Service writer thinks a battery spike caused the code for "Service column lock" but I cant get appt till jan. Is this ok to drive on? Merry Christmas everybody!

 

I would say no, but go read the SCL sticky in C5 tech.

 

And Welcome!

 

Battery spike my a$$...read the aforementioned post about the sticky on this issue and install a CLB ASAP. Otherwise, you may stuck w/a locked steering column at the most inopportune time

 

I'm surprised its not locked up on you already...Every time I saw "SCL" on the DIC, I was usually stuck in a parking lot somewhere and trying to leave, unfortunately with a steering wheel "locked" and had to be towed. Get it to the dealer, let them fumble around until you at least get the steering column unlocked and the codes cleared, then get your car back install the column lock bypass kit and forget about it. Good luck!

 

It will be fine. (As long as you don't mind setting in a mall parking lot somewhere waiting for a tow truck) Get the CLB and get it installed.

 

If it's an A4, the sticky will tell you and ok option is to let the dealer perform the steering column lock recall modifications. I say - Don't let the dealer touch it - get the CLB and install it yourself. I got burned by having the recall done. 6 months after the mods I get the SERVICE COLUMN LOCK message and the car is undrivable because the fuel shuts off at 2 mph. After towing to the dealer who scratched their heads for a day and a half before they called a GM tech who figured out that my column lock motor had to be replaced. It cost me $55 for tow, $527 for new motor. I bitched to the dealer as well as GM about having to pay for a motor that should be unneeded, since my column no longer locks, but of course it did no good. I don't know why GM requires the column lock motor to remain functional - Their customer rep didn't have an answer to that questions. GM's Harness K keeps the motor in the loop, but some forum members have installed the same part and left the motor side of it disconnected and it worked fine. The CLB does not keep the motor in the loop. For some reason (extra relays?) I think that the 2000 model year is more prone to the column lock motor going bad. Get the CLB SOON!

 

I was getting that message for about a week before it finally locked.

That's a warning, not a spike.

 

My '01 had the recall service done twice by the previous owner. Still got the code.... The CLB from Corvettes of Houston solved the problem... It is a 20 minute install for anyone that can use a torx driver.

 

After reading the sticky in C5 tech, I'm sending for the CLB from Houston and a thousand thanks you's for all the reply info, I realize now it's a constant problem for many. My 6-speed 01 has been interesting to learn its personality.

 

What's a torx driver? Sorry if it's a dumb q but I'm gonna want to have the right tools before I tackle the job.

 

Torx head is another type of fastener, like a phillips head is different from a flat blade head. Any hardware store, Wally-world, Home Depot, etc. will have an inexpensive set of torx drivers that fit into a special screw driver-like handle. I believe you need a T-15 for the CLB job. For a few dollars more you can get a set of Torx screw drivers, just make sure the set contains the size you need.

HTH

 

Eventually, I bought the bypass but this happened to me at least 20 times. My fix (reported on the forum earlier by another member) - turn the key off, shake the wheel vigorously for about 3-4 seconds. THEN, WHILE PULLING IT HARD TO THE RIGHT, turn the key to on. It would release it every time and I could drive normally. This process saved my neck a bunch of times. Just an FYI for those it might happen to in the future...