What, EXACTLY, does the "pull key, wait 10 sec..."
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,419
Likes: 1,598
From: Western NY
What, EXACTLY, does the "pull key, wait 10 sec..."
I've never, to my recollection, gotten the dreaded "Pull Key, Wait 10 Seconds" message on my '01 coupe. I'm the original owner of the car, none of the steering column recalls have been done, but I did take the lock ring out, remove the OD of it so the lock pin won't engage, and re-installed what was left. So, if all else fails, I can still steer the car.
Nonetheless, last week, I took the car to a trusted shop, to get the A/C serviced. In order to swap the drier and orifice filter tube (which had never been done before), the battery has to be removed for access to these parts. We had the battery out for about 20 minutes, and when the battery was re-installed, and we first started the car for an A/C check, I got the dreaded message on the DIC.
The message stayed on for the 3-4 minutes we initially ran the car, but then I shut it down while I paid the bill, and when I re-started the car, the message was gone and I drove home without incident.
Long story short, what does this message mean? I've been a member of this Forum for over 10 years, seen this discussed a number of times, but don't seem to recall any clear definition of what this message is intending to convey to the driver.
Any ideas?
Nonetheless, last week, I took the car to a trusted shop, to get the A/C serviced. In order to swap the drier and orifice filter tube (which had never been done before), the battery has to be removed for access to these parts. We had the battery out for about 20 minutes, and when the battery was re-installed, and we first started the car for an A/C check, I got the dreaded message on the DIC.
The message stayed on for the 3-4 minutes we initially ran the car, but then I shut it down while I paid the bill, and when I re-started the car, the message was gone and I drove home without incident.
Long story short, what does this message mean? I've been a member of this Forum for over 10 years, seen this discussed a number of times, but don't seem to recall any clear definition of what this message is intending to convey to the driver.
Any ideas?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,419
Likes: 1,598
From: Western NY
Thanks very much, for the detailed info. I'm by no means an expert in the C-5s electrical system, but sort of had suspicions that SOME of the column lock's issues might have been caused by side forces applied to the lock pin, when it's engaged in the lock plate, and over time, this side force causes undue wear on the pin mechanism itself. This, in turn, MIGHT cause the pin to stop retracting smoothly, causing issues.
I modified my lock plate about 9 years ago, and at the time, also lubricated the pin mechanism, and I can hear it extend/retract readily, as the key is inserted/removed. It's good to know, however, that I won't be affected by a 2 MPH fuel shut off, since the absence of the lock plate detents, will allow me to steer the car, no matter what.
After re-reading what you've posted, it makes sense, as to what happened last week, as the key was still in the ignition switch, when the battery was disconnected.
FWIW, I initially tried to install a CLB, a LONG time ago, but something didn't work out correctly, as shortly thereafter, I was driving away from a parking lot, and I heard the lock pin start to extend, and it was hitting the detents in the lock plate. It was right after that, I took the lock plate out and modified it.
EDIT......I can't believe that I typed in BCM instead of CLB, and didn't catch it until today......
I modified my lock plate about 9 years ago, and at the time, also lubricated the pin mechanism, and I can hear it extend/retract readily, as the key is inserted/removed. It's good to know, however, that I won't be affected by a 2 MPH fuel shut off, since the absence of the lock plate detents, will allow me to steer the car, no matter what.
After re-reading what you've posted, it makes sense, as to what happened last week, as the key was still in the ignition switch, when the battery was disconnected.
FWIW, I initially tried to install a CLB, a LONG time ago, but something didn't work out correctly, as shortly thereafter, I was driving away from a parking lot, and I heard the lock pin start to extend, and it was hitting the detents in the lock plate. It was right after that, I took the lock plate out and modified it.
EDIT......I can't believe that I typed in BCM instead of CLB, and didn't catch it until today......
Last edited by leadfoot4; Sep 15, 2014 at 06:51 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 388
Likes: 5
From: New Bern North Carolina
On your car since the fuel shutoff speed is not set, and you have removed the detents from the lock plate, you are NOT going to get stranded if/when the battery goes low or the actual lock motor fails or the Column Lock Relay fries because of low voltage.
Worst that will happen on YOUR car is a message that perhaps you don't want to see.
NOT the case for those that have had the GM Column Lock Recall Service performed and have NOT yet installed an LMC5 or CLB (I recommend the LMC5 over the CLB). They WILL get stranded by a locking column on manual trans cars or the 2MPH fuel shutoff or both.
Worst that will happen on YOUR car is a message that perhaps you don't want to see.
NOT the case for those that have had the GM Column Lock Recall Service performed and have NOT yet installed an LMC5 or CLB (I recommend the LMC5 over the CLB). They WILL get stranded by a locking column on manual trans cars or the 2MPH fuel shutoff or both.
I have a 1999 corvette 6-speed manual and installed CLB and LMC5 and I still have the message "Pull Key Wait 10 Minutes". The key has been cleaned and has a brand new battery with a CTEK Battery Charger. I even took out the column lock relay as the company I purchased the LMC5 from recommended. How do I get rid of the message.....Thanks!
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Florida
Had my 03 Z in the shop for ring/pinion replacement. Battery went dead (had a bad cell). Replaced battery and now getting symptoms "pull key. . ." And "service column lock." All are disabled, but annoying. Glad my search brought me here. Just ordered LMC5 from Compliance. This looks like a great fix. Thanks to all!
Last edited by RainRider; Sep 16, 2014 at 07:04 PM. Reason: Spelling
