C5 Steering column lock motor 88965331
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
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C5 Steering column lock motor 88965331
I had a local GM dealer remove the column lock plate - they did not want to do it! They were not happy - had to get car towed - error code Column lock service displayed - fuel pump would not allow driving.When I left car the steering wheel lock worked fine. They called me the next day & said the lock motor was bad - they charged me $250 labor (discount from $350) to replace lock plus $201.17 for the part.They claimed that they could bypass lock since it had no function after removing column lock plate but GM does not recommend it? I did a bench test on motor - it works fine - The manufactuers name on motor is FASCO the letters below FASCO are SAEPET . The number on the lock is 26050960. Can anyone tell me how I can get this lock checked by FASCO or ? in order to prove to my dealer that there is nothing wrong with the lock. They will give me back the $461.23 if I can have a report by FASCO or ? stating that there is nothing wrong with it. Thanks. They also told me that I could not erase code in order to drive it to dealer - the forum posted the method of erasing codes - great job! I am very upset with dealer - no help from Cust Support at Chev.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 193
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From: Peru IL
You're Almost There--But Not Quite
There are three things you need to do to diminish--notice I didn't say eliminate--your column lock problems. The first is to remove the column locking plate and you said that was done. You don't need it anyway. The second is to have installed or have currently installed actuator motor PN 88965331 which is the least troublesome actuator motor. Since you don't have a steering column locking plate, the actuator motor is theoretically unnecessary except to complete the wiring circuit to the BCM to get you running. The third is to elmininate the actuator altogether by disconnecting it and installing an aftermarket CLB--column lock bypass-- which supercedes GM's troubled relays and tricks the BCM into believing your steering wheel is unlocked all the time. Obviously, since your car wouldn't run, GM must have flashed the PCM on a previous recall. If this problem of yours occurred after GM's recall work was performed, except for the actuator motor, all labor should be covered under special policy adjustment 05081. When you get the car back, if GM has installed one of their relay harnesses, remove it and go with the CLB. If concerned about the PCM fuel shut off, that can be removed by a supporting vender. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
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From: Longview Texas
You do not have to have a working actuator for the GM harness or an aftermarket CLB to work.
Even though the GM Harness K keeps the actuator in the circuit, it will still work with the actuator disconnected. It is not the actuator that provides the feedback to the BCM to keep the fuel from being cut, it is the relay in the harness (the same as with the aftermarket CLB kit).
The reason GM does not recommend operating the circuit without the actuator is likely the same reason that has been debated here on the forum. Some have claimed that GM kept the actuator in the circuit, even though the lockplate has been removed, so that it can maintain the correct resistance on the BCM circuits and avoid a BCM failure. That is one reason that I went ahead and installed the GM harness instead of an aftermarket relay. However, I got one of the original relays before GM changed the part number and relay supplier, and have not had any problems. The new relays supplied by GM have been prone to premature failure.
Even though the GM Harness K keeps the actuator in the circuit, it will still work with the actuator disconnected. It is not the actuator that provides the feedback to the BCM to keep the fuel from being cut, it is the relay in the harness (the same as with the aftermarket CLB kit).
The reason GM does not recommend operating the circuit without the actuator is likely the same reason that has been debated here on the forum. Some have claimed that GM kept the actuator in the circuit, even though the lockplate has been removed, so that it can maintain the correct resistance on the BCM circuits and avoid a BCM failure. That is one reason that I went ahead and installed the GM harness instead of an aftermarket relay. However, I got one of the original relays before GM changed the part number and relay supplier, and have not had any problems. The new relays supplied by GM have been prone to premature failure.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Apr 8, 2007 at 11:19 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I've been reading most of the column lock posts that show up here and think Terry has the best knowledge on the subject. I nominate TEXHAWKO as "Column Lock Captain."
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
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Thank for your reply. I am still trying to find the test procedure concerning the FASCO motor that I refered to in my message. I know that there is nothing wrong with it because of my bench check - but I need the Manufacturer or ? to verify it. Any help? thanks Bob EM address bobby65@comcast.net
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 64
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From: sedona az
feedback to the BCM
As you say, the relay provides the feedback to the BCM
The actuator is left in place to provide the proper impedence to the BCM circuit to load it properly.I am assuming that without the actuator in place, that node left open in the circuit the voltage can get too high at that point and perhaps cause damage?
So if you measure the actuator impedence and shove a resistor of the same resistance in the harness with a Pdiss rating equivalent of the actuator won't that work?
The CLB is just two back to back to back diodes I think.
And with respect to the failure prone relays, why not use some hi rel mil spec type relays to replace them with?
Rgds,
RGAZ
The actuator is left in place to provide the proper impedence to the BCM circuit to load it properly.I am assuming that without the actuator in place, that node left open in the circuit the voltage can get too high at that point and perhaps cause damage?
So if you measure the actuator impedence and shove a resistor of the same resistance in the harness with a Pdiss rating equivalent of the actuator won't that work?
The CLB is just two back to back to back diodes I think.
And with respect to the failure prone relays, why not use some hi rel mil spec type relays to replace them with?
Rgds,
RGAZ
