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pull key and wait.... BUT

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Old Mar 12, 2008 | 06:13 PM
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Default pull key and wait.... BUT

i replaced my battery and got the dreaded message but nothing happened. the car ran fine - nothing happened. i know that the column lock does not lock but makes a noise when i turn the key on. so, does this mean i already have the column lock bypass installed or something else? i bought a clb a few months ago because i wasn't sure what had been done to the car but have not opened the dash to install. i knew the column lock was disconnected somehow. since i got the message with no ill effects, does this mean i am in the clear? no further action needed? the message went away and never reappeared.

my radio also showed the locked indication but the previous owner put the code in the owner's manual right next to the section covering the radio unlock. ah for the organized owners!

i expected both when i mess with the battery but never had anything happen until now.

what do you think?
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Old Mar 12, 2008 | 06:53 PM
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I have gotten that message a couple of times, and just did what it said (pull key and wait). Never had an issue so you are likely OK.
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Old Mar 12, 2008 | 07:36 PM
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Install the CLB asap is my advice. Don't wait for it to strand you.

Your column lock actuator is still connected, since you hear the distinctive whir.
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Old Mar 12, 2008 | 07:42 PM
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It's not a matter of if,,,, it will,,lock up on you!
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Old Mar 12, 2008 | 08:49 PM
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Most likely your "Lock Plate" has been removed from the steering shaft as you say the column never locks, but the locking motor is still active. (That is how I interpreted your statement.)

I would advise you to install the CLB you already have to head off future column lock issues. With the CLB installed and on the outside chance the CLB would fail (they are very reliable), you could plug the column lock back in and be on your way. The purpose of the CLB is to fool the computer (BCM) that your column lock is installed and functioning properly.

If your lock plate has been removed, more likely than not, your car was also programmed to cut the fuel at 2 (two) MPH – in essence leaving you stranded.

The message “Service Column Lock” is the dreaded message you don’t want to see.

The message “Pull key - wait 10 seconds” could be related to a failure to properly read the pellet on the ignition key. Clean the two pellet contact surfaces.

If you keep getting the pull key message and the key pellet can be eliminated (use of a spare key doesn’t help), then possibly the contacts in the key lock may be damaged.
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Old Mar 12, 2008 | 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by timemender
Most likely your "Lock Plate" has been removed from the steering shaft as you say the column never locks, but the locking motor is still active. (That is how I interpreted your statement.)

I would advise you to install the CLB you already have to head off future column lock issues. With the CLB installed and on the outside chance the CLB would fail (they are very reliable), you could plug the column lock back in and be on your way. The purpose of the CLB is to fool the computer (BCM) that your column lock is installed and functioning properly.

If your lock plate has been removed, more likely than not, your car was also programmed to cut the fuel at 2 (two) MPH – in essence leaving you stranded.

The message “Service Column Lock” is the dreaded message you don’t want to see.

The message “Pull key - wait 10 seconds” could be related to a failure to properly read the pellet on the ignition key. Clean the two pellet contact surfaces.

If you keep getting the pull key message and the key pellet can be eliminated (use of a spare key doesn’t help), then possibly the contacts in the key lock may be damaged.
GREAT ADVICE, right on. Ony thing I would add is to clean the key resistor contacts with alcohol.
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Old Mar 12, 2008 | 10:25 PM
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I get the "pull key" message just about every time I have the battery disconnected. It does it one time, I do exactly what it says, then it is fine after that. Still not a bad idea to get the CLB, though I don't think you have a problem at this point.
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Old Mar 12, 2008 | 11:21 PM
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thanks everybody! i'll put the clb in.
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