Column Lock FIX
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Pearland TX
Column Lock FIX
I've got good news to some of those suffering from the column lock. I have a 99 mn6 and i've had the recall. I had a bypass module in but was still getting the "service column lock". Took the car into the dealer and with thier more elaborate diagnostic tools we were able to track down the error.
The column lock was due to the theft lock relay plug, pins A2 and 01 in the steering column. Apparently when it was installed at the factory the plug terminals were smashed upon installation. It just took time for them to become an intermitten connection. This then caused the BCM to think the car was being stolen and lock up, but the old software would apparently crash at that time. The software part of the recall adds some new code to prevent the crash but you could still get the column lock. Although after some time the bcm would reset and open the lock.
The fix... fix the pins either by replacing the entire connector or rigging up something custom.
Its hard to explain exactly which plug to fix but if you have a service manual you can easily look it up. Plus my car is already back together and is to difficult to take pictures now.
I hope this helps.
The column lock was due to the theft lock relay plug, pins A2 and 01 in the steering column. Apparently when it was installed at the factory the plug terminals were smashed upon installation. It just took time for them to become an intermitten connection. This then caused the BCM to think the car was being stolen and lock up, but the old software would apparently crash at that time. The software part of the recall adds some new code to prevent the crash but you could still get the column lock. Although after some time the bcm would reset and open the lock.
The fix... fix the pins either by replacing the entire connector or rigging up something custom.
Its hard to explain exactly which plug to fix but if you have a service manual you can easily look it up. Plus my car is already back together and is to difficult to take pictures now.
I hope this helps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 447
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Originally Posted by aggie_corvette
I've got good news to some of those suffering from the column lock. I have a 99 mn6 and i've had the recall. I had a bypass module in but was still getting the "service column lock". Took the car into the dealer and with thier more elaborate diagnostic tools we were able to track down the error.
The column lock was due to the theft lock relay plug, pins A2 and 01 in the steering column. Apparently when it was installed at the factory the plug terminals were smashed upon installation. It just took time for them to become an intermitten connection. This then caused the BCM to think the car was being stolen and lock up, but the old software would apparently crash at that time. The software part of the recall adds some new code to prevent the crash but you could still get the column lock. Although after some time the bcm would reset and open the lock.
The fix... fix the pins either by replacing the entire connector or rigging up something custom.
Its hard to explain exactly which plug to fix but if you have a service manual you can easily look it up. Plus my car is already back together and is to difficult to take pictures now.
I hope this helps.
The column lock was due to the theft lock relay plug, pins A2 and 01 in the steering column. Apparently when it was installed at the factory the plug terminals were smashed upon installation. It just took time for them to become an intermitten connection. This then caused the BCM to think the car was being stolen and lock up, but the old software would apparently crash at that time. The software part of the recall adds some new code to prevent the crash but you could still get the column lock. Although after some time the bcm would reset and open the lock.
The fix... fix the pins either by replacing the entire connector or rigging up something custom.
Its hard to explain exactly which plug to fix but if you have a service manual you can easily look it up. Plus my car is already back together and is to difficult to take pictures now.
I hope this helps.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,882
Likes: 6,686
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
Thanks for the post. From my experience with dealer "techs," this is exactly the kind of problem most have absolutely no chance of ever finding on their own. A tactful suggestion as to what others have found are sometimes an issue can help.
An, btw, I've found other plugs incorrectly installed by the factory. It happens.
All the best.
An, btw, I've found other plugs incorrectly installed by the factory. It happens.
All the best.
