weird service column lock problem. Please help
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: Clinton Twp. MI USA mi
weird service column lock problem. Please help
So I pump gas today and go to leave and get the service column lock warning. The car wont drive obviously. The thing is the steering wheel is working fine. Had the problem several times before(year ago now) and always just jammed the steering wheel into place and it would work fine for several months or more. This the first time I had this happen like this though. Dont know how to get the car home. 97 coupe for the record. Appreciate any help.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: Clinton Twp. MI USA mi
Auto. Thanks for the reply. I am reading throught the sticky right now. I am still a little confused. Do I want the CLB or the harness k??
And yes the car wont go over 2 mph. I get the wait 10 sec. message then after waiting I get the service column message. When traffic ties down in a few I am going to drive it back home. About 1/2 mile. Mostly down a turn lane. Should take about a half hour or so.
And yes the car wont go over 2 mph. I get the wait 10 sec. message then after waiting I get the service column message. When traffic ties down in a few I am going to drive it back home. About 1/2 mile. Mostly down a turn lane. Should take about a half hour or so.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: Clinton Twp. MI USA mi
no, did'nt hear the actuator. Just drove by and it still is pretty busy. I am thinking of getting up at like 2 or so in the morning and walking up there and getting it. I wonder if I can even make the left turn light going 1 mph?? 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Originally Posted by abraham
No. Always just busted the wheel loose when it happened. Cant do that this time because the wheel moves fine.
If you do not have the Harness K installed, then it sounds like the column lock actuator moved enough to unlock the wheel but not enough to close the switch that sends the message back to the BCM to tell it the lock is in the unlocked position.. If the BCM cannot determine the position of the column lock actuator, it shuts the fuel off when you try to drive it.
I would go ahead and install the kit used in the recall, which removes the lockplate and installs the Harness K, which has a relay to satisfy the BCM and keep it from shutting off the fuel.
IF the wheel is unlocked enough to drive it home, you could just install the Harness K relay or an aftermarket column lock bypass relay to satisfy the BCM and you should then be able to drive it without the fuel shutting off. You could remove the lockplate later.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Jul 20, 2005 at 10:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: Clinton Twp. MI USA mi
Alright, thats the route I am taking. Thanks for the help on a beating a dead horse topic. I always used to laugh when all these people were getting the recal work done and installing the bypass because I would think why not just bust the wheel loose and drive on. Now it comes back to haunt me. This is one cruise I am not looking forward to. Good thing I have those P-zero's for those 1 mph corners!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
I can tell you, attempting to drive any distance is gonna be tricky.
Your car must have had the recall. If it hadn't, then you would be driving just fine with just a service column lock message.
Either the column lock is stuck in the unlocked position, the microswitch is not working, or my guess, a relay that has been added to your car is not functioning.
An easy fix, once you determine the cause.
I would PM user "spongevette" with your VIN# and ask him to get your warranty service history so you can see whats been done to your car.
The previous owner of my car had the recall done while in for a blower motor problem. I know that the owner was not aware that they reprogrammed the PCM and installed a wire harness and relay...
Your car must have had the recall. If it hadn't, then you would be driving just fine with just a service column lock message.
Either the column lock is stuck in the unlocked position, the microswitch is not working, or my guess, a relay that has been added to your car is not functioning.
An easy fix, once you determine the cause.
I would PM user "spongevette" with your VIN# and ask him to get your warranty service history so you can see whats been done to your car.
The previous owner of my car had the recall done while in for a blower motor problem. I know that the owner was not aware that they reprogrammed the PCM and installed a wire harness and relay...
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Originally Posted by abraham
Is there any quick way to try to move the actuator before I try to drive home at 1 mph?
You could also try removing fuse #23, while the ignition is on. Wait 10 seconds, plug it back in. Turn the key off. Hope it locks.
Good Luck.
Last edited by FRCTony; Jul 20, 2005 at 10:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: Clinton Twp. MI USA mi
Ok where is fuse 23 located? I havent had my car to the dealer in at least 3 or so years and I know it was before the recall. So I am sure it hasent had the recall fix. Maybe I'd be better off pushing it with the wife steering.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: Clinton Twp. MI USA mi
Well none of that worked. Got her home. A little pushing and a little pimpin, took almost an hour all together. Had a good simeritans(bad spelling I know) stop and help, along with a cop, at different points of the trip. Guess its harness installation time. Thanks for all the help as usual. This forum realy does rock. To bad they didnt have one this good for the Surburban.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Do your self a favor and try this. The mid-america catalog has a switch for $90. You follow the easy directions and problem solved. Their # is 800 500 1500, part number"618-144". Trust me it works. I had the recall done and they removed the locking mechanism on my 97 6-speed. By the way they re-flashed my computer & ruined my dyno tune in the process. The "service column lock" message came back on about six months later & I bought the above part. End of story.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Steering Column Lock Prob.
Had the Column lock problem for the first time today on my 97 -- just used my other key and everything worked properly -- and, after using the other key my normal key now works properly again.
Ron
Ron
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: Clinton Twp. MI USA mi
Hmmmm. Thats ****ing interesting. I just got home and before I even walked in the door I started up the vette and NO message. I moved it back and forth in the garage and it did'nt stall. Who knows. I am afraid to take it anywhere now. Would hate to have to splurge for the tow.