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Colum Lock Bypass

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Old Jul 30, 2005 | 08:30 PM
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Default Colum Lock Bypass

Ok how is a colum lock bypass installed and how long does it take and is it easy or not? Also, does this mean that you can turn the steering wheel freely whenever you like? I would think that a theif could steel your vehicle this way?
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Old Jul 30, 2005 | 09:13 PM
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i have not had one installed yet but i am doing it in the near future. i have had my wheel lock up 4 times so far but have always gotten it unlocked by snatching the wheel. to answer your question about a thief, a colum lock will not keep a thief from getting your car. i have seen many stolen cars and most have been done with no key. if theft is a concern get a really good alarm and a brake pedal lock. install the clb because chances are one day it will lock up on you and you may or may not get it unlocked yourself. in the end if a thief really wants your car and has enough time they will get it.
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Old Jul 30, 2005 | 09:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Doooom03
Ok how is a colum lock bypass installed and how long does it take and is it easy or not? Also, does this mean that you can turn the steering wheel freely whenever you like? I would think that a theif could steel your vehicle this way?
I finally installed mine after having it for a few months! The install was no big deal at all. I was worried about the dash pieces, but don't worry about it. The whole thing took me less than one hour. I was kicking myself for waiting so long after actually purchasing it. Good luck.
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Old Jul 30, 2005 | 11:20 PM
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Go to ls1howto.com for the instructions, order the part, and get the thing in before you have a problem. Research your question, and get it done as soon as you can.
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Old Jul 31, 2005 | 12:59 AM
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I am unaware of the locking of the steering column. What exactly takes place? Is this on all C5 or just a certain year?
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Old Jul 31, 2005 | 01:55 AM
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I bought mine from Corvettes of Houston for 49.00 Lowest price. If you have ever been locked out by the bypass, then you know it is worth it. I was lucky, it happened on a Saturday afternoon. Could have happended when I was traveling or three in the AM...You may not need it if you have an automatic and have already had the recall. If you bought your car used, check with a local dealer, they will tell you. I have a 6 speed, had the recall and it was recommended by the dealer mechanic that works on my car. I believe there are some threads on the install.

My opinion on the theft issue is that a thief does not know when he looks at your car if you have the bypass. If he intends on stealing it, he will no matter what.

Hope this helps
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Old Jul 31, 2005 | 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Doooom03
I would think that a theif could steel your vehicle this way?
If a thief wants your car, he'll take it if your wheels lock or don't lock.
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Old Jul 31, 2005 | 09:17 AM
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Default column lock cost

I am the second owner of a 98 and chevy fixed it for FREE. There is a recall on the problem. Why buy anything?
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Old Jul 31, 2005 | 09:38 AM
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I'm in the process of installing the CLB and I want to make sure I get the right wires under the dash. Does anyone have a link that shows pictures?
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Old Jul 31, 2005 | 09:47 AM
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To answer that question above. I have a 98 also, I had the recall done on my car (M6). It lasted for 4 months and mine locked, could'nt get it unlocked and had to get it towed to a dealer, after they checked it out they said my accuator (spelling) was bad, now here's the bad part, I don't know if the dealer shafted me or not but I had to buy a new one and have it installed, some people say I should of had them do the recall again, the dealer told me you've had it done already, that's not the problem, we have to change to accuator. $382.00 later I was rolling again, I hate dealers and the fact that I didn't know or didn't have the CLB really messed me up.
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Old Jul 31, 2005 | 10:15 AM
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The recall fixes the problem for now but it will happen again. I got my CLB from Corvettes of Houston as well. Took all of 30 Minutes to install. Comes with instructions. Very easy. No big deal. No more worries.
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Old Jul 31, 2005 | 05:52 PM
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I was told if you have an automatic then the recall fixes all the problem's. Is that correct? I have not had it done yet.
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Old Jul 31, 2005 | 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Doooom03
Ok how is a colum lock bypass installed and how long does it take and is it easy or not? Also, does this mean that you can turn the steering wheel freely whenever you like? I would think that a theif could steel your vehicle this way?

Read the sticky note at the top of the TECH page.
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Old Jul 31, 2005 | 10:13 PM
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The instructions that come with the C of H bypass give you the colours of the four wires that go into a 4 way plug.

The most aggravating part of the job I found was finding the wires and plug. In my case, they were hidden by another heavier harness and I couldn't see the buggers at first. Other than that, the instal went real well!!

Ron ...
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Old Aug 1, 2005 | 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by truesleeper
I am the second owner of a 98 and chevy fixed it for FREE. There is a recall on the problem. Why buy anything?
The recall only shuts off the fuel when it happens. It will not stop the column from locking...on 6 speeds. On the A4, it removes the locking mechanism.
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Old Aug 1, 2005 | 10:17 PM
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Get the CLB NOW! See my notes on the column lock section. I am living in a nightmare right now from dealership and towing bills. This will be the best money you ever spent. Plus, the dealerships do not know how to fix the column lock problems and the wait ten seconds pull key which will happen now or later. It really is a problematic issue.
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Old Aug 1, 2005 | 10:49 PM
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There are three types of Corvette owners:

(1) Those that have experienced the dreaded column lock;

(2) Those that will experience the dreaded column lock;

(3) And those that don't worry about it because they installed a column lock bypass.

Which group would you rather be a member of?
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Old Aug 2, 2005 | 01:21 AM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by Alcee1
To answer that question above. I have a 98 also, I had the recall done on my car (M6). It lasted for 4 months and mine locked, could'nt get it unlocked and had to get it towed to a dealer, after they checked it out they said my accuator (spelling) was bad, now here's the bad part, I don't know if the dealer shafted me or not but I had to buy a new one and have it installed, some people say I should of had them do the recall again, the dealer told me you've had it done already, that's not the problem, we have to change to accuator. $382.00 later I was rolling again, I hate dealers and the fact that I didn't know or didn't have the CLB really messed me up.
Don't worry, it locked on me, and the dealer said my lock actuator was was bad, I paid $500(part, labor, towing), they said this new part wont fail again
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