"SERVICE COLUMN LOCK" MESSAGE ... NEED ADVICE
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 959
Likes: 2
From: Hartford CT
"SERVICE COLUMN LOCK" MESSAGE ... NEED ADVICE
I got the "SERVICE COLUMN LOCK" message on my DIC.
At first it said to pull the key for 10 seconds. I knew what was coming. Now the column is locked. The good news - I guess- is that the car is in my garage.
I realize this issue has been around for some time and I've read the history. My questions ...
(1) Can I unlock the column to (safely) get the car to the dealer? Is the dealer the best one to solve my problem?
(2) I have the C5 Solutions fix-it kit, but never installed it. Just thought it would never happen to me. Is it better to install the C5 Solutions kit?
(3) Is there anyone (experienced) in the Hartford area who would install the C5 Solutions kit for me. Name your price.
Thanks,
Len
At first it said to pull the key for 10 seconds. I knew what was coming. Now the column is locked. The good news - I guess- is that the car is in my garage.
I realize this issue has been around for some time and I've read the history. My questions ...
(1) Can I unlock the column to (safely) get the car to the dealer? Is the dealer the best one to solve my problem?
(2) I have the C5 Solutions fix-it kit, but never installed it. Just thought it would never happen to me. Is it better to install the C5 Solutions kit?
(3) Is there anyone (experienced) in the Hartford area who would install the C5 Solutions kit for me. Name your price.
Thanks,
Len
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,656
Likes: 7,296
From: CT
Re: "SERVICE COLUMN LOCK" MESSAGE ... NEED ADVICE (Len16)
Len,
Sorry to hear that another local guy is having this problem. I just went through it last month. It locked on me at the gas station on the north side of Rt 15 in Hamden. Big mess. I was able to get it unlocked while on the side of the road by pretty much cranking the wheel back and forth until it popped loose. Problem though was that I limped it home and parked it thinking it wouldn't happen again. But the next AM the wheel was locked so bad I couldn't get it free. I lost my car for a total of 26 days.
Mind you, once GM got the car they fixed the column lock in one day. But in the process they busted the bearings on the lower part of the column itself and that is where all the time went. I am still encountering a problem every time I move the car (its in my driveway while I go through the BBB with the car) where the Active Handling is shot and needs servicing.
Anyway, if you search the posts you will find where if you remove fuse #25 (I think) it will sometimes resolve the column lock problem for you. So search the old posts and try the different fixes.
If you attempt to install that kit you have once you free the wheel and want a hand some time e-mail me or give a call here. I will IM you the phone number. And I won't accept any $!!
Good luck.
Sorry to hear that another local guy is having this problem. I just went through it last month. It locked on me at the gas station on the north side of Rt 15 in Hamden. Big mess. I was able to get it unlocked while on the side of the road by pretty much cranking the wheel back and forth until it popped loose. Problem though was that I limped it home and parked it thinking it wouldn't happen again. But the next AM the wheel was locked so bad I couldn't get it free. I lost my car for a total of 26 days.
Mind you, once GM got the car they fixed the column lock in one day. But in the process they busted the bearings on the lower part of the column itself and that is where all the time went. I am still encountering a problem every time I move the car (its in my driveway while I go through the BBB with the car) where the Active Handling is shot and needs servicing.
Anyway, if you search the posts you will find where if you remove fuse #25 (I think) it will sometimes resolve the column lock problem for you. So search the old posts and try the different fixes.
If you attempt to install that kit you have once you free the wheel and want a hand some time e-mail me or give a call here. I will IM you the phone number. And I won't accept any $!!
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Re: "SERVICE COLUMN LOCK" MESSAGE ... NEED ADVICE (Brett C5 SCCA)
Check out 97Vette's web site on this issue. He has information on a way to install even after it has locked up. I installed my CLB this morning, so if you have any questions let me know.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,219
Likes: 0
From: Burleson Texas
Re: "SERVICE COLUMN LOCK" MESSAGE ... NEED ADVICE (Len16)
Try pulling back and forth on the steering wheel, while turning the key on and off at the same time.
This has worked for me twice in two years.
Good Luck
This has worked for me twice in two years.
Good Luck
