Stranded by Column Lock
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 555
Likes: 2
From: RDU NC
Stranded by Column Lock
Of course this happens after all the service departments are closed tonight...and while out of town.
Anyone got recommendations on a tow and fix for this around the Durham, NC area? Don't know much about the GM service departments in this area...
Anyone got recommendations on a tow and fix for this around the Durham, NC area? Don't know much about the GM service departments in this area...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 555
Likes: 2
From: RDU NC
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 555
Likes: 2
From: RDU NC
It's locked. Also gives the 10 sec message then finally service column lock. Tried removing and replacing fuse 25 and bumping the wheel no change. Didnt try to test fuel cutoff as I'm in a hotel parking lot.
Last edited by c4_4ya; Jul 26, 2011 at 09:01 PM. Reason: More details
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 8
From: Corpus Christi Tx.
Need to give the steering wheel a few good forceful slams to the right and left and then put the key back in and try it... You really can't break the wheel so do not be afraid of the forceful
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 555
Likes: 2
From: RDU NC
Well fornicate me... It worked lol. I tried that several times but got nuts on it and voila! IC I owe you a round! The only reason it worked is because I just got a rental car 
Will that always work (I plan to take it in for the recall)?
Will that always work (I plan to take it in for the recall)?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 8
From: Corpus Christi Tx.
I would not advise the recall as they fail, you need to invest in a column lock bypass from Corvettes of Houston. I put one in my 2000 and have never had a issue in 10+ years.
It works to jerk the wheel in almost all cases, the problem is most owners are afraid to be rough with their baby. What you are trying to do is release a metal pin from a metal frame, it's only "going Nuts" on it that is sufficient. Glad it unlocked now call Corvettes of Houston or visit the website to get the fix GM doesn't want you to know about...
Oh the presence of the Rental Car propably put you over the top....
It works to jerk the wheel in almost all cases, the problem is most owners are afraid to be rough with their baby. What you are trying to do is release a metal pin from a metal frame, it's only "going Nuts" on it that is sufficient. Glad it unlocked now call Corvettes of Houston or visit the website to get the fix GM doesn't want you to know about...
Oh the presence of the Rental Car propably put you over the top....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 29,888
Likes: 4,538
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
I would not advise the recall as they fail, you need to invest in a column lock bypass from Corvettes of Houston. It works to jerk the wheel in almost all cases, the problem is most owners are afraid to be rough with their baby. What you are trying to do is release a metal pin from a metal frame, now call Corvettes of Houston or visit the website to get the fix GM doesn't want you to know about.
Here are some helpful links....
How to install a Column Lock Bypass:
http://97vette.com/howto/columnlock/index.html
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24
You can get a CLB Kit from either of these vendors:
http://www.corvettesofhouston.com/pr...e9bf70207aef69
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...d=220&pcid=156
Steering Column Lock FAQ's:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ky-please.html
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
If your car has already a GM fix (there was more than one GM variation) done, you'll probably need to remove the GM fix before the column lock bypass can be successfully installed.
I have a late production '04 Commemorative Edition Z06. I had read here and elsewhere that the battery is more often than not the cause of the column locking up. Since I maintain my battery on a BATTERY TENDER PLUS, I've never had the experience that you have. And since '06, I chose not to install a column lock bypass device. From the GM service history report, I was certain no GM fix had ever been done.
Last month I decided to go ahead and install the device from CORVETTES OF HOUSTON. Read the instructions thoroughly and take your time. The hardest part (for me) was not removing the panels, but gaining access to the connectors. It's a test in patience to reach up into that confined space to release the connector. Between the instructions that come with the device and what I learned from this http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24 it was done in a couple of hours.
I have a late production '04 Commemorative Edition Z06. I had read here and elsewhere that the battery is more often than not the cause of the column locking up. Since I maintain my battery on a BATTERY TENDER PLUS, I've never had the experience that you have. And since '06, I chose not to install a column lock bypass device. From the GM service history report, I was certain no GM fix had ever been done.
Last month I decided to go ahead and install the device from CORVETTES OF HOUSTON. Read the instructions thoroughly and take your time. The hardest part (for me) was not removing the panels, but gaining access to the connectors. It's a test in patience to reach up into that confined space to release the connector. Between the instructions that come with the device and what I learned from this http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24 it was done in a couple of hours.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
Its probably in those column lock bypass instructions but if you hook 12 volts momentarily..... I said MOMENTARILY to the two wires on the silenoid under the dash I think its a orange and black wire. Disconnect the harness and apply 12v for a second youll hear it click and the column will unlock and you can go about your business then get the recall done or get the bypass.
I was in that boat with no paddle a few months ago.
I was in that boat with no paddle a few months ago.
