Have not seen any replies to my post (below)

All this reading is informative, but mind boggling
I just bought a 99 MN6, a week ago. (14k miles)Have not seen any CL issues yet.(fingers crossed).
I DID call a dealer and had them look up to see if #04006C has been done, they said no, it is "open".
Now, I see if you can turn the steering wheel without the key in it, then there is a CLB installed?
How far should I be able to turn the wheel to verify this? If there is a CLB, should I still do the Recall?
For the record, when I take my key out, I can here a little motor in the column, normal?
Sorry for any repetitious questions.
Thanks!

 

If you have the CLB you can turn the wheel without the key in....if you have a CLB you do NOT need to do the recall as the column cannot lock...

otherwise you probably should order a CLB from Corvettes of Houston or Thunder racing...and do not waste your time at the dealer..

 

If you hear a motor run you likely do NOT have the clb........

 

I'm gonna have to check this wheel movement when I get home tonite...
still on the fence about having the recall done.

 

Don't suggest dealer unless you KNOW you have a good one who knows what they're talking about. Many are very good, Many of them are >>>>

 

well...I've been told this one does many Vettes, and has trained Corvette mechanic, guess I can only go with what I hear.

 

well...I guess there's no by-pass. I cannot turn the wheel with key out, it definitely locks up....

 

DO NOT DO THE GM RECALL. Even if your Dealer is good, the hardware is not. There have been many failures of their K-harness relay. Plus they will program your gas to cut off if the system thinks the CL is out of synch.

GET an aftermarket CLB and install it. It is not IF your column will lock up but when. Murphy's Law applies, it will lock up at the worse time and location.

Some early years reportedly do have a problem with aftermarket CLBs. If your does, take it off and do recall. This may be a myth.

My 1998 took COH CLB with no problem.

 

I thought the "newest" recall was just them taking the locking piece out of the column? Why would they have to mess with the gas?

 

Here goes the full explanation..
The latest recall removes the lockplate so the column cannot physically lock, but the BCM still needs to get the correct signal on the status of the column lock actuator or it will cut the fuel when you try to drive over 2-3 mph. If the BCM determines the actuator is in the locked position, or it cannot determine the position within the specifed time, it signals the PCM to cut the fuel.
The recall keeps the actuator in the circuit, but installs a Harness K relay harness which contains a relay to send the correct signal back to the BCM. You will still hear the actuator cycle, but the column will not lock.
The aftermarket CLB relays, take the actuator out of the circuit, but also provide the correct signal back to the BCM so the fuel will not be cut.
I would go ahead and get the dealer to remove the lockplate and install the Harness K kit so at least you do not have to worry about the column being able to lock. Then you can either leave the factory relay in the circuit or opt to remove it and install an aftermarket relay in its place.
The only drawback of using the GM relay harness is that the relays tend to be prone to failure sooner than the aftermarket relays.
However, I got one of the original Harness K kits when they were just being installed on automatic cars, and installed it myself, and have not had any problems in over 3 years. (by the way, my lockplate is also removed, even though I never officially had the recall done)

 

Hey thanks for that explanation...I know I've been , but being a new C5 owner, wanted to make an intelligent decision. Maybe I'll get a "spare" relay for insurance, where to get these?
I appreciate everyone's help!

 

I just ordered mine today from Corvettes of Houston, a forum vender.

 

Thanks!

 

The latest recall only removes the locking plate on automatic cars, as they also have the transmission lock to help prevent theft. Manual cars are left with the (mostly) old version of the recall.

Corvettes of Houston is a good place to pick up a bypass.
COH column lock bypass

 

Thanks...this dealer says they remove the locking mechanism.....I assume they will on my 6=speed.

 

Just do the CLB and rest easy!

 

To do anything else is simply a waste of your time and money... stop, buy a CLB, install, enjoy your ride.