I've read the sticky and have seen many posts already on this but I'm still a little confused. Is the recall they did going to fix the problem for good or is it dangerous because the wheel could still lock??

Here is what has happened so far:

My car go the dreaded "10 second" message and also the "service column lock" message. Got lucky and after pulling some fuses (several times) and banging (really hard) on the steering wheels lock stops, got the car to the dealer without a tow.

The dealer claims my car has already had the recall done according to their computer, however I claim the car was never in for a recall and I'm still having problems. They try to get me to take the car home several times claiming that:

The recall has already been done in 2005.
The car is working fine, near as they can tell.

I tell em that I don't remember the car being serviced in 2005, and that the recall (sorry, Special Policy Adjustment) was not issued until 2006 so there is no way they could have done it in 2005!!! Also that the car is clearly not working fine or the steering wheel would actually turn.

We go back and forth for days and finally I get a hold of someone with a better computer. I read them the actual numbers (SPECIAL POLICY #05081, DATED: FEBRUARY 8, 2006) again and this time they find the stupid thing. They were really nice after this and quit acting like I was crazy. They said that if you type the number 05081 into the computer "in the back" nothing comes up but if you use the 'office computer" it comes right up. The car got serviced ASAP and all seems good.....

However I've read that even with "the recall" the car may still not be safe to drive. It seems that there are different versions of "the recall". My column does not lock at all anymore, which is fine by me.

This is what was done:

http://www.c5registry.com/Technical/GMP0g.htm

is my car ok or no?

 

It may be too safe. With the lockplate removed, the column cannot physically lock, but you can still experience electrical problems if the Harness K relay fails. If the relay fails and the BCM does not get a signal that the column is unlocked, it sends a signal to the PCM to cut the fuel if you drive over 2-3 mph. If you had a working actuator before the recall, you can reconnect the actuator just to make the car driveable again.

 

You'd be wise to make note of TEXHAWKO's comments above. He is absolutely spot on. My '00 had the recall done, locking plate removed, Harness K installed, and BCM re-programed. Not long after, within 6 months and 1,000 miles, the Harness K failed, and the car would start, but die as soon as it was placed into drive (it's an A4). Rather than having it towed, as was suggested by several local 'experts', I listened to TEXHAWKO's advice, and removed the driver's side knee bolster, and then removed the Harness K, and reconnected the wiring harness to the actuator, as it was before the installation of the Harness K, and the car started and ran perfectly, no tow necessary. I then ordered and later installed, myself, a CLB unit.
No problems since then. End of story.

 

Arrrrrgggghhhhhh!!! So I'm in the middle of Rocky Mountain National Park and get the dreaded "PULL KEY, WAIT 10 SEC" message followed by the even more dreaded "SERVICE COLUMN LOCK" message. Of course I'm in an area that has no cell service and have to wait for a ranger to call AAA for me. It's been towed to a dealer but I haven't heard from them since this morning.

Last week I had the SCL recall done. I wasn't thinking when I let them do it. I prefered my column to lock to make it easier to get in and out. If I have them yank the recall harness, should everything be good enough to drive the 1000 miles home? I had the SCL once before but yanking on the wheel freed it. I rather trust my column lock than the K harness.

 

Are you saying you HAD the CLB which worked fine for you BUT had them do the recall and use their K Harness .........?

 

No. I didn't have the CLB. If what the dealers are telling me, the first time I had it in for the TSB they did the harness. This latest time the removed the lock plate. I don't know if they reprogrammed. I doubt it since I have a custom tune and it was running fine.

Now the dealer that has it says the actuator needs to be replaced but hopes to get it done tomorrow. Frickin 2 days of extra vacation burned. If I could find a CLB around Denver/Boulder I'd be on my way.

 

I'll tell ya, this recall thing gets interpreted a zillion different ways at dealers Let them do whatever at no cost to you>>then get a CLB which will eliminate the actuator from the equation. THEN you can pretty much breathe easily as many of us do............

 

All good responses. I always make it a point to read Terry's (TEXHAWKO) posts on Column Lock problems as he has a good understanding on the subject and puts the info in good print. Now if we could just get everyone one the same page and put the value of an aftermarket CLB a bit higher on some folks priority list.

 

Don't let the dealer talk you into spending hundreds of dollars on an actuator. I have seen reports that even the GM Harness K will work correctly with the actuator disconnected, (even though GM keeps it in the circuit for the recall) See if the dealer will just install a new Harness K kit, without replacing the actuator to get you home. Then you can decide if you want to leave it in, or replace it with an aftermarket version.

 

Great info TEXHAWK0! I think I've got the dealer to replace the actuator as warantee. Once I get home, you can bet I'll be looking at the CLB.