not to get water near the battery compartment this can also allow water to get to the relay.
i had my car towed several times to the dealer before they determined that this might be the main cause of this problem.
John
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Advanced
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Huntersville NC
Water Leak on BCM
I have a '00 6 speed with a 'leak', but I think it may be a clogged drain in the a/c that runs out through the blower motor and gets the carpet and BCM all wet. I pulled the dash pad looking for the leak but once I got that out I couldn't find any wetness by the windshield, but the blower motor was rusted and had soaked the sponge on back of the panel that fits against the blower motor. The question is: where is the clogged drain? I am about to pull the blower motor to look for it because my electronics in passenger side footwell where all wet and I'm afraid of the column lock comimg back, as Duntov spoke about. Thanks for your help in advance.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 20
From: Carson City, NV
Originally Posted by AWSUMC5
I have a '00 6 speed with a 'leak', but I think it may be a clogged drain in the a/c that runs out through the blower motor and gets the carpet and BCM all wet. I pulled the dash pad looking for the leak but once I got that out I couldn't find any wetness by the windshield, but the blower motor was rusted and had soaked the sponge on back of the panel that fits against the blower motor. The question is: where is the clogged drain? I am about to pull the blower motor to look for it because my electronics in passenger side footwell where all wet and I'm afraid of the column lock comimg back, as Duntov spoke about. Thanks for your help in advance.
AC Condensation Problem
You should post your questions in the tech section. There are a lot of folks that know how to help.
Cheers
John
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 14,542
Likes: 5
Well -- here I am, bitten by the column lock
Go back to the very beginning of this thread, and you'll see that I am (was) a strong advocate of not installing the CLB, based on the fact that c4c5specialist has done virtually all the service on my car, and has always strongly recommended that I not install the CLB. He also performed the recall in June of this year.
SO, guess what? Here's the text of a thread I just started on another forum:
I have a 2000 Corvette C5 convertible, which had the the recall (GMP04-112 - 04006A - Electronic Column Lock System) performed by the dealer on June 17, 2005, i.e., less than 90 days ago.
As a strong advocate (on this and other fora) of c4c5specialist's position, not to install the column lock by-pass, I felt confident after the dealership performed the recall inspection (according to the repair slip, no work was required, other than the PCM reprogram).
The lock plate (26094767 Plate, Strg Shf Lk) and 88952428 Wire Kit were not installed. 1/2 hour of tech time was listed.
Well, last Saturday, "it" happened, and approximately 100 miles from the dealership performing the recall. Locked up, stuck, and towed.
Since the car is under GMPP extended warranty, they towed it to the nearest Chevy dealership, and of course there I am now told that the recall was closed by the first dealer, so now I may be getting charged for the work.
Does anyone know how the lock plate inspection that is supposed to be performed under the recall is done, and how long does it take, i.e., does the steering wheel, knee bolster, or whatever need to come off? Can the PCM reprogram, function check, and lock plate inspection all be done within the allocated 1/2 hour labor?
Here's the specific language from the bulletin: "On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, and export vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, dealers are to 1) reprogram the PCM, and 2) verify there is adequate lock plate clearance and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. After the service correction, the steering column will continue to lock when the key is removed. Refer to the Product Safety Recall Bulletin #04006A for further information."
Thank you.
Well, live and learn. My apologies to all, but as Frank Perdue once said, "it takes a tough man to make a tender chicken."
SO, guess what? Here's the text of a thread I just started on another forum:
I have a 2000 Corvette C5 convertible, which had the the recall (GMP04-112 - 04006A - Electronic Column Lock System) performed by the dealer on June 17, 2005, i.e., less than 90 days ago.
As a strong advocate (on this and other fora) of c4c5specialist's position, not to install the column lock by-pass, I felt confident after the dealership performed the recall inspection (according to the repair slip, no work was required, other than the PCM reprogram).
The lock plate (26094767 Plate, Strg Shf Lk) and 88952428 Wire Kit were not installed. 1/2 hour of tech time was listed.
Well, last Saturday, "it" happened, and approximately 100 miles from the dealership performing the recall. Locked up, stuck, and towed.
Since the car is under GMPP extended warranty, they towed it to the nearest Chevy dealership, and of course there I am now told that the recall was closed by the first dealer, so now I may be getting charged for the work.
Does anyone know how the lock plate inspection that is supposed to be performed under the recall is done, and how long does it take, i.e., does the steering wheel, knee bolster, or whatever need to come off? Can the PCM reprogram, function check, and lock plate inspection all be done within the allocated 1/2 hour labor?
Here's the specific language from the bulletin: "On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, and export vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, dealers are to 1) reprogram the PCM, and 2) verify there is adequate lock plate clearance and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. After the service correction, the steering column will continue to lock when the key is removed. Refer to the Product Safety Recall Bulletin #04006A for further information."
Thank you.
Well, live and learn. My apologies to all, but as Frank Perdue once said, "it takes a tough man to make a tender chicken."
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 20
From: Carson City, NV
Sorry to hear this EHS...let me know if there's anything I can do to help. Hope the dealer gets it corrected quickly. Since you say the dealer only reprogrammed your PCM and inspected your steering column, your car may have come from the factory with the recall mod already installed (a relay under your BCM). This relay turns out to be very unreliable, I suppose due to it's location and the heat it's exposed to. Many have experienced failures and ended up removing them as you will read on this thread and others. Please review this link for more details:
Recall Instructions to Dealer
John
Recall Instructions to Dealer
John
Last edited by Cscokd; Sep 12, 2005 at 12:39 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Question for Cscokd. I have 97 A4, column locked up, I was unble to unlock it and installed a CLB I made per the instructions from this thread (Thanks a million to all on this forum, I've saved hundreds of dollars doing the repairs on my car by myself). CLB seems to be working great but I would like to remove and bypass the fuel shut off relay. Problem is, I can't find it! When the column was lock it died every time I was rolling above 2 mph, so I know the mod must have been done.
You posted earlier
Could you be a little more specific (color, size, exact location)? I pulled the BCM and do not see the relay you mentioned. The only relay I could see in that area was a fairly large black and grey relay with a green tab on it. It looks like the wires going to is are way to big to be the mod relay and it looks factory.
You posted earlier
"Q What can I do if this situation occurs?
A Go into your passenger footwell. Remove your BCM and locate the recall mod relay, remove it and add a jumper wire between the white wire (pin 30) and the orange wire (pin 87). Note that there are two orange wires, so make sure you get the right one!"
A Go into your passenger footwell. Remove your BCM and locate the recall mod relay, remove it and add a jumper wire between the white wire (pin 30) and the orange wire (pin 87). Note that there are two orange wires, so make sure you get the right one!"
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 14,542
Likes: 5
UPDATE
Well, I heard back from the service manager at Dealer #2 (where the car was flat bedded), and he stated that it looks like Dealer #1 "didn't do the recall," but they won't fix the car until the Chevrolet area rep looks at the car, which could be days.
This is after I had received assurances from Chevy customer service that Dealer #2 was authorized to do the fix under warranty.
The service manager at Dealer #2 claims that the customer service rep does not have that authority, only the area rep.
He did suggest that this may be a case of the car needing to be flatbedded back to the original Dealer #1, who is about sixty miles away. Of course, that's something I need to take up with Dealer #1, according to the service manager.
And, in all this, my fancy GMPP extended warranty won't spring for a rental car, because Dealer #2 hasn't even contacted them yet.
So, I sit car less, waiting for the CHevy area rep to make his appearance some time this week -- and this is on a recall.
The quality goes in, before the name goes on.
Well, I heard back from the service manager at Dealer #2 (where the car was flat bedded), and he stated that it looks like Dealer #1 "didn't do the recall," but they won't fix the car until the Chevrolet area rep looks at the car, which could be days.
This is after I had received assurances from Chevy customer service that Dealer #2 was authorized to do the fix under warranty.
The service manager at Dealer #2 claims that the customer service rep does not have that authority, only the area rep.
He did suggest that this may be a case of the car needing to be flatbedded back to the original Dealer #1, who is about sixty miles away. Of course, that's something I need to take up with Dealer #1, according to the service manager.
And, in all this, my fancy GMPP extended warranty won't spring for a rental car, because Dealer #2 hasn't even contacted them yet.
So, I sit car less, waiting for the CHevy area rep to make his appearance some time this week -- and this is on a recall.
The quality goes in, before the name goes on.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 20
From: Carson City, NV
Originally Posted by EHS
UPDATE
Well, I heard back from the service manager at Dealer #2 (where the car was flat bedded), and he stated that it looks like Dealer #1 "didn't do the recall," but they won't fix the car until the Chevrolet area rep looks at the car, which could be days.
This is after I had received assurances from Chevy customer service that Dealer #2 was authorized to do the fix under warranty.
The service manager at Dealer #2 claims that the customer service rep does not have that authority, only the area rep.
He did suggest that this may be a case of the car needing to be flatbedded back to the original Dealer #1, who is about sixty miles away. Of course, that's something I need to take up with Dealer #1, according to the service manager.
And, in all this, my fancy GMPP extended warranty won't spring for a rental car, because Dealer #2 hasn't even contacted them yet.
So, I sit car less, waiting for the CHevy area rep to make his appearance some time this week -- and this is on a recall.
The quality goes in, before the name goes on.
Well, I heard back from the service manager at Dealer #2 (where the car was flat bedded), and he stated that it looks like Dealer #1 "didn't do the recall," but they won't fix the car until the Chevrolet area rep looks at the car, which could be days.
This is after I had received assurances from Chevy customer service that Dealer #2 was authorized to do the fix under warranty.
The service manager at Dealer #2 claims that the customer service rep does not have that authority, only the area rep.
He did suggest that this may be a case of the car needing to be flatbedded back to the original Dealer #1, who is about sixty miles away. Of course, that's something I need to take up with Dealer #1, according to the service manager.
And, in all this, my fancy GMPP extended warranty won't spring for a rental car, because Dealer #2 hasn't even contacted them yet.
So, I sit car less, waiting for the CHevy area rep to make his appearance some time this week -- and this is on a recall.
The quality goes in, before the name goes on.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 20
From: Carson City, NV
Originally Posted by Bizjet
Question for Cscokd. I have 97 A4, column locked up, I was unble to unlock it and installed a CLB I made per the instructions from this thread (Thanks a million to all on this forum, I've saved hundreds of dollars doing the repairs on my car by myself). CLB seems to be working great but I would like to remove and bypass the fuel shut off relay. Problem is, I can't find it! When the column was lock it died every time I was rolling above 2 mph, so I know the mod must have been done.
You posted earlier
Could you be a little more specific (color, size, exact location)? I pulled the BCM and do not see the relay you mentioned. The only relay I could see in that area was a fairly large black and grey relay with a green tab on it. It looks like the wires going to is are way to big to be the mod relay and it looks factory.
You posted earlier
Could you be a little more specific (color, size, exact location)? I pulled the BCM and do not see the relay you mentioned. The only relay I could see in that area was a fairly large black and grey relay with a green tab on it. It looks like the wires going to is are way to big to be the mod relay and it looks factory.
Since you have an 1997 A4, you don't have this relay. So don't go into the passenger footwell and mess around! If you have had the recall done, you will have a "K" harness installed which should be just fine. There's nothing you can do to eliminate the fuel shutoff that will occur when your BCM detects a column lock failure.
John
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg, Pa.
While I still ponder this column lock problem my Y2K 6-spd still lives without a fix. And just about the time I commit to a CLB I read in another forum a post (from a tech) that says the CLB will eventually screw up the BCM due to an incorrect voltage signal of sort which will require replacement of the BCM.
My God, is there no real fix for the column lock that won't come back to bite you in some way!!!??? I am now torn between installing the CLB or having Mr. Goodwrench apply GM's "fix" that doesn't work or may cause other problems later.
I don't see how the GM engineer(s) that designed the column lock for these cars sleep at night. Of all the factory recalls I have experienced over the years, this one takes the cake (for a recall that may or may not fix the defect).
My God, is there no real fix for the column lock that won't come back to bite you in some way!!!??? I am now torn between installing the CLB or having Mr. Goodwrench apply GM's "fix" that doesn't work or may cause other problems later.
I don't see how the GM engineer(s) that designed the column lock for these cars sleep at night. Of all the factory recalls I have experienced over the years, this one takes the cake (for a recall that may or may not fix the defect).
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 20
From: Carson City, NV
Originally Posted by mtwalet
While I still ponder this column lock problem my Y2K 6-spd still lives without a fix. And just about the time I commit to a CLB I read in another forum a post (from a tech) that says the CLB will eventually screw up the BCM due to an incorrect voltage signal of sort which will require replacement of the BCM.
My God, is there no real fix for the column lock that won't come back to bite you in some way!!!??? I am now torn between installing the CLB or having Mr. Goodwrench apply GM's "fix" that doesn't work or may cause other problems later.
I don't see how the GM engineer(s) that designed the column lock for these cars sleep at night. Of all the factory recalls I have experienced over the years, this one takes the cake (for a recall that may or may not fix the defect).
My God, is there no real fix for the column lock that won't come back to bite you in some way!!!??? I am now torn between installing the CLB or having Mr. Goodwrench apply GM's "fix" that doesn't work or may cause other problems later.
I don't see how the GM engineer(s) that designed the column lock for these cars sleep at night. Of all the factory recalls I have experienced over the years, this one takes the cake (for a recall that may or may not fix the defect).
Thanks
John
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 14,542
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by Cscokd
mtwalet...can you please post the link where you read that a CLB can eventually damage the BCM? I am not convinced that there is any way your BCM will be damaged by an aftermarket CLB. I've yet to see any concrete proof that a BCM has ever been damaged by connecting a CLB, only heresay and rumor.
Thanks
John
Thanks
John
See posts #10 through #13 of this thread -- it includes the link.
I pick up my car today, and will give everyone an update -- should be interesting, given what I've heard from the dealer and Chevy Customer Service.