Column locked but no DIC msg

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Oct 17, 2008 | 06:00 PM

sdh58

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 11

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Column locked but no DIC msg

I really hate to even post this; but I have a locked steering column and no DIC msg (ie pull key wait...)

I unfortunately have had all of the GM recalls done at the dealer and now they say they will no longer help me with this issue (without a charge of course!)

I have a 98 6sp. Is there a way to unlock the column? Will a CLB unit take care of this or do I need to remove the locking plate completely?

Thanks for any help!

Oct 17, 2008 | 06:35 PM

Drewstein

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 3,191

Likes: 43

From: Scottsdale Az

A CLB should come with a unit to power the locking mechanism from the cigarette lighter to unlock it. I had to remove the column plastic and tap on it while the power adapter was plugged in to get it to unlock. Once it's unlocked unplug the power device and plug in the CLB and you're done with that part.

Since you went to the dealer, you'll have to find a tuner to raise your fuel cutoff from the 2mph they did to 255mph which is the max. Once you do both you'll never have this issue again.

Oct 17, 2008 | 07:18 PM

Drewstein

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 3,191

Likes: 43

From: Scottsdale Az

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

First, A CLB will NOT unlock the column if it is already locked. You MUST first get the column unlocked before you attempt to install a CLB. Here is a link to a procedure that almost always works for unlocking the column:

I held the steering wheel and shook like Michael J Fox to no avail. When my servo died, it was near death. The procedure mentioned does work, just not when it's completely dead.

The CLB comes with a device to unlock the column. Use it and call it a day.

Oct 17, 2008 | 10:31 PM

TroyPyles

Pro

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 564

Likes: 1

From: Saint George Utah

I had this issue on my 2000 this year (out of warranty). Got it towed to the dealer at my expense. They said their computer logs showed my car had already received all the steering cloumn recall work that it was supposed to get and wanted $400+ to fix it. I threw some GM Recall calling for the column lock plate to be removed (which I printed from the web) on the service desk and told them to remove my lock plate and replace the module for free. They did. BTW I insisted they use the good replacemet module rather than the one that keeps failing. They were impressed with my level of knowledge on the issue...all of which I learned by reading about 120 pages of info on the Forum and GM Service Center websites. (BTW I had them so baffled they didn't notice the recall I showed them did not cover my VIN)

Oct 18, 2008 | 01:37 PM

sdh58

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 11

Likes: 0

Thanks to all who answered my post!

First to answer a few of the questions. I have a new optima battery - the recalls done are the harness replacement (twice), reprogram (twice), and according to GM records the 04006C recall. Problem is the stealership that did the last one is no longer in business.

I spoke to Chevrolet customer service (what a misnomer) and was told that my car was too old and has too many miles and that GM has closed all of the recalls on these models; so if I need it fixed I would have to pay for it myself - then she hung up on me!

Strangely enough after the above conversation I went back to my shop and tried the steering again and after a couple of attempts it started working again.

I may try to alter the harness as suggested in the sticky and I will probably have to get it reprogrammed - does this have to be do by a Chevy dealer or can any GM dealer do it?