My car is at Burke's Corvette getting repainted after my recent mishap on I-4. I just got a call from Tim telling me that I have the dreaded column lock!!! He has moved my car to the side with a floor jack for now, but he can't get the column unlocked. Anybody know of any tricks to try to get it to unlock?

Also, is anybody still selling the Column Lock Bypass? Once this is fixed, I want to make sure it doesn't happen again.

TIA.

 

If the dealer does the column lock recall fix, the electronic column lock bypass module will NOT work on your car! You'd better make a decision quick about which system you want. I went to the electronic bypass module myself. For some reason I don't trust GM's fix. :nono:

I read a few days ago that one of the Forum venders still had the electronic module for sale. Can't remember which one though.

Tom



[Modified by TCW, 7:39 PM 2/22/2002]

 

Thanks for the info. Do you know what the GM recall fix does exactly?



[Modified by Paul R, 7:53 PM 2/22/2002]

 

One thing to try is to disconnect the battery for several minutes and then reconnect to see if the lock retracts upon power-up (this tip is in the FAQ's).

Another thing to try is to put the key in the "On" position (don't start it, though) and vigorously yank the wheel back and forth several times to try and free up the stuck lock. This was a trick a couple of members reported they saw service techs successfully use.

The CLB is still being sold. I know I saw it at a vendor's site recently but don't remember which one.

Good luck.

Ed

 

Tim tried unhooking the battery. No go. I will tell him about yanking the wheel.

Thanks.

----
Paul

 

Paul,

I saw my dealer's tech pop the column lock in the drive way of a car that
had been towed in. I watched him from 30 feet away and he hit it pretty
hard. I talked to him later and he has the technique down. There is a trick
to what you do with key (something like mentioned aboue) and it works.

Yours is one of the first 2001's I have heard about. It was pretty common
on the 99s and 00's.

Good luck

 

I just returned a CLB made by C5solutions because it wouldn't work on my '98. Kept getting DIC message. I read that they just will not work on some cars, and C5solutions is not making them anymore-----maybe that's why.

 

I have a 98 with the dealer fix yet got the service column lock msgm but colum wasnt locked. pulling fuse 25 under passenger side footwall for 30 sec cleared the msg and eveything has been fine since. I have also heard about hard yanks on teh wheel from side to side.

 

I believe that the recall does NOT include the 01s. However, your car is obviously well within warranty, so they must at least replace the faulty mechanism.

 

I know it sounds crazy... but just yank as hard as you can in either direction and it will come loose. The locking pin on the column hangs up or will not slide freely and you just have to use muscle!

 

Good news. I told Tim to try yanking on it to free the locking pin, and it worked!

Next question...Do i just go on my merry way now, or do I still need to take it into the dealer to be serviced? Also, seriously considering CLB. Does anyone know specifically which cars it will or will not work on?

-------
TIA,
Paul

 

Get the Column Lock Bypass. I think that L.A.P.D. still has them. It's an easy install and you'll never have to worry again! :yesnod:

 

I bought one from LAPD a couple months ago. Installed fine in my 2000 A4 They are out of production but several Forum vendors still have them in stock. Great piece of mind, especially after hearing that a 2001 is still having problems when they should have the redesigned column lock...

 

Paul i suggest you get it to the Dealer asap.. Here is what they have to do :

Good Luck

Jeff



1997–2000 Corvette Column Lock Bypass Module from C5 Solutions !

The Column Lock Bypass is designed to defeat the factory Steering Column Lock while mimicking its operation to the car’s computer. Installing the Column Lock Bypass DOES eliminate the steering lock mechanism, which is a factory theft prevention feature. However, ALL other factory theft prevention features remain intact and function normally.

Installation of the Column Lock Bypass is simple using the factory connector to plug right in with no cutting! Expect approximately 45 minutes for installation. You will need a T15-Torx screwdriver and a small flat blade screwdriver.

Before beginning, be sure the car is turned off and the key is out of the ignition.

DO NOT turn the ignition switch on until instructed to do so!

1. From the left side of the steering column, pull/pry the Fog Lamp/Trunk Release switch plate out of the dashboard. Unplug the harness connected to this switch plate by lifting the connector retaining tab and pulling the connector off simultaneously. Remove the Torx screw behind this location.

2. From the underside of the dashboard knee pad, remove the two (2) Torx screws.

3. From the right side of the steering column, pull/pry the vented cover plate off the Interior Air Temperature Sensor located next to the ignition switch. Remove the Torx screw behind this location.

4. Gently work the dashboard knee pad away from the steering column being careful not to damage adjoining panels. The left side of this panel may need to be pulled slightly harder to unfasten a retaining clip next to the switch plate opening. The right side will require careful prying to get from under the overlapping panel.

5. Unplug the harness connected to the Interior Air Temperature Sensor by lifting the connector retaining tab and pulling the connector off simultaneously.

6. Continue gently working the dashboard knee pad away from the steering column until it is completely removed.

7. On the upper-left side of the steering column, locate the 4-wires routed together that go to the steering column lock assembly. The wires are Black, Green, Orange, and Purple in color. Follow them down to the black connector under the dashboard.

8. Disconnect here by prying up on the connector retaining tab of the larger connector portion while simultaneously pulling the smaller portion of the connector out. The larger portion of the connector will remain attached to the support panel.

9. You must now release the steering column lock using the supplied Lighter Plug Adapter. Strip approximately ¼” of insulation from each wire of the Adapter. Identify the HOT wire as the one with the stripe. Being careful not to short the stripped wires together, plug the adapter into a 12V outlet on the car. Hold the female black connector of the actuator in one hand. Touch the HOT (striped) wire of the adapter to the PURPLE wire female pin of the connector while simultaneously touching the GROUND (no stripe) wire of the adapter to the ORANGE wire female pin. You should hear the actuator motor move. Remove both wires from the connector and unplug it from the lighter socket. The steering wheel should be free to move at this point. If not, you MUST somehow get the actuator unlocked or replaced before proceeding.

10. The column lock assembly harness will no longer be used, so position it aside by tucking it into a nearby harness.

11. Plug the Column Lock Bypass module into the open male connector you worked with in Step #8.

12. Secure the module to the dash support panel or other object with the supplied adhesive tape.

TESTING
With the module installed and the steering column unlocked, you can verify your installation.

1. Start the ignition. The DIC should not display any abnormal messages. The steering wheel should turn freely.

2. Turn off the ignition and completely remove the key. Turn the steering wheel, it should not be locked in place.

Reinstall the dashboard knee pad in reverse order of disassembly. Be sure to reconnect the Interior Air Temperature Sensor and Fog Lamp/Trunk Release harnesses.

NOTE: The metal clip-nuts used to help secure the knee pad to the bottom metal rail may be loose in some cars. Before installing the knee pad, be sure these two clip-nuts at the bottom of the knee pad support are aligned correctly over the holes. You may need to squeeze them tight with pliers.

 

Picked up the car yesterday, and it came out perfect. Tim Burke is a painting genius!

The column lock is working fine now. It has cycled through several lock/unlock cycles and doesn't appear to be having any problems. I contacted several vendors yesterday trying to get a CLB, but no one has them in stock anymore.

--------
Paul

 

Forum vendor COH has some on their website, but I couldn't find it in on their mall page. Weird.
http://www.corvettesofhouston.com/di...odelyears=1997

 

Any reports of 2002 MN6's that have experienced the dreaded Column Lock?? My g/f picks her C5 up in 4 weeks and is thinking of getting the CLB if the problem is still not fixed. I have the CLB on my 2000 and of course have never had a problem.

 

Paul R I have a CLB at home. I bought it from another member and never used it. IM me privately and we can make a deal

RonC

 

I've had my 2002 MN6 for 4 months now but all's well. Course, I only drive it on weekends so I guess that doesn't count for much.

I planned ahead and got a CLB a month before delivery, just in case. :rolleyes:

 

Had mine done at dealer in early October. It was done as a re-call and has worked perfect. I just hope that the GM fix won't be a problem down the line... :rolleyes: