CL recall fix
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
It really depends upon the dealer. 
I had the recall done on my '98 A4 3 or 4 years ago (when the recall first came out). I've had ZERO problems since having the recall "fix." . The car has never given me any problems. 
I had the recall done on my '98 A4 3 or 4 years ago (when the recall first came out). I've had ZERO problems since having the recall "fix." . The car has never given me any problems.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
From: IL
Originally Posted by c-5-steve
Last fall I had the dealership do the CL recall on my oo a4. I know the service manager so I was able to stand over the shoulder of the tech and watch the whole thing. The steering wheel was removed and a plate was installed so that the colume lock motor could not lock the wheel. Then he put in some sort of relay. He told me the auto cars did not need to have the computers reflashed, but sticks did.
Question.
Since I waited until 05 to get this done has GM updated the recall procedure to the point that it is reliable now?
If not, can or should I get a CLB from a vender.
Do I remove the dealer installed relay to install the aftermarket CLB?
Question.
Since I waited until 05 to get this done has GM updated the recall procedure to the point that it is reliable now?
If not, can or should I get a CLB from a vender.
Do I remove the dealer installed relay to install the aftermarket CLB?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 169
From: SE VA VA
Originally Posted by dogboy
CL recall keeps coming in mail. I'm actually afraid to let the dealer have the car for a day or 2. I've had the worst experiences with leaving a car with a dealership overnight (ie scratches,dents,dirty interiors,broken tranny mounts, & 
). Should I just buy a bypass unit thats available as a DIY or let GM do it?? It is an 2000 A4 car with custom tuning.
). Should I just buy a bypass unit thats available as a DIY or let GM do it?? It is an 2000 A4 car with custom tuning.There are many issues to which the first step of the "fix" is reprogram PCM - is that is a complete flash, or just tweaking of some settings? Can't say for sure.
As someone else has pointed out, sometimes these tweaks are done as a matter of course - "silent recalls" is the phrase often used.
My mechanic (local dealer) did tell me on the topic of safety recalls, if they cannot determine if recall work has been performed, the Feds *require* them to perform the recall work automatically, whether you want it done or not.
AJ
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 405
Likes: 46
From: Manahawkin NJ
I have a 98 A4. Took it in for the recall and everything worked fine. Lasted for 10 months, then got the service column lock msg and car would not move. Took the Harness K off (the recall harness) and everything was fine. Ordered a CLB from COH and installed. Everything is fine now. I have heard the Harness K's are failing early causing the problem after the recall. There is a sticky in the Tech section abt it.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Originally Posted by Jim Taylor
For an A4, my understanding is the GM recall and the aftermarket CLB are basically the same thing. They both defeat the lock mechanism and then spoof the computer. Since you've already had the recall done, you should be OK.
Thanks for your opinion
