Service Column Lock- FIXED
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,342
Likes: 1,123
From: Dyer, IN
To the smartasses in the crowd- I graduated from DeVry Phoenix. Class of October 1997. 4.0 GPA, number one in my class. I went on to work as a field engineer for Applied Materials where I travelled the USA and the world identifying and fixing problems. I then went to work for GE Healthcare as a MRI/CT field engineer. Now, 14 years after graduation I am semi-retired. I think I have some credibility when it comes to diagnosing and killing electrical gremlins.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 30,055
Likes: 351
From: Big Red Ne
I've been stranded by this BS problem twice now and had to have the car towed both times. GM has done the recall twice (2002 MN6 car) and yet the issue raised it's ugly had time after time. This last time, the dealer said they will no longer "fix" the issue and that I was wrong as to what was causing the problem. They told me the issue was the lock cylinder not reading my pass key and that the car was thinking I was trying to steal it. When I explained to them that in that case I would just not be able to start the car and that the issue was still the column lock not the lock cyclinder, they told me I was wrong and that they worked out a great deal for me with the factory who would pay for the part, but I'd still be responsibble for $400 in labor. I told them to shove it and give me the car back, towed it to RPM in Canyon Country (SoCal) and Charlie just went ahed and raised the fuel cut-off to 256mph. Since then I replaced the battery with a new one and the message still pops up on occasion, but since GM removed the lock plate and the fuel cut-has been changed, it only results in an error message that's gone with a push of the reset button 
Thanks Charlie and HP Tuners software 
Thanks Charlie and HP Tuners software Last edited by rkhegler; Oct 16, 2011 at 08:02 PM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 336
Likes: 3
Column lock problems
Had my 2003 six speed coupe in for the pull key wat ten seconds message. Dealer said on six speed cars it was only a software reflash on the computer. Eight months later I was at the Kerbecks toy run getting ready to pull out of Farley Plaza. Tried to start the car & got the pull key message again. Had Kerbeck's lead mechanic check the car after the run & said as long as it was not locked to get it home. Took it back to the stealership that was doing my service work & they stated on the second recall they were removing the lock plates even on six speed cars. Have not had a problem since. Has been at least three years.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 30,055
Likes: 351
From: Big Red Ne
Just called the dealer and ran my VIN. My 99 FRC had the relay harness replaced in 2002 and it was also re-programed in 2004. So, don't know what the problem is at this point. Maybe need a new battery?
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I have the same problem with my 03 coupe after one month with out starting it .the battery went dead .and on the dash I got the service column lock. I took it to the dealer .and for $175 got fix
Thay didn't change anything or put new parts thay only clean some conection.
I guess I was lucky .
Thay didn't change anything or put new parts thay only clean some conection.
I guess I was lucky .
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Billings MT
Just an idea, maybe the battery is not issue, but bad grounds are the issue. By removing the battery, most of use would clean up the battery terminals/connectors and thus get a good ground back to the battery. Just my idea. Well, that might save you $100.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 420
From: Taildragers rule! USA1
So, being the Great Bill Curlee, I'm sure you watched the videos and the explanation from a REAL GM tech as to why the CLB DOES kill the BCM? Right? You just happen to disagree with his conclusions, is that what you are saying? If so, fine, but don't act like I'm presenting something new and the Great Bill Curlee is correcting an errant wannabe.
And, no, I don't think I will install a BCM-killing CLB on my car, but when you are dead on the side of the road with a fried BCM, I will help you out because that's the kinda guy I am.
To the smartasses in the crowd- I graduated from DeVry Phoenix. Class of October 1997. 4.0 GPA, number one in my class. I went on to work as a field engineer for Applied Materials where I travelled the USA and the world identifying and fixing problems. I then went to work for GE Healthcare as a MRI/CT field engineer. Now, 14 years after graduation I am semi-retired. I think I have some credibility when it comes to diagnosing and killing electrical gremlins.
Edit- To be very clear here- I started this thread because I was excited about finding this information on the forum and I thought it could maybe help someone else. I only mentioned having a degree in electronics technology to add a little validity to the fact that the conclusions in the video made sense to me. I wasn't trying to come off like I was a know-it-all, and I know that the way I wrote my message does not have a know-it-all tone to it, it's just that some Forum Warriors always seem to want to try to belittle the other guy. I just don't get it.
Anyway, as with anything on the Interwebs, do your research. The truth is out there.
And, no, I don't think I will install a BCM-killing CLB on my car, but when you are dead on the side of the road with a fried BCM, I will help you out because that's the kinda guy I am.
To the smartasses in the crowd- I graduated from DeVry Phoenix. Class of October 1997. 4.0 GPA, number one in my class. I went on to work as a field engineer for Applied Materials where I travelled the USA and the world identifying and fixing problems. I then went to work for GE Healthcare as a MRI/CT field engineer. Now, 14 years after graduation I am semi-retired. I think I have some credibility when it comes to diagnosing and killing electrical gremlins.
Edit- To be very clear here- I started this thread because I was excited about finding this information on the forum and I thought it could maybe help someone else. I only mentioned having a degree in electronics technology to add a little validity to the fact that the conclusions in the video made sense to me. I wasn't trying to come off like I was a know-it-all, and I know that the way I wrote my message does not have a know-it-all tone to it, it's just that some Forum Warriors always seem to want to try to belittle the other guy. I just don't get it.
Anyway, as with anything on the Interwebs, do your research. The truth is out there.
C5 doesn't need some big honking battery. It just needs a CLB. Now go crawl back under a rock.
