My car recently kicked the service column lock on me. I checked out the history and this recall has already been done twice! I called the local chevy dealer and was told that GM hasn't been standing behind this recall and has been making the customer pay when it breaks, to the tune of $800.00. He gave me the number for GM and said my best bet is to call them first to try and get them to cover it. So i will do that later today. I'm wondering if they don't cover it, what are my other options, rather than spending $800.00 at the dealer. Anything aftermarket, or any ideas on how to get this covered?

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

Have you read the sticky at the top of C5 Tech? Aftermarket CLB is the way to go.

 

I got the clb from corvettes of houston, its great and easy to install, now i dont have to worry every time i get in my car

 

I would definitely contact GM, if for no other reason than to rattle their cage and remind them that they still have not resolved this problem on the C5. If you're lucky, they will at least get you back on the road.

Then... I would get the CLB and install it. You will need the have the column lock motor operating to install the CLB. The recalls did nothing to eliminate the column lock motor from the circuit, so it must continue to function (even though there is nothing for it to lock into) in order for the car to function normally. The CLB effectively removes it from the circuit.

I unfortunately had both recalls performed on my 2000 FRC and the problem came back each time after a while. I finally "listened" and just purchased the CLB. I have a friend nearby that works on these and frankly understands the column lock problem better than and GM technician I've had the misfortune to speak to. The micro-switch in the column lock motor that sends the open signal to the BCM was not functioning in mine even though you could easily hear the motor operating. He removed the GM installed mods to install the CLB and no problems so far.

(He also happens to be a GM certified technician and can deprogram the fuel cut-off function from the first recall. Every GM person I've spoken to says only GM can deprogram the fuel cutoff and they won't do it. There is a way around this, but GM isn't going to tell you how to do it.)

Good luck, and do not count on GM to solve this problem...

GUSTO

 

thanks guys, looks like i need to purchase the CLB.

 

Before having your car towed go into the passenger footwell and try pulling and reinstalling fuse 25 somehttps://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/images/smilies/crazy.gif
times it will reset the system.

 

What is the $800 for? If it is to install a new actuator and bypass relay, you don't need a working actuator for the bypass to work. Even the GM Harness K version is less than $100 and will work with the actuator disconnected.
If your lockplate has been removed, and the actuator works, try re-connnecting the actuator to get the car going. If your actuator will not cycle, you need a new relay, so you can either press GM to give you a new Harness K relay kit, or install one of the aftermarket CLB relays.