don't even play around with the k harness
Service column lock problem back
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Service column lock problem back
Service column lock error message keeps coming back. Dealer says nothing wrong with the fix they did. Claims they replaced motor but took out lock mechanism according to GM recall. I don't understand why they replaced the motor if they removed the lock. The only way to get rid of the message was to unhook the battery. Error message came back in a couple weeks. Any ideas?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
No info in your profile or thread as to what you have, Year and drive train.All M6s have problems and 97 through 01(I believe) A4s had column issues. The simple most direct solution is get and install a CLB. I am assuming you have a fully charged battery and clean connections.Low voltage can aggravate column problems. GM and dealers are ducking out on column issues and the dealers will stick it to you for ineffective repairs. The factory fix "K harness" is crap and will fail,,it's just when it is going to strand you. $40-50 bucks for a CLB and you don't have to worry any more!
Last edited by itzza427; Apr 19, 2009 at 08:54 PM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 650
Likes: 4
From: Pittsburg Ca.
If you have a A4 the GM fix works fine as long as you have the good K-harness. If you have the white one replace it with the newer K-harness or a clb. Sounds like your k-harness is ready to take a dump. Ive got the k-harness with the black relay and in 2yrs not had a problem with it. Have drove it more than 20,000 miles and all types of weather.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
If you suddenly start getting column lock messages, then likely the relay in the Harness K is failing.
You can put in another GM harness, or replace it with an aftermarket CLB relay. They both perform the same function of simulating the actuator to the BCM. You are right that you do not need a working actuator to make the car driveable.
You can put in another GM harness, or replace it with an aftermarket CLB relay. They both perform the same function of simulating the actuator to the BCM. You are right that you do not need a working actuator to make the car driveable.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: scottsdale az
shake the wheel back and forth harder than you think you ever should- that unlocked mine twice-- and the column must be unlocked before the clb goes in.
7th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 7
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how do you locate the k-harness?
I bought the CLB from Corvettes of Houston for my 99 C5, but they told me I need to remove the k-harness from the recall. How do I find the k-harness (what does it look like) and how do I remove?
Thanks! Doug
Thanks! Doug
7th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Just to make sure I understand...my CLB instructions says to plug the CLB into the Connector that was previously connected to the Steering Lock Mechanism. So the Harness K kit is also plugged into the Steering Lock Mechanism and just need to unplug it?
Thanks!
Thanks!
7th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I still have the issue. Here is a diagram of how I have it. A couple questions: does this diagram make sense? 
which piece is the k-harness that I need to remove? I was thinking that is what I disconnected to plug the CLB in, but I think that is the steering lock mechanism connector? My wheel is currently unlocked & I've tried pulling the fuses. any thoughts?
https://cid-682c73e060573847.skydriv...px/New%20album
which piece is the k-harness that I need to remove? I was thinking that is what I disconnected to plug the CLB in, but I think that is the steering lock mechanism connector? My wheel is currently unlocked & I've tried pulling the fuses. any thoughts?https://cid-682c73e060573847.skydriv...px/New%20album
Last edited by dgoergs; May 5, 2009 at 10:27 PM.
7th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 7
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Thanks for setting me straight on the set up. Good news & bad news (maybe?) After redoing I know longer get the "Service Column Lock" message. I do occaisonally get the "pull key wait 10 sec messages" though. Should the CLB be blocking both messages? I've tried removing fuse 25 and waiting 10 minutes, but I still occaisonally get the "pull key wait 10 secs". Thoughts?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Thanks for setting me straight on the set up. Good news & bad news (maybe?) After redoing I know longer get the "Service Column Lock" message. I do occaisonally get the "pull key wait 10 sec messages" though. Should the CLB be blocking both messages? I've tried removing fuse 25 and waiting 10 minutes, but I still occaisonally get the "pull key wait 10 secs". Thoughts?
Thanks!
Thanks!
as long as you can shut it off and restart I think you are OK..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Fill out your profile so we know what year your car is.
Some 97 and 98 models still may display the pull key message even with the CLB installed. Some think it is related to how fast the relays react. The GM relays do not cause the problem, but aftermarket relays can.
Some 97 and 98 models still may display the pull key message even with the CLB installed. Some think it is related to how fast the relays react. The GM relays do not cause the problem, but aftermarket relays can.
7th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I have my profile updated (99 C5). The CLB I have in is from Corvette's of Houston. I'm going to give cleaning the grounds a try, but want to make sure I don't snap anything off...to pull the sill off to get the grounds do I just unscrew the hood release and pull on the entire sill starting at the back?
Thanks for all you help guys!
Thanks for all you help guys!
7th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I cleaned the grounds as described above and still received "wait 10 sec pull key". Then I remembered a couple years ago I had a CLB from Racetronics that I thought wasn't working. So I give it a try and so far have been message free. I'm not sure if it was cleaning the grounds, switching CLB's, or a combination. I'll give it a couple weeks and post back my results. Thanks everyone for all your help!!