Steering Locked While Driving
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
Steering Locked While Driving
I recall reading of a few instances where this has happened, and I believe there are some reports to the NHSTA about it (in their database). There might be some info or references to this in some of the column lock threads on the board.
Only way the steering wheel could lock while driving is to have a failure that moves the lock pin out to engage with the lock plate, and causes the lock-up. Could also be caused by the lock pin retraction clearance not being right to the lock plate, and it catches the plate and engages when it shouldn't - even though it's supposedly retracted. Can't recall all the details.
I recall reading of a few instances where this has happened, and I believe there are some reports to the NHSTA about it (in their database). There might be some info or references to this in some of the column lock threads on the board.
Only way the steering wheel could lock while driving is to have a failure that moves the lock pin out to engage with the lock plate, and causes the lock-up. Could also be caused by the lock pin retraction clearance not being right to the lock plate, and it catches the plate and engages when it shouldn't - even though it's supposedly retracted. Can't recall all the details.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 1
From: Chicago Illinois
My column locked while backing out of my garage. I was able to drive it back in. Next day it worked.A week later it locked up agian. No message or codes.
I cut my locking pin off. No more lockup worries for me. I also saved 800.00 that the dealer wanted for installing a locking actuator.
I cut my locking pin off. No more lockup worries for me. I also saved 800.00 that the dealer wanted for installing a locking actuator.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 91
From: Between Tally and Gatorville ,Florida
Is this car a manual or automatic????
If it is a manual trans car and never had the GM Column Lock Recall service done to it, then yes the column can lock while driving. This applys to 99 and 2000 manual trans cars. GM made a wiring change to the 2001 and newer manual trans cars at the factory that prevented those year manual trans cars from locking while driving. The recall if done to it correctly prevents the column from locking while driving (1999 and 2000).
If you are uncertain whether the recall was done to the car, get the GMVIS for the VIN and see if the recall is closed (done) or still open.
Here is a pic of the dealer mod (recall) done to 99 and 2000 manual trans cars that prevents the column from locking while driving. It applies +12 volts continuously to the lock motor in the unlock direction when the engine is running.
This prevents the column from locking. Of course if the relay fails or the purple wire gets cut, then all bets are off.
If it is a manual trans car and never had the GM Column Lock Recall service done to it, then yes the column can lock while driving. This applys to 99 and 2000 manual trans cars. GM made a wiring change to the 2001 and newer manual trans cars at the factory that prevented those year manual trans cars from locking while driving. The recall if done to it correctly prevents the column from locking while driving (1999 and 2000).
If you are uncertain whether the recall was done to the car, get the GMVIS for the VIN and see if the recall is closed (done) or still open.
Here is a pic of the dealer mod (recall) done to 99 and 2000 manual trans cars that prevents the column from locking while driving. It applies +12 volts continuously to the lock motor in the unlock direction when the engine is running.
This prevents the column from locking. Of course if the relay fails or the purple wire gets cut, then all bets are off.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 91
From: Between Tally and Gatorville ,Florida
What information are you looking for???
If you want to know if the GM recall service has been done to your car then yes, get a printed copy of the GMVIS for your VIN. Either of the two following people will email yours if you send them an email asking for that info for your VIN:
dfichtner@fichtnerchevrolet.com Dennis Fichtner
gene@gmpartshouse.com Gene Culley
Look in the CLAIM HISTORY to see what GM has done to your car at their expense. Dates and cryptic descriptions should help you determine what was done and when.
If you want to know if they did the spliced purple wire and relay mod (in the picture above) then you really need to look in the passenger footwell near the BCM for obviously modified wiring exactly like in the pic above. Your profile says you own a 99FRC so they should have done that as a part of the recall service. However, there are many cars out there on the road with incorrectly done Column Lock recall service......
If you want to know if the GM recall service has been done to your car then yes, get a printed copy of the GMVIS for your VIN. Either of the two following people will email yours if you send them an email asking for that info for your VIN:
dfichtner@fichtnerchevrolet.com Dennis Fichtner
gene@gmpartshouse.com Gene Culley
Look in the CLAIM HISTORY to see what GM has done to your car at their expense. Dates and cryptic descriptions should help you determine what was done and when.
If you want to know if they did the spliced purple wire and relay mod (in the picture above) then you really need to look in the passenger footwell near the BCM for obviously modified wiring exactly like in the pic above. Your profile says you own a 99FRC so they should have done that as a part of the recall service. However, there are many cars out there on the road with incorrectly done Column Lock recall service......
