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SERVICE COLUMN LOCK (need feedback quick)

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Old Apr 28, 2006 | 10:33 AM
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Default SERVICE COLUMN LOCK (need feedback quick)

I got the "service column lock" message on my display the other day and then the steering locked up on me. I couldn't get it to unlock so I got it towed to the dealership. I mentioned the recent service bulletin (the one issued on Feb. 8th) but they said that isn't the problem. They said the "module and harness" needed to be replaced and the work would cost $650. Are they ripping me off? Please help.
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Old Apr 28, 2006 | 10:49 AM
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Anyone? I didn't know what to tell them since I obviously can't drive the car unless they fix it. I pretty much gave them the "go-ahead" but I hope I'm not getting screwed. I'm sure they're going to start working on it soon so if anyone has anything for me, now's the time. I don't have $650 to throw away so......
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Old Apr 28, 2006 | 10:56 AM
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I am not sure what "module" they are referring to, and the only "harness" that could need replacing that I know of would be the harness that is installed as part of the recall, which should be free. Surely they are not saying you need to replace the Body Control Module??

If the dealer is saying they want to charge you to replace the "actuator", I would say they are ripping you off.

See if they have the details of the latest recall. They should disable the column lock by removing the lock plate, and install a "harness" to send the correct signal to the BCM. I don't think you have to have a working actuator to install the recall parts and get you back on the road. (at no charge!)

Sounds like you have a dealer that either does not know what they are doing, is trying to over charge you, or both. At least pin them down on what module and harness they plan to change.

Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Apr 28, 2006 at 11:06 AM.
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Old Apr 28, 2006 | 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by TEXHAWK0
I am not sure what "module" they are referring to, and the only "harness" that could need replacing that I know of would be the harness that is installed as part of the recall, which should be free. Surely they are not saying you need to replace the Body Control Module??

If the dealer is saying they want to charge you to replace the "actuator", I would say they are ripping you off.

See if they have the details of the latest recall. They should disable the column lock by removing the lock plate, and install a "harness" to send the correct signal to the BCM. I don't think you have to have a working actuator to install the recall parts and get you back on the road. (at no charge!)
Thank you, based on what you just told me I actually decided to call them again and push for a more specific explanation on what they thought was wrong. I also referenced that service bulletin again. They looked at the bulletin and now they're saying the work "might be completely covered." I'm still waiting to hear for sure, but it sounds like I might dodge the $650 bullet. Thanks again for your input.
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Old Apr 28, 2006 | 11:08 AM
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Stick to your guns- the dealer is trying to pull a fast one on you.
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Old Apr 28, 2006 | 11:11 AM
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If you can, run to a different dealer!! Sounds like they know nothing about the vette. If it was my car, I would NOT let them touch it. Hell, I have a CLB in my parts cabinet you can have.

Joe
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Old Apr 28, 2006 | 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by wamara
Stick to your guns- the dealer is trying to pull a fast one on you.
Thank you, I appreciate the encouragement. Sometimes I'm unsure of myself (since my technical knowledge is limited) and I don't know whether I might be getting screwed or they're telling me the truth. It really helps having so many of you as objective sources of information.
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Old Apr 28, 2006 | 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Silver98
If you can, run to a different dealer!! Sounds like they know nothing about the vette. If it was my car, I would NOT let them touch it. Hell, I have a CLB in my parts cabinet you can have.

Joe
The only thing is, I wouldn't really know where else to take it. I only know of one other Chevy dealer around here and I don't know that I can trust them any more than where it's at. Plus I would have to get it towed again and I'm scared to death having it towed. The only way I want to get it towed is if there's no other option. I've just seen too many careless tow truck drivers to be honest.......
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Old Apr 28, 2006 | 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by powlison
The only thing is, I wouldn't really know where else to take it. I only know of one other Chevy dealer around here and I don't know that I can trust them any more than where it's at. Plus I would have to get it towed again and I'm scared to death having it towed. The only way I want to get it towed is if there's no other option. I've just seen too many careless tow truck drivers to be honest.......

I agree. I would avoid towing again, and unless you know the mechanic at another dealer, you might as well let the dealer fix it since it should be covered by the recall.
Just make them tell you specifically what they plan to do so you can at least judge if what they plan to do will correct the problem. Good luck.


Addendum:
Did you get your car back or find out what the dealer is going to do to fix it????

Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Apr 28, 2006 at 09:26 PM.
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Old Apr 30, 2006 | 03:06 AM
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Originally Posted by powlison
Thank you, based on what you just told me I actually decided to call them again and push for a more specific explanation on what they thought was wrong. I also referenced that service bulletin again. They looked at the bulletin and now they're saying the work "might be completely covered." I'm still waiting to hear for sure, but it sounds like I might dodge the $650 bullet. Thanks again for your input.
They shouldn't be referring to it as a "service bulletin". I believe they can charge for those. Your problem is covered by a "safety recall" which should be fixed at "no charge" to you. You can read/make a copy of the recall by going to www.nhtsa. Look under automotive recalls, complete the info requested and you will see the full text.

Cheers
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Old Apr 30, 2006 | 10:29 AM
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Originally Posted by PierEagle
They shouldn't be referring to it as a "service bulletin". I believe they can charge for those. Your problem is covered by a "safety recall" which should be fixed at "no charge" to you. You can read/make a copy of the recall by going to www.nhtsa. Look under automotive recalls, complete the info requested and you will see the full text.

Cheers
Well, I don't know if I said the right thing or not but they ended up doing the work for free and the steering column is no longer locked up. It seems like they did it right and so far I haven't noticed any other problems so I guess it all worked out. Thanks again for all your help.
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Old Apr 30, 2006 | 10:40 AM
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It is always good to have an idea of what work was done, even if it is a recall, to make it easier to diagnose if something goes wrong again. Did the dealer ever tell you exactly what they ended up doing?
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Old Apr 30, 2006 | 10:56 PM
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Originally Posted by TEXHAWK0


It is always good to have an idea of what work was done, even if it is a recall, to make it easier to diagnose if something goes wrong again. Did the dealer ever tell you exactly what they ended up doing?
Well, I didn't get a very good explanation to be honest (unfortunately I never got to speak with the person who actually worked on my car) but the description on my invoice simply says "replaced harness kit" and under parts it says "1 harness kit." I don't even know what the "harness kit" is referring to.....
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