Yes I did read the sticky thread, but I think the dealer maybe ripping me off. Here, s what happened. I was on the way home after a 30 day trip that started with the NCM caravan. I stopped for gas today and when I tried to start the car I got the wait 10 seconds message, which I did. Then I got the service steering lock message. I was inthe middle of no-where AZ. I got a AAA tow to Findley chevy in Vegas. They checked and the recall had been done. Before I had a chance to look on the forum they called and said it was the lock itself was bad and needed to be changed at $700 parts and labor. Am I being ripped off by this dealer?

 

We need some more information.

First, what year is your car? I am guessing you have a pre-2001 automatic or any year manual?

Is the column locked at all? As in you cannot move the steering wheel even with the key in?

If the recall has been performed and you are having this issue, then you likely lack an aftermarket CLB (column lock bypass) or the LMC5 module. Also if the recall has been performed then you will not be able to exceed 2 MPH as the re-program for the 2 MPH fuel cut was part of the recall work (this is a key way to know recall work has been performed if you are experiencing the cut off).

Can you do something outside of the dealer even if the recall has been done?

Yes.

First, again we need to know if the steering column is actually locked where you cannot move it. If this is the case, then you need to purchase a column un-locker. Most all aftermarket CLBs that you can buy will have one included. It is simply used to unlock the column if it is locked, since you cannot proceed with a CLB install until you unlock it.

Once you have performed the column unlock - or if you are lucky and it is already unlocked - then you can install a CLB.

The LMC5 from Compliance Parts is currently the most popular CLB (it's more like a GM-mess-up-by-pass) and Richard provides some of the best customer service for Corvette owners. This item installs in the passenger side foot well behind the service panel and is relatively easy to install.

The other option would be to purchase a CLB relay module that takes the place of both the original relay or any GM recall relay, similar to the setup Corvettes of Houston sells. This item installs under the steering column and requires removal of the lower dash to properly access. However, once everything is remove it is literally clipping in the CLB into the existing harness.

Regardless, you would be out at the most $70 to install a CLB. Your Chevrolet dealer is likely not going to deal with installing such an item, since many consider it an aftermarket modification. My suggestion is that you if you are unable to perform this work yourself that you get into contact with a local Corvette specialist somewhere local to Vegas, and send the car there. If they are truly a Corvette specialist then they will have encounter the column lock issue multiple times, and will be in the best position to assist you. The dealer is just going to replace a part, charge you and arm and a leg, and you will STILL have a risk of the column lock issue arising again, since you will not have a proper aftermarket CLB installed to bypass the GM recalls.

I had the column lock issue occur on my M6 C5 the second week I had it. I was able to install the Corvette's of Houston CLB in under two hours and quickly acclimated myself with Corvette lower dash removal. I was out less than $70.

 

The car is a 2001 M6 Canadain spec car. The fuel did shut off did kill the engine when I tried to drive it. The steering was not locked, I could turn the wheel.
So after the dealer does $700 work I'll still have the problem of the column lock until I get a CLB installed?

 

MAKE SURE that the battery is 100% dit dot in good condition... Properly charged and has the correct CCA and Reserve Capacity. HAVE IT TESTED!

Next.... Once the battery is ruled out and checked out fine,,, CLEAR ALL THE DTCs.

Turn the Ignition switch ON and OFF,, ON and OFF a bunch of times while you listen for the Colume Lock motor to cycle the bolt IN & OUT.


If the bolt cycles, the damn things probably works. Try and start it. Make sure that the codes remain clear. Clear them several times if necessary.

IF,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, it starts and runs and drives,, you better order and install a LMC-5 Column Lock Bypass module before you get stranded AGAIN!

Bill

 

I had been driving all morning, about 250 miles when I stopped forgas so the battery should have been good, it's an almost new battery. I already told the dealer to fix it so I can get home. Once I start it I won't shut it off until I'm home. I'll be ordering a CLB as soon as I'm home.

 

CALL ME..... PM Sent

I will be up for a while.

Bill

 

here is an 03 C5 Column Lock Schematic... You can see the fuses and relays that need to be checked.



Bill

 

Yes. The risk of the problem re-occurring is still there.

 

It would be way cheaper to get Richard at Compliance to FedEx you overnight an LMC5 module for you to put in yourself in 20-30 min and never have this problem again. Unless you gamble a lot, staying overnight in Vegas will cost you a lot less than $700. Call the dealer and tell him to stop and get your car back and fix it right yourself. You have to do this anyway after you get the car. He is not going to help you at all with his $700 repair.

 

GM came up with this weird RELAY fix for the issue. It didnt fix the issue but it also was well known to outright fail and cause more issues. I connects between the column lock motor connector under the steering column and it looks like this:



If you have it installed, remove it and reconnect the connector back to normal.

Get the car home and install that LMC5 ASAP