Column Lock finally got me!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Babylon NY
Column Lock finally got me!
After 4 1/2 years i finally got stuck by the column lock. Luckily i wasnt in the middle of nowhere. Had no choice but to tow it to the dealer. I've read about recalls on this site but never got one from GM. I also hear good and bad things about the bypass kit. Lets see what this guy says after the holiday. He better be gentle! I know this is an old story but it finally happened to me so i have to share. thanks guys!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
My 01 lasted through about 1500 actuations before the column lock actuator finally bit the dust. I installed a column lock bypass within a week of this occuring and will not have to worry about it any more.
To the newbie, if you hear a bvvvvvt noise every time you turn the ignition off or on, you have the factory column lock and it WILL fail some day, potentially leaving you stranded. If you do still have the factory column lock, buy a bypass kit for $50 and install it ASAP. Installation takes about 30 minutes and detailed instructions can be found at http://www.97vette.com/
To the newbie, if you hear a bvvvvvt noise every time you turn the ignition off or on, you have the factory column lock and it WILL fail some day, potentially leaving you stranded. If you do still have the factory column lock, buy a bypass kit for $50 and install it ASAP. Installation takes about 30 minutes and detailed instructions can be found at http://www.97vette.com/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,988
Likes: 22
From: New Lebanon.Ohio
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
I installed the Column Lock Bypass yesterday on my 04, purchased from Thunder Racing a couple months ago. Peace of Mind now 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
From: Spring Tx
Mine locked up six times in the 2 1/2 years I have owned it.Never took more than ten minutes to unlock it, but after my third recall notice took it in and had it done.A-4s are a snap , as of three weeks ago the six speed fix was not working, according to the dealer that did mine.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by Shylor
Did you try the steering wheel freeing technique others have suggested and claim works every time?
My car makes a rattle/clanking sound when I shut it off. I was wondering what it was. So the clank/rattle sound is the colum lock?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 175
Likes: 1
From: Syracuse NY
Shut it down with clutch engaged...
Originally Posted by VIPER52USA
Then what is the sound that my car is making? The dealer said it was completely normal, but it doesn't seem as if it should be making that kind of sound.
-Mr.Z-06
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,802
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'08
Steering Lock
Im going Thursday to the dealer, Im going to make sure they dont mess around with the computer thought............Im staying there if I have to
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by Dave68
If the actuator fails in the lock position, no amount of jiggling the wheel or cycling power will free it. I had to have mine flat-bedded to the dealer.
Pro
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 655
Likes: 60
From: Tampa
Originally Posted by Dave68
If the actuator fails in the lock position, no amount of jiggling the wheel or cycling power will free it. I had to have mine flat-bedded to the dealer.
Not true. You can unlock it manually. All you have to do is force the wheel to the right as you turn the key to the "on" position. It frees itself everytime.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Modesto Ca
Originally Posted by HEB
I installed the Column Lock Bypass yesterday on my 04, purchased from Thunder Racing a couple months ago. Peace of Mind now
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 673
Likes: 1
From: Pembroke Pines Florida
Originally Posted by ECV-Tony
Hey HEB, how difficult was it? I've got to do the same thing here in the near future.
Scott
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by JJ in FL
Not true. You can unlock it manually. All you have to do is force the wheel to the right as you turn the key to the "on" position. It frees itself everytime.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Burleson Tx
Originally Posted by connecticut
yes, turn the wheel to the right when turning the key, THIS SHOULD BE THE FIRST THING IN THE STICKY AT THE TOP OF THIS SECTION!! it save me last week
