This problem doe not seem to end!! I had my '99 C5 at a dealer in SW Florida only several months ago for the recall. My steering wheel locked up and I had to have it towed there. They had it for 5 days!!
I believe they did the GM quick fix and removed the locking plate. The wheel moves freely with the car off. Yesterday, I started the car and got a message, "Service Column Lock" ...
The problem.... It starts fine and will idle in neutral. When I put it in first of reverse and let out the clutch, it shuts off!! I've tried several times, same experience...Twice I got a message....." pull key and wait 10 seconds" When I do this, I just go back to the "Service Column Lock"It will not run!
Has anyone experienced this?
Bob

 

It's the computer killing fuel to the engine from what i hear.

I will have to take my just bought 04 Z51 to the dealer and find out if i need this done.

Chas

 

Unfortunately, this is a common problem, and is probably due to a faulty relay in the GM Harness K kit which is installed as part of the recall. The wiring harness needs to be replaced by the dealer, or you can install an aftermarket column lock bypass relay. Even though the actuator cannot physically lock the column, there has to be a relay in the system to send the correct signal back to the BCM to prevent fuel from being shut off. The BCM is programmed so that if the column lock actuator is in the locked position, or it cannot tell what position it is in, the fuel is cut when you try to drive over 2-3 MPH so that you cannot drive the car with the column locked.

If you had a working actuator before the recall, to avoid having to tow the car to a dealer, or just to be able to drive it, you might try removing the GM harness and reconnecting the actuator. If the problem is a faulty relay in the harness, then the car should start and you should be able to drive it.

The GM harness installed as part of the recall leaves the actuator connected in the circuit so it continues to cycle, even though the lockplate is removed. Can you still hear the actuator cycle? If so, that would be an indication that the actuator still works.