I have a 2000 6 speed coupe that I bought new in January 2001, and after reading some of the posts here about the column lock problem, I called my dealer. The service manager checked my VIN number and advised me that my vehicle was not included in the recall at this time. My concern is that, although I have not been stranded, I have noticed a potential malfunction in the column lock on two occasions. The first time, I noticed that the steering wheel did not lock when the key was removed (this has only happened once). The second time was when I got a message on the DIC to remove the key and wait 10 seconds (I think this was the message, and it has only occurred once). When I removed the key and waited, the car started normally. When I explained this condition to the dealer, he did not seem concerned amd said there was nothing they could do since there were no recalls on my vehicle. Should I be concerned?

Thanks
Mike

 

Some folks will tell you not to worry. Some will say time to panic. There's a poll on the general forum for column lock, see the results for yourself.

Speaking from personal experience, I wouldn't hesitate an instant to just bypass that sucker before you DO have something to worry about. Trust me, the consequences usually aren't pretty.

 

Mine is a 2000FRC 6spd not covered by the recall also.I would not let them touch my car anyway.I have ordered the CL bypass for $60 and I will not have to worry about my baby going in on the hook. :yesnod:

 

I just had the Column Lock recall done by a local dealer here. My VIN was WAY outside the range of the recall on my 98, but the dealer got creative and took care me somehow ;) The kicker was, when it hit, it also threw 2 HVAC codes. I don't remember the numbers, but they were "Right Actuator fault to ground" and "Right Actuator out of range". The driver side AC was ice cold but the passenger side felt like air straight off the manifold :( The dealer said it was the third C5 that he had seen where the CL fried the Actuator. I was surprised, as I had never seen a post referencing this, but the dealer fixed this too - and gave me a rental car till mine was done. The dealer went WAY above and beyond, and I didn't even buy it from him - but my next couple of cars will be from him, I can tell you that!!!!

CL bit me once and I got it going again. It bit me the second time and I called C5 Performance, on a Sunday no less, to leave Steve a message to send me a by-pass kit for it. He happened to be there and the shipped it out Monday (VERY PLEASED WITH C5 PERFORMANCE's SERVICE!!!!). I got it going again and it bit me the third time before I got the by-pass in. Dealer told me to bring it by and somehow he got authorized to fix it under the recall.

Since then, I have not had an issue with it at all. I can tell you this, if it bites you:
1) Pull fuse 29 on the passenger side fuse box.
2) Start and shut off car
3) Pull fuse 25
4) Start and shut off car
5) Replace fuses 25 & 29
6) Start and shut off car
7) Restart car and it will clear.

This worked twice. The other time I had to disconnect the battery in conjunction with the above steps.

And always - if you get the dreaded "Pull Key and Wait 10 Sec" message.... pull the key and wipe the contacts and the key hole with an alcohol swap first. It sure as hell beats laying half out of the car and pulling fuses at the convienence store

 

My 99 just had the recall for the column lock bypass done at a local dealer, however I have a brand new C5 Column lock bypass kit from LAPD I was going to install. I make you a good deal on it !!