Column lock-CLB
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: LeMars Iowa
Column lock-CLB
Just a couple of quick questions on the CLB.
I have read most of the column lock and CLB questions, so I'm somewhat familiar with the situation. I was telling one of my Covette friends about the situation, as he had not heard about it, but he also doesn't visit this forum.
Anyway, he has a 2000 A4.
The steering does lock in place when the ignition is shut off. I told him that most likely, he hasn't had the GM recall done. He did check with the Chev dealer who ran the VIN and there was no idication of the recall of the K harness being installed.
I suggested that he purchase a CLB from Corvettes of Houston.
My questions are these:
1) Should he install this right away? and just be done with it.
or
2) Purchase the CLB and just keep it in the car. When and if the steering locks up, then replace it. Or will the CLB not work once the steeing locks up and is there more of a process of installation once the steering locks up.
Thanks for your help and information.
Greg
I have read most of the column lock and CLB questions, so I'm somewhat familiar with the situation. I was telling one of my Covette friends about the situation, as he had not heard about it, but he also doesn't visit this forum.
Anyway, he has a 2000 A4.
The steering does lock in place when the ignition is shut off. I told him that most likely, he hasn't had the GM recall done. He did check with the Chev dealer who ran the VIN and there was no idication of the recall of the K harness being installed.
I suggested that he purchase a CLB from Corvettes of Houston.
My questions are these:
1) Should he install this right away? and just be done with it.
or
2) Purchase the CLB and just keep it in the car. When and if the steering locks up, then replace it. Or will the CLB not work once the steeing locks up and is there more of a process of installation once the steering locks up.
Thanks for your help and information.
Greg
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17,640
Likes: 1
From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
The only problem with waiting until the column locks to install the bypass is that you have to get the column to unlock to install it.
The bypass will not unlock the column. The column has to be in the unlocked position before you install it, then it takes the actuator out of the circuit so it cannot lock.
I would go ahead and remove the lockplate, then install which ever bypass you want. If there is a good local dealer, it would be worthwhile to take it to the dealer and tell them you want the recall done so you can get the lockplate removed for free. They will install the Harness K, but you can always change over to the aftermarket bypass.
The bypass will not unlock the column. The column has to be in the unlocked position before you install it, then it takes the actuator out of the circuit so it cannot lock.
I would go ahead and remove the lockplate, then install which ever bypass you want. If there is a good local dealer, it would be worthwhile to take it to the dealer and tell them you want the recall done so you can get the lockplate removed for free. They will install the Harness K, but you can always change over to the aftermarket bypass.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
The only problem with waiting until the column locks to install the bypass is that you have to get the column to unlock to install it.
The bypass will not unlock the column. The column has to be in the unlocked position before you install it, then it takes the actuator out of the circuit so it cannot lock.
I would go ahead and remove the lockplate, then install which ever bypass you want. If there is a good local dealer, it would be worthwhile to take it to the dealer and tell them you want the recall done so you can get the lockplate removed for free. They will install the Harness K, but you can always change over to the aftermarket bypass.
You could let the dealer install the Harness K and carry the CLB in case it fails. At least with the lockplate removed, you do not have to deal with a locked column. If the Harness K fails, you could just replace it with the aftermarket bypass.
The bypass will not unlock the column. The column has to be in the unlocked position before you install it, then it takes the actuator out of the circuit so it cannot lock.
I would go ahead and remove the lockplate, then install which ever bypass you want. If there is a good local dealer, it would be worthwhile to take it to the dealer and tell them you want the recall done so you can get the lockplate removed for free. They will install the Harness K, but you can always change over to the aftermarket bypass.
You could let the dealer install the Harness K and carry the CLB in case it fails. At least with the lockplate removed, you do not have to deal with a locked column. If the Harness K fails, you could just replace it with the aftermarket bypass.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
If you let the dealer do the recall, he will reprogram the computer to shut off the gas at 2 mph if the CLB fails. This prevents you from driving with a locked column (liability for them). BUT, it will also disable your car if the CLB should fail.
Just install a private CLB (I did Corvettes of Houston), it is your best solution.
Just install a private CLB (I did Corvettes of Houston), it is your best solution.
Last edited by Oldvetter; Jul 4, 2007 at 08:04 AM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 650
Likes: 4
From: Pittsburg Ca.
I have a 97 A4 that none of the recalls had been done. I had the dealer do mine for the reason texhawko mentionend. Removing the lock plate in the steering wheel. Also has the k-harness. Have put 2,000 thousand miles on it since it was done and not a single problem.....
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 absolutely agree EXCEPT I'd suggest to just replace the K Harness right away with the CLB. K Harness is junk and will fail in short order .
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
So what is the bottom line here for the best solution to this problem?
Go with the Dealer recall, or do the after-market CLB?
I just purchased a 97 with low miles and still has the CL. I want to do what it takes so I dont have to think about it again!
Go with the Dealer recall, or do the after-market CLB?
I just purchased a 97 with low miles and still has the CL. I want to do what it takes so I dont have to think about it again!
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y the dealer. No problems--but I do miss the added security of the locked steering wheel. Let's hear it for the GM geniuses!!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
Both recalls? If the CLB is one , is the K harness the second?
I just checked my car and I can not turn the wheel without the motor running. I have a little movement key in and key out. I really cant tell about the CL but I can hear the unit run.
If the dealer performed the recall work, will the unit still make the sound as if it is working?
I just checked my car and I can not turn the wheel without the motor running. I have a little movement key in and key out. I really cant tell about the CL but I can hear the unit run.
If the dealer performed the recall work, will the unit still make the sound as if it is working?
Last edited by bliehr; Jul 4, 2007 at 10:42 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: LeMars Iowa
Both recalls? If the CLB is one , is the K harness the second?
I just checked my car and I can not turn the wheel without the motor running. I have a little movement key in and key out. I really cant tell about the CL but I can hear the unit run.
If the dealer performed the recall work, will the unit still make the sound as if it is working?
I just checked my car and I can not turn the wheel without the motor running. I have a little movement key in and key out. I really cant tell about the CL but I can hear the unit run.
If the dealer performed the recall work, will the unit still make the sound as if it is working?
Greg
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: LeMars Iowa
Thanks for everyones input.
I will pass this on to him and let him make the call as to what he wants to do.
As for my 1998 A4, it had the GM recall done before I bought the car. I will likely just ride it out and hope that nothing happens. I hope that I don't regret that decision.
Greg
I will pass this on to him and let him make the call as to what he wants to do.
As for my 1998 A4, it had the GM recall done before I bought the car. I will likely just ride it out and hope that nothing happens. I hope that I don't regret that decision.
Greg
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 364
Likes: 2
From: Picton Ontario
Clb
I see you have the same vintage car as mine Greg..(98). I bought and installed a CLB after the dealer did the recall figuring I would avoid any future issue...wrong. The CLB doesn't work on all early C5s and in my case made the situation worse. Had to remove it. The column doesn't lock anymore but about once every 2 months I get the dreaded "pull key" message and have to restart the car. At this point, not a big deal for me.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: LeMars Iowa
Yeah, I've had the "pull key wait 10 seconds" happen to me twice in the past 7 months. Not a big deal at this point.
From what I've read here though, there could be other things causing this symptom. So, not sure if it is related to the column lock issue.
Greg
From what I've read here though, there could be other things causing this symptom. So, not sure if it is related to the column lock issue.
Greg
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
Thanks for everyones input.
I will pass this on to him and let him make the call as to what he wants to do.
As for my 1998 A4, it had the GM recall done before I bought the car. I will likely just ride it out and hope that nothing happens. I hope that I don't regret that decision.
Greg
I will pass this on to him and let him make the call as to what he wants to do.
As for my 1998 A4, it had the GM recall done before I bought the car. I will likely just ride it out and hope that nothing happens. I hope that I don't regret that decision.
Greg