I have read the post regarding the column lock, but I wanted to get some opinions before I actually do something. Starting yesterday, every time I go to start the car, the DIC reads service column lock. Fortunately, it has not actually locked up yet(knock on wood). I have an '01 MN6. Can I still purchase the CLB or since the DIC says service column lock, does that mean I have to take it to the dealership?

Send me your thoughts!

 

GET THE CLB then forget about the subject.

 

You should first try to determine what if any of the recalls have been accomplished on your car before you decide on a course of action.

Does your column lock up when you remove the key from the ignition switch? If it does not lock, then your car has had the latest recall done and the CLB may not work. You would need to discuss it with the vendor you decide to purchase a CLB from.

Good luck... GUSTO

 

When I take the key out of the ignition, it DOES NOT lock up. Since that means the latest recalls have been done, what else can be done to fix the problem?

 

First, if you have a spare key, try that one (If you don't have a spare key, go to the dealer and get a fresh one). If that doesn't work, then get CRC's electronics cleaner at your Auto store and clean your key especially the resistor 'pill'. Clean the key and try it. If that doesn't work, overspray the key (i.e., it's wet with the electonics cleaner) and insert into ignition switch. Try that. The key and/or ignition switch gets dirty sometimes causing the reading of the resistor pill to fail triggering the Alert. If your column is unlocked with the key out, you more than likely have a CLB or had the factory recall done. Good luck.

 

When you put the key in the ignition and turn it on, as well as when you turn it off and remove the key, you should hear the column lock actuator operating. With the latest recall accomplished, the actuator continues to operate, it just has nothing to lock into. In doing so, it will send a signal to the PCM telling it that the column has been unlocked so it is okay to start the car and allow fuel to flow. If the PCM does not receive the appropriate signal the fuel will be cut off as soon as the car moves.

Regardless, there are a number of electrical relays that are required to operate the column lock. In many cases the problem is related to one of the relays not functioning properly. I have been told by our local dealers Corvette specialist, that he frequently is able to clean the relays and all is well. Sometimes however he will have to change them out. In fact some of the relay's originally used in the early recalls have themselves been an issue and have been subsequently replaced.

I would find a dealer you are confident in and ask to talk with their most competent technician (hopefully the one who handles most of their Corvette work) and discuss it with him/her. While the relays themselves are not specifically the subject of the recalls, they are certainly related to the problem so in many cases the dealers will work with you to cover this as warranty work. I know two of our local dealers that have done this for customers even though the cars were well out of warranty.

Some here have discussed how to go about installing a CLB once the recalls have been done and one member even mentioned a vendor that could reprogram the PCM to eliminate the fuel cut-off function. You might find the thread if you try a search on the subject.

Good luck... and let us know how it works out.

GUSTO

 

Check your battery cables and battery posts for any corrosion. If you find even the slightest amount of corrosion clean both posts and cable connections.
I just went through this and cleaning a small amount of corrosion alleviated the symptoms.
Good luck.

 

A low battery will trigger all kinds of errors and the Column Lock message is usually the first to appear. If your car is an '01 it should be overdue for a new battery. Optima Red Top 34/78.

 

So, before I call the dealership and have them look at it, what things would you guys suggest doing first...

1) clean the key with electronics cleaner
2) check battery cables
3) test the battery
4) ???

 

if you take it to the dealer, your screwed. They will do both recalls. Get the CLB and be done with it.

 

From what I've learned from previous posts, it sounds like the recall has already been done because the steering wheel DOES NOT lock up after the key is removed. Since the recall has been done, isn't the CLB pointless? I thought the CLB was a preventive measure from taking it in to the dealer for the recall.

 

I've been searching through the archives and noticed some things. For my '01, the message appears in the DIC; however, the fuel never cuts off like i've been reading in some of the other posts. Also, the steering wheel does not lock after key is removed...does this sound like the recall was done? I'm confused as to what I should do to fix the problem.

 

We're running around in circles here

Do you know how to access the error codes using the DIC? If so, please post them. If no, email me (address at bottom) and I'll send you a Word.doc as to how to do that.

Drive your car with the DIC set to Gages/Battery Voltage. It should read 14.2 volts, +/-0.2. If the voltage drops below ~13.6, and/or jump irradically from high to low, it a good indication the battery is failing and needs to be replaced.

I believe this is a used vehical? If so, do you have access to the maintaince records. You'll be looking for anything having to do with servicing the Column Lock, or any recall work. Post the referenced GM work number(s), not the dealer invoice number.

If your column does not lock when the key is removed, there is no point in installing the CLB - waste of time and money. I'm betting you've had the last recall which removed the column lock and replace the relay. This prevents the possibility of a lock-up, but not the message you see on the DIC due to extranious electrical issues.

So post what you can and we'll go from there, but I'm aout 100% certain that your battery is the problem.