Well it just happened on my '99.

Ordered a CLB kit from Corvettes of Houston, found the Factory K harness installed and removed it.

Followed the instructions but no luck.

Removed and replaced fused 23, 25 and 29.

Still no luck but now I get the proper DIC codes.

Evidently the locking plate was never removed. This looks like a dealer procedure to have it removed. Am I correct?

Any help would be appreciated and of course it is Friday.

Thanks, RWP

 

I am assuming that your display no longer reads "Service Steering column" and your column is still locked.The lockpin is motor driven (not a solenoid like some members post). When the motor is in the lock position it sends a signal (a voltage) to the BCM (located under the passenger floor board) telling the computer that the column is locked. When the pin is withdrawn, the motor sends a signal to a different pin on the BCM signaling that the column is unlocked. The CLB bypass harness fools the computer into thinking the column is unlocked. This is fine as long as the locking plate is removed, if it's not, your column lock may be engaged but your computer thinks its not or vise versa...you need to have the lock plate removed, then it won't matter if the pin is in or out, or disassemble the steering column,electrically withdraw the lockpin, (this is done by reversing the voltage to the DC lockpin motor, I think I used a 9volt battery and a pair of alligator jumper wires..this is not a procedure for the "novice" mechanic as you are working with I/O signals to the BCM computer. Bad voltages or shorted outputs could cause catastrophic damage) then reassemble the column with motor disconnected and the CLB installed. Chevy should remove the lock plate under the recall??? I took my column on my 98 apart in 2004. I am relying on my recall of the column lock operation. Although GM removed my lock plate, the lockpin motor would engage and send "Service Column" message and car would shutoff when shifted into gear and the accelerator depressed. I finally had to fix the problem myself. I hope this helps you better understand the problem...Good Luck L.G.
P.S. The author of the previous post seems to have 1st hand knowledge of the bypass harness installation. I jumpered my harness myself.. The old adage again holds true "When all else fails read the instructions"

 

preparing to install the CLB, I noticed what was (I am assuming) the factory CLB. With the column locked I received no DIC codes and the car continued to run.

So after talking to Corvettes of Houston I removed the factory fix and attempted the new procedure with their item, with no luck.

So I reconnected the wires back to original and I now get both steering column codes and the 2mph fuel cutoff.

I have read part of the thread and attempted to break the steering wheel free with no luck. I do not want to break anything.

If you have any other suggestions I'd appreciate it. If not then I will call a family member who has a repair facility and ties with a Chevy dealer and see if they will just take the lock plate out.

Thanks for your speedy reply.

Bob

 

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preparing to install the CLB, I noticed what was (I am assuming) the factory CLB. With the column locked I received no DIC codes and the car continued to run.

So after talking to Corvettes of Houston I removed the factory fix and attempted the new procedure with their item, with no luck.

So I reconnected the wires back to original and I now get both steering column codes and the 2mph fuel cutoff.

I have read part of the thread and attempted to break the steering wheel free with no luck. I do not want to break anything.

If you have any other suggestions I'd appreciate it. If not then I will call a family member who has a repair facility and ties with a Chevy dealer and see if they will just take the lock plate out.

Thanks for your speedy reply.

Bob

 

Used the 97vette.com procedure and by clearing the codes the locked released. Went through the complete DIC code clearing procedure and reinstalled what I addume to be the K-Harness and everything is fine for now.

But definetly need to get the lock plate removed.

Corvettes of Houston must have sent me the wrong CLB because it only has one lead, whereas the K-Harness has two to splice into the factory wiring.

Thanks fort your help, Bob

 

Thanks,

that is what I figured. But when I plug in the CLB from COH the column does not unlock when I turn the ignition switch to the on position.

I plug the K-Harness in and it unlocks, no codes and everything runs fine. I know it could lock up at any time so I don't have any intention of driving it until I get this squared away.

At first I did not see the K-Harness and plugged the COH item in. Do you think that could have messed up the COH CLB?

Thanks Again, Bob

 

Figured I'd start over this morning and see what would happen.

First I removed the K-Harness.

Second, using the kit from COH I used the cigarette lighter adapter to unlock the column and it worked.

Third, connected the Bypass Box from COH, inserted the key, turned to the on position then cleared all the codes.

Last, started the car with no issues.

I guess I will still try to find someone to remove the lock plate just to be sure, but at least I can move the car.

Thanks, Bob

 

Chuck,

Thanks, that makes me feel more comfortable. I will keep your suggestion in mind. It makes more sense.

Thanks for your input.

Bob

 

How do you unlock the lock if you don't have the cigarette lighter adapter????

Greetz Erik.

 

The easiest way might be to turn the key on, let the actuator cycle to the unlocked position, then disconnect the battery so it stays in the unlocked position.