What would happen if you just unplugged the CL actuator after it goes to the unlocked position? Anybody tried this? Any chance that it would just throw a code without affecting operation of the car?

Just curious, I've read all the CL threads and don't recall seeing that anyone has tried this or indicated what the results might be.

It seems that the sensor circuit would indicate that it is unlocked and not cause the fuel cutoff senerio. Not sure about the "pull key & wait".

Opinions, input, enlightenment?

Maybe I'll try it if nobody else has.

I have a '98 A4 that has never had any column lock issue; but with all the talk it is always in the back of my mind.

 

Nobody?

 

Not absolutely sure on a '98 model, but my guess is that if the actuator is out of the circuit, you will will get an error message, and the fuel may be shutoff.
On newer models, if the BCM determines the actuator is in the locked position, OR cannot determine which postion the actuator is in, the fuel will be shutoff when you try to drive it.

You either need the actuator in the circuit, or a relay (CLB or Harness K harness) to send a signal back to the BCM, even if the lock plate is removed and there is no way the column can lock.

If you car has had the recall performed, and a GM Harness K kit installed, you should be able to unplug the actuator and the car should still function normally.

 

Gotcha. Wasn't thinking about the "unlocked sensor feedback" to BCM no longer working once the actuator connection is unplugged.

What if just the sensor feedback portion was jumpered so the BCM knows the actuator is unlocked... do you think the fuel shutoff will occur then?

 

Talk about living on borrowed time.......You are really lucky so far. It'll fail on you at the worst possible time. Why don't you take your car to the dealer and have them do the recall "fix" for you??

I had my '98 A4 "fixed" about 3 years ago. Car works great and the steering wheel will NEVER lock up on me. Good luck....

 

You've just been lucky. Lots of posts on this forum show that the relay in GM's Harness-K is more prone to failures than the one in the CLB. And the Harness-K also hooks up to the column lock motor, but the CLB does not (the column lock motor is no longer functioning or required to function with the CLB). I had the recall mods done on my 2000 A4 and six months later had to have it towed to the dealer - I figured it was a failure of the relay in the harness-k which they added, therefore I didn't think I would have to pay a cent - and that I could even force them to pay for the tow. What a shock when I get a bill for $527 for the column lock motor/actuator. I argue that the motor should not be needed since the recall causes the column to no longer lock. But I get nowhere. I even called GM to no avail. Yet GM cannot say why they keep the column lock motor in the loop. Get the CLB! If you already have the harness K installed by the dealer, order a CLB to keep on hand in case of failure of either the motor or the relay in the harness-K. Don't let the dealer touch your car again. If you ever get the SERVICE COLUMN LOCK message, first try disconnecting the column lock motor side of the harness-K. If that doesn't work, remove the harness-K and install the CLB.

 

I think this answers my question:

http://corvettemechanic.com/board/in...l=column+lock&