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Column Lock Issue- Have Read Sticky

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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 04:21 PM
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Default Column Lock Issue- Have Read Sticky

So sorry to have to start another thread on this subject.

I had the column lock up on me and the dealer put in the Harness K about two months ago. The column has not locked upon shutoff since. Car already had the original reporgram recall done by previous owner. I had the battery diconnected while doing some work this weekend. When I hooked it back up and turned the key on, "SERVICE COLUMN LOCK." Again the column is not locked, but the fuel shutoff kicks in.

Dealer just called and said that tech determined that the Ignition Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock Assembly needs to be replaced. Said that this part is not under the recall(s), so I will be out of pocket for about $500.

It seems to me that this must be a computer/harness issue and not a hardware issue? Has anyone heard this from the dealer and can tell me what role this part plays in the function of the system?

BTW-I already have GM involved and am awaiting a call back from them or the dealer.

TIA
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 04:38 PM
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Make the service manager get on the phone with Tech Assistance and get it covered under the recall. The actuators have caused this problem many times before and tech assistance knows it. I have done so for many of our customers and the actuator was paid by GM EVERY TIME. Do not accept no for an answer. It comes down to the dealers customer service and how hard they want to go to bat for you.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by RichieRichZ06
Make the service manager get on the phone with Tech Assistance and get it covered under the recall. The actuators have caused this problem many times before and tech assistance knows it. I have done so for many of our customers and the actuator was paid by GM EVERY TIME. Do not accept no for an answer. It comes down to the dealers customer service and how hard they want to go to bat for you.
Thanks RichieRichZ06, I see that you have been helpful to a lot of other owners dealing with this problem.

So, this part is what I have seen referred to as the "actuator?"

I had a nice lady from Tech Assitance on the phone and she tried to get the my dealer tech on the line but, surprise, had to leave a voicemail. I do intend to be persistant about this.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by abraswell
Thanks RichieRichZ06, I see that you have been helpful to a lot of other owners dealing with this problem.

So, this part is what I have seen referred to as the "actuator?"

I had a nice lady from Tech Assitance on the phone and she tried to get the my dealer tech on the line but, surprise, had to leave a voicemail. I do intend to be persistant about this.
Yes, the actuator is also the lock mechanism. It is the "bzzzzt" noise that you hear when the key is cycled. Let me know if I can be of any help. The other dealer can call me if they need any help. Our dealer # is (707)422-7777. Ask for the Parts manager. RICH
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by RichieRichZ06
Yes, the actuator is also the lock mechanism. It is the "bzzzzt" noise that you hear when the key is cycled. Let me know if I can be of any help. The other dealer can call me if they need any help. Our dealer # is (707)422-7777. Ask for the Parts manager. RICH
Ah, the "bzzzzt," yeah I have still had that after the previous recalls.

You're the man, Rich! I hope I can get it resolved without having to bother you, but what a nice guy to offer!
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Old Oct 4, 2006 | 09:26 AM
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I just went through the exact same thing with my 02. Total bill at the dealership was for $620. That includes a new battery which was what started the whole problem. They did the relay, etc under warrenty but said Chevy told them I would have to pay for the accuator (sic) thing. They called GM and complained but got no where. I now am fighting with Chevy Customer service. Will let you know how that turns out, they at least act like they care. Now what happens, all of a sudden my right door won't communicate with the rest of the car. It is now back at the dealer today, Oh Boy.
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Old Oct 4, 2006 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by seawolf
I just went through the exact same thing with my 02. Total bill at the dealership was for $620. That includes a new battery which was what started the whole problem. They did the relay, etc under warrenty but said Chevy told them I would have to pay for the accuator (sic) thing. They called GM and complained but got no where. I now am fighting with Chevy Customer service. Will let you know how that turns out, they at least act like they care. Now what happens, all of a sudden my right door won't communicate with the rest of the car. It is now back at the dealer today, Oh Boy.
That sucks. I'm still battling, so I'll report back and let you know how I made out. Good luck!
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Old Oct 5, 2006 | 03:29 PM
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I just got the call that GM and the dealer worked out a way to cover the fix.

So I saved about $500, but I haven't seen my car since it drove away on a flatbed 8am Monday. It's been sitting at the dealer, I assume outside and with the column disassembled. I've barely been able to work knowing this, and feeling like I wanted to . For some others, it's probably worth the $ to avoid this hassle, but $ is an object for me. To those in a similar situation, I just recommend being persistent and not taking "no" for an answer.

MAJOR props goes out to RichieRichZ06, who was a big help to me. Guys like him are the reason that this forum is the best asset to Vette owners.
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Old Oct 5, 2006 | 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by abraswell
I just got the call that GM and the dealer worked out a way to cover the fix.

So I saved about $500, but I haven't seen my car since it drove away on a flatbed 8am Monday. It's been sitting at the dealer, I assume outside and with the column disassembled. I've barely been able to work knowing this, and feeling like I wanted to . For some others, it's probably worth the $ to avoid this hassle, but $ is an object for me. To those in a similar situation, I just recommend being persistent and not taking "no" for an answer.

MAJOR props goes out to RichieRichZ06, who was a big help to me. Guys like him are the reason that this forum is the best asset to Vette owners.
Thanks for the kind words. It's all part of the job to me. Congrats on getting it paid by the General.
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Old Oct 6, 2006 | 12:52 PM
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Originally Posted by abraswell
I just got the call that GM and the dealer worked out a way to cover the fix.

So I saved about $500, but I haven't seen my car since it drove away on a flatbed 8am Monday. It's been sitting at the dealer, I assume outside and with the column disassembled. I've barely been able to work knowing this, and feeling like I wanted to . For some others, it's probably worth the $ to avoid this hassle, but $ is an object for me. To those in a similar situation, I just recommend being persistent and not taking "no" for an answer.

MAJOR props goes out to RichieRichZ06, who was a big help to me. Guys like him are the reason that this forum is the best asset to Vette owners.
You REALLY need to install the CLB. For about $50, you wouldn't have to go through what you just did, and even though GM agreed to cover the cost the monkeys pulling the steering wheel and lower dash panel are hopefully careful putting it back together.

Glad it worked out, but you should still install the CLB in place of the GM Harness K.
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Old Oct 6, 2006 | 01:03 PM
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Well you sure made out better than I have so far. Yesterday I picked up the Vette and had a new bill for $360 to replace the door module. That is with the $60 discount the dealer gave me on the part. I just recieved the paperwork from Chevy to request payment for at least some of it. Don't get me wrong, dealer was great and the dash and door look like they were never apart, but they don't deal with too many Vettes and he couldn't get Chevy to pay at all. I know he tried. Anyway, I won't give up. I just wish I knew for sure that the door was also related to the battery going bad. I don't believe in coincidences.
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Old Oct 6, 2006 | 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by JC in XTC5
You REALLY need to install the CLB. For about $50, you wouldn't have to go through what you just did, and even though GM agreed to cover the cost the monkeys pulling the steering wheel and lower dash panel are hopefully careful putting it back together.

Glad it worked out, but you should still install the CLB in place of the GM Harness K.
I was wondering about that, but I don't really have a handle on how the CLB interfaces with the various recall measures. I can just swap out the CLB for the Harness K? I was told that you had to install it before the recall was done.
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Old Oct 6, 2006 | 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by abraswell
I was wondering about that, but I don't really have a handle on how the CLB interfaces with the various recall measures. I can just swap out the CLB for the Harness K? I was told that you had to install it before the recall was done.

I agree with abraswell. I would like to install the CLB and don't mind the $50 but I can't figure out what I would have to do to install it. I'm pretty good with tools but don't know "jack" about electronics. I know I now have ALL the recalls done
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Old Oct 6, 2006 | 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by seawolf
Well you sure made out better than I have so far. Yesterday I picked up the Vette and had a new bill for $360 to replace the door module. That is with the $60 discount the dealer gave me on the part. I just recieved the paperwork from Chevy to request payment for at least some of it. Don't get me wrong, dealer was great and the dash and door look like they were never apart, but they don't deal with too many Vettes and he couldn't get Chevy to pay at all. I know he tried. Anyway, I won't give up. I just wish I knew for sure that the door was also related to the battery going bad. I don't believe in coincidences.
To be honest, I'm not sure exactly what made them finally give in on my case. The dealer tech mentioned something about the regional service manger getting involved. I have been told that your chances are better if you are able to hold out for coverage before the work is done rather than trying to get a refund after the fact. Obviusly that's not feasible for many people. I agree with you that it seems your door issue must have been related. G/L!
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