Well, it finally happened to me. I've got the dreaded column lock error. I've heard you can try to disconnect the battery and one post said that pulling fuse BCM I3 fixed it for them. I tried that fuse, but it didn't work. Does anyone else know of another fuse/trick to try? :(

 

You can try this one. I don't know how well it works.
http://www.corvetteforum.cc:88/zerothread?id=395
Good luck.

 

:( :(

 

Thanks for the responses guys...I'll definitely give it a try and let you know.... :smash:

 

If the lock pin is stuck in the locked position, it may be necessary to jiggle it loose in addition to clearing codes. To try that, put the key in, turn it to the run position. At the same time as turning it to the run position, jiggle the steering wheel back and forth, making it hit the stop in each direction. Then, turn the key from run to off and as you do, jiggle it back and forth forcing it to "hit the stops" in both directions.

You may have to try it several times. If there's any stress in one direction, it may also help to relieve the stress by holding the steering wheel in the middle of it's "slack" while turning the key on/off. In other words, if your steering wheel is pegged up against the pin counter clockwise (there is no counter clockwise slack), move it off it's "stop" a little and into a position in the middle of the slack area by moving it a little bit clockwise. This can sometimes remove the stress on the pin and may let it pop back in.

After being in there and seeing how the mechanism works, I'm wondering if some of these failures might be due to the fact that sometimes when you park the car, the steering wheel is left in a position that leaves a lot of stress on the pin and it simply cannot retract because the steering wheel is torqued up against the lock pin.

Just some thoughts.

Mike

 

Clearing the codes didn't work. :( I've removed fuse #25 from under the passenger floorboard and am waiting 30 mins now. I'll try the jiggle method too...Thanks for the tips guys...

 

Nothing worked... :( I tried resetting the codes, disconnecting the battery and removing fuse #25 for 30mins with no luck. I get the terrific C5 owner sensation of having my Vette towed to a dealer now. :rolleyes:


[Modified by Doughan, 12:50 AM 8/4/2001]

 

Doughan,

Check your mailbox.

Mark

 

MDT, thanks for the tip! I will try to be more "violent" with the steering wheel. No problem there. I'll let out some aggression! :mad

 

Get this: I call to get my Vette towed this morning and go back to it. I turn the ignition on and no column lock error. Steering is normal again! WTF?? :eek: CLB is on the way. Has anyone had this happen to them?

 

Installed the column lock by-pass about a year ago, no worries .

 

Doughan,

Did you treat it like a $2 ho? :D :D Glad you don't have to have her towed.

C-5 TECH said he'd never seen one fail to unlock with, shall we say a "forceful" shaking of the steering wheel while cycling the ignition on/off. :smash:

Good luck.
Mark