Column Lock Recall Failed
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles CA
Originally Posted by Shylor
I just checked again about the 6 speed recall. It's only a reprogram with a function check of the column lock. So if the column lock fails the function check, then more is done to the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Actually no, there has not been one proven case were the column locked up on the car while it was moving.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO.
Originally Posted by Shylor
Anyone can post anything, doesn't mean it's true. Sorry but until GM says it can happen, I'm not on board believing it. ..... I just checked again about the 6 speed recall. It's only a reprogram with a function check of the column lock. So if the column lock fails the function check, then more is done to the car.
GM will NEVER say/admit it can happen, as doing so would open the door to extensive litigation. Such is not to say that it didn't happen, only that the number of incidents were "low", and there were no apparent fatalities. Below is from a Reuter's article from 2002, where they correctly cite information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Thu December 19, 2002 12:01 PM ET
DETROIT, Dec 19 (Reuters) - U.S. auto safety regulators have intensified an investigation into 132,000 Chevrolet Corvette cars after 344 complaints their steering wheels could lock up, including reports of 24 crashes and 10 injuries.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday that General Motors Corp. GM.N has about 24,000 warranty claims for steering wheel lockup problems on Corvettes sold between model years 1997 and 2001.
NHTSA said GM had sent its dealers three bulletins about problems with Corvette steering wheels failing to unlock when the vehicle is started. But NHTSA said more than 20 owners complained their Corvettes were traveling faster than 20 miles per hour when the steering wheel locked. The agency said GM had found no evidence in its investigation of any problem that could cause the steering wheel to lock while the car is in motion. GM contends there is no safety defect, NHTSA said, because the number of crashes and injuries is small and there have been no severe injuries or fatalities.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Why do statements like this keep coming up. Now pay attention....the recall for 6 speeds is only a reprogram so the fuel pump shuts off if a lock is detected while the car is moving (which is impossible anyway). The recall for 6 speeds does not address the problem of the column locking up! GM has not come up with a fix (or intends to). The recall for automatics basically blocks the column locking pin with a plate so the column doesn't lock up.
The only way to assure no-repeat of the column lock problem is to permanentely stop the ECL motor from protruding. The CL-Bypass does just that; and GM's recalls for manual shift C5's does not.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles CA
Originally Posted by wwashing
He has a '98. The bypass is problematic w/97 98s.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Modesto Ca
I posted this comment to a similar topic 9 days ago:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1102889
I failed to mention that they replaced the ECL Relay Harness. So far, so good 2 years later. I feel a CLB is definitely in the future though. Has anyone had a similar procedure done prior to the recall?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1102889
I failed to mention that they replaced the ECL Relay Harness. So far, so good 2 years later. I feel a CLB is definitely in the future though. Has anyone had a similar procedure done prior to the recall?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by Mike Mercury
I hear ya' ...but there was an actual forum member that had it happen as he was driving.
I understand GM will not admit there is a problem but you would think there would be at least one court case over it, if the column locked up on a C5 while moving. So I should rephrase my statement and say I will believe it can happen when there are court cases over this issue.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,369
Likes: 4
From: Zephyrhills, Florida
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
There are 2 batches of gm k-harnesses, first was a black colored relay second is a white colored relay.........gm tech admits the white is NO GOOD.A4 been there , done that..........
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO.
Court Cases?
Originally Posted by Shylor
As hard as it is to believe, not all forum members tell the truth.
I understand GM will not admit there is a problem but you would think there would be at least one court case over it, if the column locked up on a C5 while moving. So I should rephrase my statement and say I will believe it can happen when there are court cases over this issue.
I understand GM will not admit there is a problem but you would think there would be at least one court case over it, if the column locked up on a C5 while moving. So I should rephrase my statement and say I will believe it can happen when there are court cases over this issue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Okay then how about some major media coverage? Haven't seen one 20/20 or 60 Minutes story about it. I'm sure there is one news media agency that would love to slam GM over a column locking up while the car is moving. The potential loss for human life is to great a story for them to pass on. If all the reported cases were true, that is.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 225
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Turn Wheel Cw While Turning Key To Acc. To Unlock Cl
my advice if it happens: TURN STEERING WHEEL CW(TO THE RIGHT)WHILE TURNING KEY TO ACC. works every time; if the column locks while driving immediately jump into the pass footwell area to brace for impact(while your down there try the #25 fuse) 
Last edited by SteveDoten; Jun 12, 2005 at 07:44 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,353
Likes: 100
From: And then it was said... "let there be blue Corvettes and yellow Camaros" Ft Worth Texas
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by connecticut
my advice if it happens: TURN STEERING WHEEL CCW(TO THE RIGHT)WHILE TURNING KEY TO ACC. works every time; if the column locks while driving immediately jump into the pass footwell area to brace for impact(while your down there try the #25 fuse)
CCW to the right???
Advanced
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: White Plains NY
Try on-off-on-off
Originally Posted by gredmer
Had the column lock recall performed in March. On Monday, 12 miles from home I get the service column lock code.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...117&forum_id=1
It worked like a charm and I haven't seen the error since.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Originally Posted by mrm1149
There are 2 batches of gm k-harnesses, first was a black colored relay second is a white colored relay.........gm tech admits the white is NO GOOD.A4 been there , done that..........
GM changed manufactures of the relay.With the new white relay made by TYCO,it is hit or miss on getting a good one 
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Originally Posted by Shylor
Actually no, there has not been one proven case were the column locked up on the car while it was moving. Many claim this happened and GM is only acting out of media pressure. If it were true I think GM would actually fix the column locking issue once and for all. Because this would be a major loss in court for them if it were true and they didn't fix it right.
There is no way to prove it because when it occures the column lock does not get locked in a fully locked state.When a steering wheel locks while driving it is because the pin (on a lazy actuator) has not fully retracted and is skipping along the back of the lock plate.This creates the potential for the pin to eventually snag one of the wholes in the lock plate leading to inability to steer the vehicle at speed.Remember,this is a very small percentage intermittent condition,and recreating the senario on the effected vehicle is next to impossible.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO.
Originally Posted by Shylor
Okay then how about some major media coverage? Haven't seen one 20/20 or 60 Minutes story about it. I'm sure there is one news media agency that would love to slam GM over a column locking up while the car is moving. The potential loss for human life is to great a story for them to pass on. If all the reported cases were true, that is.
Defenders Consumer: What's Wrong With The Corvettes
11:00 PM December 12, 2000KHOU News
http://playlist.broadcast.com/makestream.asp?ID=951156
http://playlist.broadcast.com/makestream.asp?ID=951156
HOUSTON -- Why are drivers of $50,000 sports cars getting stranded all over the country? 11 News consumer reporter Eileen Faxas investigates the Corvette, uncovering a flaw behind the wheel.
It is called America’s sports car.
"People say the Corvette is more of a lifestyle than a car," said Corvette owner, Marcus Fusilero.
It has got style to spare, speed, and a reputation.
"Corvettes are real special cars," said Corvette owner, Todd Deschepper.
"Sex appeal," said Corvette owner, Tom Zavada.
It is the kind of car people like Tom and Todd, Marcus and Anissa spend a lifetime dreaming about, spending big bucks to buy.
"I want to get what I am paying for, and I want to be able to drive my vehicle with peace of mind," said Corvette owner, Anissa Payne. "And the way that I am driving now, I don't have peace of mind."
For Anissa Payne, the peace ended, in the parking lot at work. "My steering column locks, and I can't move.”
For Marcus Fusilero, it happened at home. "You just couldn't move the steering wheel.”
It happened to Todd Deschepper, twice. "I didn't know what was going on.”
What is going on is happening behind the wheel of fifth generation Corvettes everywhere. Simply put, they get stuck, leaving drivers stranded, anytime, anywhere.
"The message center on the display tells you 'message center service column lock' and the steering wheel doesn't want to turn and it renders the vehicle undriveable," said Zavada.
The 11 News Defenders learned this unexpected lock up only happens in the current Corvette model, called the C5. The driver starts the car but the car's computer does not recognize the key. So, it locks the steering wheel and shuts down the engine.
The good thing is it happens when people are still driving slowly. The bad thing is the only thing you can usually do is call a tow-truck, and have your entire steering column replaced.
"I didn't realize the severity of the problem when it first happened to me." Tom Zavada quickly found out. Online at popular sites, like Corvette forum.com, the C5 steering column lock is a hot topic among owners. The site is ablaze with complaints, Internet rumors and harsh words for Chevrolet and General Motors accusing the company of:
"Ignoring the problem.” Calling it: "Ridiculous" and: "Outrageous that GM has not fixed this problem five years into a model run."
General Motors knows all about the flaw. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration got so many complaints, it opened an investigation, ultimately finding "failure mechanisms" causing "malfunctions" in the steering column.
But, no one can confirm the lock-up happens while the car drives at normal speeds, despite reports the government got about four crashes.
So the investigation was closed. A NHTSA spokesman calling it "a definite problem, but not a safety issue."
"No one has had a fatality yet. Is that what it's going to take before GM should do a voluntary recall is for someone to actually get hurt with the steering column locking,” said Payne.
Ask GM, and the maker will tell you the "design issue" is "resolved". A spokeswoman told the Defenders, GM 'changed the way the component was put together' saying: "people who get their steering column replaced are getting a more reliable, robust component."
But, owners like Zavada are not buying it. "The new components put in end up failing again."
After getting stranded, the electrical engineer designed his own fix for the flaw. "After the bypass module is installed, it will never lock again."
His kit is now a hot seller across the country and his customers include owners whose 'replaced' columns locked up.
Despite GM's claims of satisfactory reliability, the problem is cropping up in the 2000 model.
Zavada would gladly sell GM his solution, but drivers like Marcus Fusilero will not buy.
"It's ridiculous. They can tow it," said Fusilero.
They have had, at last count, 5,355 corvettes towed in four years, with steering column replaced. And, thousands of Corvette drivers will put their key in the ignition never knowing if this is the day their stylish, speedy, $50,000 car will not start.
GM actually took the problem part out of the 2001 corvette, automatic models. But, the manuals still have it.
We know GM redesigned the lock four times in less than a year, but no word on why they have not recalled the part.
You can email c5solutions@att.net to get information about the column lock bypass kit.
If you have a consumer problem, call our Defenders/BBB hotline at 713-341-6143. Volunteers take your calls weekdays, nine to four.
If your Corvette locks up, take your complaint to General Motors, and tell the company how you feel about it.