Warning: Column Lock Problems.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Encinitas CA
Warning: Column Lock Problems.
Well, it finally happened to me... for the second time. Last night my column lock failed, while I was driving down the road.
The first time, it was annoying. A simple flatbed ride to the dealer. The second time, I just about was killed. I was moving down a small coast highway at about 40, when suddenly I couldn't steer. After thankfully getting it stopped without killing anyone, I restart it and get the dreaded "Service Column Lock" on the DIC.
After reading some of the posts about getting it to release, I was able to get it to unlock by violently twisting the steering wheel left to right (read: sheer animal rage) while engaging and disengaging the key. I then limped to the dealer, where it is still sitting there waiting to get fixed.
So, to make a long story short. Don't trust the column lock fix. I had originally had it fixed in '00, now the replacement has failed in '02. If you can, buy the CLB and don't worry about it anymore
The first time, it was annoying. A simple flatbed ride to the dealer. The second time, I just about was killed. I was moving down a small coast highway at about 40, when suddenly I couldn't steer. After thankfully getting it stopped without killing anyone, I restart it and get the dreaded "Service Column Lock" on the DIC.
After reading some of the posts about getting it to release, I was able to get it to unlock by violently twisting the steering wheel left to right (read: sheer animal rage) while engaging and disengaging the key. I then limped to the dealer, where it is still sitting there waiting to get fixed.
So, to make a long story short. Don't trust the column lock fix. I had originally had it fixed in '00, now the replacement has failed in '02. If you can, buy the CLB and don't worry about it anymore
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 30,492
Likes: 11
From: San Antonio Texas
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (paladine)
this is the third reported column lock while moving reported THIS WEEK!!! Report this to the NSTB ASAP!!!! GM is gonna get someone killed becasue of this!!! :mad :mad :mad
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 0
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (Tormania)
this is the third reported column lock while moving reported THIS WEEK!!! Report this to the NSTB ASAP!!!! GM is gonna get someone killed becasue of this!!! :mad :mad :mad
:mad :nonod:
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
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St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (paladine)
Man,
Almost the same thing occured on my car. I was turning right from a gas station to merge on the access road and it locked on me. I was lucky since I was moving maybe at 3 mph at this point. I had to restart and put it in reverse the get the nose of my car off the road. That is where I left it.
Read the full story at http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=319386
Please do call NTHSA, if more people complain, maybe GM will get up from its butt and fix this issue.
Almost the same thing occured on my car. I was turning right from a gas station to merge on the access road and it locked on me. I was lucky since I was moving maybe at 3 mph at this point. I had to restart and put it in reverse the get the nose of my car off the road. That is where I left it.
Read the full story at http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=319386
Please do call NTHSA, if more people complain, maybe GM will get up from its butt and fix this issue.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Encinitas CA
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (PeterK)
Wow, I thought it was mostly a problem with it locking up while you were parked.
If it is the case that it can happen anywhere.. as in mine and your cases, I will definately be contacting DOT and NTHSA.
It locking up on my while I was driving was a bit interesting, but the thought of killing someone walking on a sidewalk, or hitting a car full of kids really doesn't appeal to me.
ESPECIALLY, since... lets not kid ourselves, most Corvette owners have had their cars well above a hundred, I can just imagine what that would be like.
If it is the case that it can happen anywhere.. as in mine and your cases, I will definately be contacting DOT and NTHSA.
It locking up on my while I was driving was a bit interesting, but the thought of killing someone walking on a sidewalk, or hitting a car full of kids really doesn't appeal to me.
ESPECIALLY, since... lets not kid ourselves, most Corvette owners have had their cars well above a hundred, I can just imagine what that would be like.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 0
From: Collin County Texas
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (PeterK)
Damn, this is getting scary. I need to go back and read the earlier posts, because I thought this was a problem happening to only "older" 'Vettes. Better be safe than sorry!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 905
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (RWhite)
Damn, this is getting scary. I need to go back and read the earlier posts, because I thought this was a problem happening to only "older" 'Vettes. Better be safe than sorry!
PS - Your C5 was born the day after mine! :cheers: :)
[Modified by Patches, 3:49 PM 6/13/2002]
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
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St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (Patches)
Well, I just learned that the CL bypass WILL NOT work on the cars where a GM recall was performed. So I'm as SOL as it gets on this issue.
Roger, get a bypass from COH and install it. We '02 owners are not immune to this problem and the GM "fix" obviously isn't. I installed my bypass last weekend and damn glad I did after all the recent lock-ups I've been reading about. :mad
PS - Your C5 was born the day after mine! :cheers: :)
[Modified by Patches, 3:49 PM 6/13/2002]
PS - Your C5 was born the day after mine! :cheers: :)
[Modified by Patches, 3:49 PM 6/13/2002]
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Encinitas CA
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (PeterK)
Yep. I just recieved my car back from the dealership. Looks like I'm still having to worry about GM parts as well. But, the good thing is I was shown a TSB (I think) on the column lock engaging while the vehicle is moving, so at least GM is admitting there is a problem.
I'm seriously contemplating removing either the power to the locking solenoid, or the retaining pin itself and just not worrying about it locking anymore.
With the trans lock, and the aftermarket alarm I have on it, I should be reasonably safe (I hope). But it beats worrying about if it is going to lock up on me at high speed.
I'm seriously contemplating removing either the power to the locking solenoid, or the retaining pin itself and just not worrying about it locking anymore.
With the trans lock, and the aftermarket alarm I have on it, I should be reasonably safe (I hope). But it beats worrying about if it is going to lock up on me at high speed.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 905
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (PeterK)
Well, I just learned that the CL bypass WILL NOT work on the cars where a GM recall was performed. So I'm as SOL as it gets on this issue.
[Modified by Patches, 4:58 PM 6/13/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 0
From: Collin County Texas
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (Patches)
Guys, where can we order this part from? I can't find any website (is there any) for C5 Solutions. Is COH Corvettes of Houston? I did not see the part in their site.
Roger
Roger
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
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From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (RWhite)
Roger, go to this post (current) and contact Paul directly. :yesnod:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=320148
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=320148
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
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St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (Patches)
I'm afraid so. It works by the same principle.
Peter, this is true of the C5 Solutions bypass :mad which is hard to come by. But is it tru of the new version COH is selling? Paul (COH) says it has been modified - maybe they changed it to work in spite of the GM bypass?
[Modified by Patches, 4:58 PM 6/13/2002]
Peter, this is true of the C5 Solutions bypass :mad which is hard to come by. But is it tru of the new version COH is selling? Paul (COH) says it has been modified - maybe they changed it to work in spite of the GM bypass?
[Modified by Patches, 4:58 PM 6/13/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 1
From: South Alabama
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (paladine)
With all the problems with columns locking up and dealer fixes being ineffectual I decided last December to put a C5 Solutions CLB in mine while they were still plentiful and only $65 bucks.
Now after reading all these posts about the steering locking while the car is moving I am DAMN glad I did. :eek:
Now after reading all these posts about the steering locking while the car is moving I am DAMN glad I did. :eek:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,133
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From: Ponderables, yes. My opinion, not totally. Preaching...I don't have a pulpit. Fact and generalizations about what I am reading on behalf of what you tell me...absolutely.
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (paladine)
And one more note, if we can get GM to listen, lets have them include the '97's this time....o.k.? I feel left out. No I don't have the CLB yet, should have bought it when it was cheaper..... :mad
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (paladine)
Paladine,the reason your column locked up after an attempted fix is because there was no fix available in 2000...The recall and TSB was released in 2001.If you have an A4 and the dealer performend the recall or TSB,your column lock is no longer functioning and is disabled :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Encinitas CA
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (C-5 TECH)
Weird. It locked up on me in a parking lot, had to have it flat bedded to the dealer. Took it back the next day and never had a problem, I just assumed they had replaced it.
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Re: Warning: Column Lock Problems. (C-5 TECH)
I had "the fix" done by a dealer, but my steering lock still locks (normally) when I remove the key. I never had an 'unwanted' lock, but when I took my car in for something else they did the steering lock fix.
My question is: What does "the fix" do? Does it totally disable the lock, or does the lock simply work the way its supposed to? :confused:
Dave
My question is: What does "the fix" do? Does it totally disable the lock, or does the lock simply work the way its supposed to? :confused:
Dave