I need to replace my SWPS this spring as mine is in the process of failing. I receive the C1288 code off and on and from what I have read it has to do with the SWPS. I have a 2001 and it looks like the part number is 88965543; however, when looking at Gene's website it says "Part Notes: W/TELESCOPING COLUMN". Is there a different part for telescoping and non-telescoping steering wheels? I just want to make sure I order the correct one.

Also, I have the LCM5 installed which has disabled my column lock and I'm terrified of not centering the wheel. Is there an easy way to engage the column lock while replacing this? If I do have the steering wheel off center is it something the dealer can easily correct?

Thanks in advance.

 

I assume reversing the LCM5 is as simple as reversing the install process?

 

That is correct. If you disconnected the CL Relay remember to reconnect it.


With regard t the SWPS, the P/N you provided is CORRECT for 2001. There is no difference in whether you have telescoping steering wheel or not.

I got a SWPS from Gene for my parts iventory. I have a parts book and that is the number. Gene does not like to use your P/N when you order since he wants to make sure what he provides is correct. When I got mine that was the number I got.

 

Just put the front wheels straight ahead and replace the sensor. I'm sure you can handle not turning the steering wheel a full turn during the process.

 

There's a pretty easy way to lock the column in any C5, WITHOUT touching the LMC5, as long as the original lock plate is still there and your lock motor is still functional. We've helped customers lock the column to change the swps, even if a Harness K or other bypass had been installed prior to an LMC5.

Since it sounds like your column was locking until you installed the LMC5, this should work for you, WITHOUT having to uninstall/reinstall the LMC5.

If you have our Unlocker (or if you can make one), you can directly power the lock motor from the battery. Briefly (for a few seconds) connect two wires to power and ground and the motor spins in one direction to retract the lock pin and unlock the column. Reverse those two wires, and it spins in the other direction and extends the pin to lock the column.

So, to UNLOCK the column in an 01, you would use two wires in the steering column lock relay connector above the BCM. You must unplug the connector first! Purple to power and white to ground. Using our Unlocker, you'd connect our battery clamps to the battery, red to + and black to -, and then the Unlocker purple pin to the purple wire terminal, and the Unlocker black pin to the white wire terminal.

Since you want to LOCK the column, you'd simply connect the BLACK Unlocker pin to the PURPLE wire terminal and the PURPLE Unlocker pin to the WHITE wire terminal. You should see a little spark and hear the lock motor brrrrp. Remove the pins and check that the column is locked. Of course, set it in the position you want first!

When you're done, just use the Unlocker as in our instructions (purple to purple and black to white) and it should unlock. We recommend removing and resinserting the pins a second time for a few seconds.

Our Unlocker has a 10 amp fuse, so if you make your own, or use any other method, please make sure you have a fuse so that you don't short your battery if anything slips!!!

To UNLOCK: purple to + and white to -
To LOCK: purple to - and white to +

The above procedure will ONLY work if your lock motor was still connected. If a Harness K or another bypass was installed, the column can still be locked/unlocked at the 4 pin connector that comes from the lock motor, and is located above the knee bolster. If your lock plate has been changed as part of recall work, then you won't be able to lock the column. Period.

I'll try to keep an eye on this thread, but since I don't get to the forum often (plan to change that this year), if you have any questions or would like some more details (recommended!), send us an email at info@complianceparts.com

The procedure is different for any C5 without the column lock relay - all 97 to mid 98 C5s and many mid 98-00 automatics. If anyone else has questions, let us know.

Good luck!
Richard

 

Great! Thank you all for the replies. I'm glad to hear I don't need to fully uninstall the LCM5.

 

The Steering wheel sensor for my 2000 C5 (gm#26058286) is nonlonger available. Has anyone tried a sensor from another year that would work as a replacement?