Column Lock... new twist
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
Column Lock... new twist
I recently experienced the pull key, wait 10 sec show up on the DIC. Followed those instructions to get the service column lock.
The interesting thing is - the column isn't actually locked.
The fuel cuts off anyway - the first recall was completed by the previous owner.
So, I tow it to the dealer. They take a look at it and let me know that it qualifies for the latest recall to resolve the column locking problems. Unfortunately (for me) the column lock motor is what failed and that specific part is not included in the recall. So, for $495, they will replace the column lock motor, then install the recall to deactivate that brand new part.
Apparently - the motor has to be functional to complete the circuit.
I'm pretty calm about these things usually - but to spend $500 to replace a part that is then bypassed a wee bit over the top.
So - time to call GM. If that doesn't work, I think the CLB will resolve the problem because it simulates the column lock motor - which is exactly the part that doesn't work... I wonder if the dealer will let me work on my car in their parking lot?
The interesting thing is - the column isn't actually locked.
The fuel cuts off anyway - the first recall was completed by the previous owner.
So, I tow it to the dealer. They take a look at it and let me know that it qualifies for the latest recall to resolve the column locking problems. Unfortunately (for me) the column lock motor is what failed and that specific part is not included in the recall. So, for $495, they will replace the column lock motor, then install the recall to deactivate that brand new part.
Apparently - the motor has to be functional to complete the circuit.
I'm pretty calm about these things usually - but to spend $500 to replace a part that is then bypassed a wee bit over the top.
So - time to call GM. If that doesn't work, I think the CLB will resolve the problem because it simulates the column lock motor - which is exactly the part that doesn't work... I wonder if the dealer will let me work on my car in their parking lot?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
I'm in fault mode. Everytime I start the car - the "service column lock" message shows up in the DIC. But - it's just electrical - the column isn't actually locked.... Crazy isn't it??!?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From: Montara Ca
Get the CLB, anything the dealership does will result in the problem reappearing in the most inconvenient place, trust me on this one. I have a MN6 that has had all three recalls done to it. Since the last recall was performed in early 06 (removal of the locking plate) the junk relay in the harness-K has failed three times, So I finally followed CF member Cscokd (John Neese) advise and by passed the added relay in the passenger foot well, threw away the GM harness-K and built a CLB per John’s tutorial. Total cost was <$30 and about 2hr time. NO problems since.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From: Montara Ca
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From: Lynnfield MA
This could very well be a failure where the column lock failed to
fully retract into its housing, so it didn't close the circuit that
indicates that the column is unlocked.
If this is the case, a CLB would fix your problem.
The only question that would linger is what state the column lock
is actually in...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
I ordered the CLB. Should be here in a few days. I'm cautiously optomistic that this will fix the problem.. I've been reading through all these column lock issue posts and it's a bit confusing. If I had the first recall completed, there's an extra relay that needs to be bypassed? Is there any clear instructions on this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,369
Likes: 4
From: Zephyrhills, Florida
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I'm sure someone is able to elaborate but essentially just follow the directions with the CLB in doing that, you'll be unplugging the GM K- Harness of which 3 of those didn't work for me. Got the CLB and not one glitch
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Best thing to do is remove the K harness or bypass the relay.
Please do not pay for a new column lock actuator, because it will never be used!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would not pay for any of this if I were you. I also would not take my car to the dealer unless I was desperate
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
We have a winner! I believe that chevy should pay for this since it's the fix that is most likely broken. If it is, the CLB won't fix it.
Best thing to do is remove the K harness or bypass the relay.
Please do not pay for a new column lock actuator, because it will never be used!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would not pay for any of this if I were you. I also would not take my car to the dealer unless I was desperate
Best thing to do is remove the K harness or bypass the relay.
Please do not pay for a new column lock actuator, because it will never be used!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would not pay for any of this if I were you. I also would not take my car to the dealer unless I was desperate
But, I will milk them to pull off the locking plate... It's day one and the CLB won't be here for 3 days. That's plenty of time to be a PITA.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
They probably have a drawer full of these relays.
I would'nt worry about removing the plate. They might hose up the steering column
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 167
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
I recently experienced the pull key, wait 10 sec show up on the DIC. Followed those instructions to get the service column lock.
The interesting thing is - the column isn't actually locked.
The fuel cuts off anyway - the first recall was completed by the previous owner.
So, I tow it to the dealer. They take a look at it and let me know that it qualifies for the latest recall to resolve the column locking problems. Unfortunately (for me) the column lock motor is what failed and that specific part is not included in the recall. So, for $495, they will replace the column lock motor, then install the recall to deactivate that brand new part.
Apparently - the motor has to be functional to complete the circuit.
I'm pretty calm about these things usually - but to spend $500 to replace a part that is then bypassed a wee bit over the top.
So - time to call GM. If that doesn't work, I think the CLB will resolve the problem because it simulates the column lock motor - which is exactly the part that doesn't work... I wonder if the dealer will let me work on my car in their parking lot?
The interesting thing is - the column isn't actually locked.
The fuel cuts off anyway - the first recall was completed by the previous owner.
So, I tow it to the dealer. They take a look at it and let me know that it qualifies for the latest recall to resolve the column locking problems. Unfortunately (for me) the column lock motor is what failed and that specific part is not included in the recall. So, for $495, they will replace the column lock motor, then install the recall to deactivate that brand new part.
Apparently - the motor has to be functional to complete the circuit.
I'm pretty calm about these things usually - but to spend $500 to replace a part that is then bypassed a wee bit over the top.
So - time to call GM. If that doesn't work, I think the CLB will resolve the problem because it simulates the column lock motor - which is exactly the part that doesn't work... I wonder if the dealer will let me work on my car in their parking lot?
Exact same situation for me this summer...had a nice flatbed ride. Had recall on auto 2 years ago then one day no motor action and resulting flatbed to dealer ending up with a $565 bill which I was pissed and paid.
Well after spending may calls to customer service, I got GM to refund my money. Tell then the root cause of the failure is the column lock motor even though it is not in recall and you should not have to pay for this since the recall was already performed and was not fixed correctly....keep bugging them! Good Luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
With the Harness K harness installed, the actuator is still connected and you will hear the actuator cycle, even though the lockplate has been removed.
Unless GM changed the design of the relay in the harness, you can disconnect the actuator and the relay should still send the correct signal to the BCM to keep the fuel from being cut off. (the same way the aftermarket CLBs work)
At least one forum member connected the Harness K on his car a long time ago AND left the actuator disconnected and the system still functioned as intended.
Check out this link
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=column+lock
I have read where several dealers have tried to charge the customer to replace the actuator, but you should not have to have a working actuator to get your car where you can drive it.
Unless GM changed the design of the relay in the harness, you can disconnect the actuator and the relay should still send the correct signal to the BCM to keep the fuel from being cut off. (the same way the aftermarket CLBs work)
At least one forum member connected the Harness K on his car a long time ago AND left the actuator disconnected and the system still functioned as intended.
Check out this link
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=column+lock
I have read where several dealers have tried to charge the customer to replace the actuator, but you should not have to have a working actuator to get your car where you can drive it.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Feb 26, 2007 at 09:02 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Yea,, the FLUX capacitor is also bad! You were most likely duped out of $500 bucks. Yea, bitch,,,bitch LOUDLY to GM Customer assistance!
Some things that you can do to help get your car back on the road are:
Charge the battery.
Clear ALL the DTC codes. The Column Lock is sensitive to set DTC's
It it still fails in the locked position after all the above, grab the wheel, insert the key in the ignition as you turn the ignition on and off and turn the wheel LEFT AND RIGHT.
I hope you get ALL your money back!
BC
Some things that you can do to help get your car back on the road are:
Charge the battery.
Clear ALL the DTC codes. The Column Lock is sensitive to set DTC's
It it still fails in the locked position after all the above, grab the wheel, insert the key in the ignition as you turn the ignition on and off and turn the wheel LEFT AND RIGHT.
I hope you get ALL your money back!
BC
