Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

If the 13 volts was read from the dash gauges with the engine running then you are reading the output voltage of the alternator. Dash gauge readings for voltage CANNOT tell you the state of health of the battery. They tell you the state of health of the charging system. Since the column lock function runs long before the engine is started having voltage AFTER it has run is to late. Voltage reading on the gauges with engine off and key on is useless as there are many electrical circuits loading the battery with the key on.

Measure the Noload battery voltage. That is measured with the neg battery cable disconnected and directly across the battery posts with a digital multi meter. The car will start with a Noload voltage of 12.2 or less. However the electronics in the C5 are not happy with a Noload voltage of 12.5 or less, especially the column lock related electronics.

Is the car an automatic or manual trans? Makes a difference. I suggest that you get and install a CLB or LMC5 to prevent getting stranded by the column lock function. If you have a manual trans then the PCM has been reprogrammed to have a 2mph fuel shutoff speed. That means that the column lock function could strand you in two ways, locked column or fuel shut off if the BCM thinks the column is locked when it should be unlocked. Either the CLB or LMC5 is a permanent fix for the column lock symptoms. You have a personal experience that proves that the GM solution is NOT a permanent fix.

I wouldn't consider taking it to a dealer unless you have very deep pockets. AND if the real problem is the battery, the dealer repair will fail again very quickly and perhaps not in your driveway.

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

NOT the case!!!! The CLB comes with an unlocker tool (from most sources but not all) and you can purchase an unlocker when you purchase an LMC5.

You MUST unlock the column BEFORE you can install either.


Here is a technique that can also unlock the column:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ghlight=unlock


May take a strong arm but the technique usually works. Try more than once if necessary.....

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

You might be able to get one shipped overnight but it won't be inexpensive if you do.

Further on a 99 or 2000 manual trans you need to bypass the Column Lock Relay in the passenger footwell to have a CLB function correctly.

Here is the info on bypassing the Column Lock Relay:


http://Forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...installed.html

Then scroll to post #15


Contact this Forum Vendor and see if he can help you out:


http://www.southerncarparts.com/adva...Bypass&x=0&y=0

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

Might work but read this thread for possible problems you might run into:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-corvette.html

Pay attention to post #16......

Check your PM's