Colum Lock Question
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 55,394
Likes: 1
Colum Lock Question
Well, I just read the TSB with all its "descriptions". Also searched and re-read other posts on this issue. However, my question is this:
This morning, as I inserted the key, the DIC iisplayed "Service Column Lock." But I did not have any Starting or Column Locking problems. However, my steering wheel was not locked either - it normally isn't. Is this perhaps why I did not have a LOCKING issue or that has nnothing to do with it and LOCKING is now inevitable? TIA.
This morning, as I inserted the key, the DIC iisplayed "Service Column Lock." But I did not have any Starting or Column Locking problems. However, my steering wheel was not locked either - it normally isn't. Is this perhaps why I did not have a LOCKING issue or that has nnothing to do with it and LOCKING is now inevitable? TIA.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,707
Likes: 1
From: Lynnfield MA
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Re: Colum Lock Question (Ha-Ha)
It sounds as though that your vette is on the verge of having the issue... I had the recall done even though I didn't experience any problems. Consider doing it...
Nick
This is a fine cigar if you’re wondering…
Nick
This is a fine cigar if you’re wondering…
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 17,541
Likes: 2
From: Manhattan, KS Missing SoCal since 2005
Re: Colum Lock Question (Ha-Ha)
I had the same issue with mine - drove it that way with no problem for a couple of months before I installed the CLB. You may be able to correct the problem by doing a reset - I think it's fuse #25 in the footwell fusebox - pull fuse and wait 15 secs before inserting. I had to do that to get the message to go away even after I installed the CLB.
Edit: One other thought - the CL is controlled by the BCM computer. The BCM is subject to water damage if your A/C condensation doesn't drain properly. I'm painfully aware of this since my car is currently in the shop having the BCM replaced. Check for water/dampness in the footwell while you're at it!
[Modified by steve hummel, 2:42 PM 1/16/2002]
Edit: One other thought - the CL is controlled by the BCM computer. The BCM is subject to water damage if your A/C condensation doesn't drain properly. I'm painfully aware of this since my car is currently in the shop having the BCM replaced. Check for water/dampness in the footwell while you're at it!
[Modified by steve hummel, 2:42 PM 1/16/2002]
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
From: Central SJ Valley, Calif
Re: Colum Lock Question (Ha-Ha)
The forum consensus is to install the CL bypass. All 97-00 A4's and 97-02 MN6 Corvettes can experience this problem. There has been CL failures requiring a flatbed tow back to the dealer even with service recall applied. The down side to installing the CL recall is the CLB can no longer be installed.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Victoria TX
Re: Colum Lock Question (Ha-Ha)
I had the column lock problem several months ago. It progressed from a message, "pull key and wait 10 sec" to the "service column lock" message. Both would go away on a restart. Over the next several days the problems worsened until I was stranded and had to be towed to the dealer. I had the recall performed even though my car was not in the VIN range of the recall, and have had no problems since. I would encourage you to do the recall or install the bypass, since the problem, in my case, did seem to get progressively more severe.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 55,394
Likes: 1
Re: Colum Lock Question (texasplantman)
I had the column lock problem several months ago. It progressed from a message, "pull key and wait 10 sec" to the "service column lock" message. Both would go away on a restart. Over the next several days the problems worsened until I was stranded and had to be towed to the dealer. I had the recall performed even though my car was not in the VIN range of the recall, and have had no problems since. I would encourage you to do the recall or install the bypass, since the problem, in my case, did seem to get progressively more severe.
Thanks, I made that decision this morning. Its at the dealership now being serviced - don't want to get stranded. Hopefully there won't be a repeat problem. What amazes me about GM sometimes is they correct the problem with the same defective parts which inevitably fail again. Column Lock and Fuel Sending Unit are 2 examples of this.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 985
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From: Palm Desert, CA , USA
Re: Colum Lock Question (Ha-Ha)
In your case it is locked in the open postion. You are smart to get it fixed. I hope that it works for you. Mine had to be towed and replaced twice....I put in the CLB and haven't had any problems since! :mad
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 729
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From: Pittsburgh, PA, USA PA
Re: Colum Lock Question (C-5 TECH)
I still have this problem ---I haven't addressed it eventhough GM has a fix because I'm afraid they'll trash my dash when fixing it. I also havn't had the seat belt recall fixed yet. I'm tired of hitting reset everytime that stupid message shows on my DIC. My problem is sort of unique in that the column lock is permanently off, so it never locks. I guess it would be easier for some to steal my car this way, but I have her up for the winter anyway. I plan on getting a Z06 or Anniversary Vette in 1 or 2 years if I can convince the wife that I deserve it for all my hard work. :D
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 17,541
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From: Manhattan, KS Missing SoCal since 2005
Re: Colum Lock Question (2FAST4U)
2fast: Since you have an A4, your car is pretty secure even without the lock, since once it's in Park with the key removed, it would be pretty difficult for someone to roll it onto a trailer. You could try the reset procedure I described above if you want to get rid of the message.
Just had my "factory" fix completed today, so I have a CLB if anyone wants one.
Just had my "factory" fix completed today, so I have a CLB if anyone wants one.