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Steering Column Lock

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Old Sep 6, 2015 | 03:32 PM
  #1  
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Default Steering Column Lock

First I have read all the sticky notes. I have a 2001 manual transmission car which I purchased new.As of now the mileage is 39000. Today is the first time I've had a problem. The DIC reads "steering column lock" then it reads "remove key wait 10 seconds". I did that with no results. I then followed instructions and removed #23 fuse waited 10 seconds with no success. I thought these problems were fixed with 2001 and newer models. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you
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Old Sep 6, 2015 | 06:15 PM
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Thanks, I just read about LMC5, and will order. Seems simple enough, and better than a tow to the dealer. Thanks again

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
The only 2001 and newer C5's that do not experience column lock issues are those with an automatic transmission. But even a few of those have had problems.

The MOST likely cause of your symptoms is a weak or bad battery or loose or corroded battery cables including the one at the starter. Sometimes you can get around the locked column by charging the battery. NOT always. Only permanent solution to the column lock symptoms is an LMC5.

You need to Google "Compliance Parts" and then go to their web site and read about the LMC5.

Order and install the LMC5 but keep the install instructions in the glove box just in case that down the road you get the "Pull Key...." message after the LMC5 install and need to do the "brown wire mod" on page 2 of the instructions.
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Old Sep 7, 2015 | 08:22 AM
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Here is my write up on the LMC5. Look at the video on their eBay ads. It is very helpful but does not cover everything but just the BCM install process.

I consider the LMC5 to be the best Column Lock problem permanent fix out there. It also does not require you to “undo” any previous CL attempts to resolve this issue. Their eBay ads have a good video that shows the install at the BCM. It does not cover everything in the written instructions. So, read the instructions and also here is some extra info. In some cases, the BCM timing is off just enough to cause some issues. They make several versions and they can swap out/provide one of these if you have any issues. Their customer support is as good as it gets.

Not uncommon for people to "put the column in a pre-lock condition" and not know it and then start with the install. In other words, they started with the column lock “energized’ even if it was not actually locked yet. If not actually locked yet, it will be as soon as you turn the steering wheel after the LMC5 install. It will then remain in the locked condition until you cause the motor to unlock. It will then remain in the unlocked condition since the motor is then unpowered with the circuits disconnected.

Here is one way to prevent that if your column locks and unlocks normally:

If the CL is functioning normally you don't not need the Unlocker, merely turn the ignition ON, pull fuse #23 in the I/P fuse box, turn ignition OFF, turn the steering wheel (left and right) and verify it is unlocked. Next, disconnect the negative battery terminal, re-insert fuse #23 and continue with the install.

Also the 1999 and later C5's have a column lock relay that can be unplugged or else it will be powered and could fail and drain the battery. The LMC5 written guidance provides this info. This relay is above the BCM.

They also have a great install video in their eBay ads you need to watch.

Compliance Parts website: http://complianceparts.com/index.html



Mr. Sam
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Old Sep 7, 2015 | 09:51 AM
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Hello, boy do I need help!! my 2000 C5 went south Yesterday with this Column issue...
Is there any way to get it back and Unlocked until I can Order a LMC5 Module from California? Can the Dealer do anything to correct this? Of course I'll have to have it towed to there Place...... 1st time in 14 years my C5 let me down... I am just sick..
Thanks in advance for any help....
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Old Sep 7, 2015 | 10:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Button
Hello, boy do I need help!! my 2000 C5 went south Yesterday with this Column issue...
Is there any way to get it back and Unlocked until I can Order a LMC5 Module from California? Can the Dealer do anything to correct this? Of course I'll have to have it towed to there Place...... 1st time in 14 years my C5 let me down... I am just sick..
Thanks in advance for any help....


Originally Posted by Button
Hello, boy do I need help!! my 2000 C5 went south Yesterday with this Column issue...

Is there any way to get it back and Unlocked until I can Order a LMC5 Module from California? YES

Sometimes; turn the ignition OFF and REMOVE the key. Shock your lock motor actuator assembly by jerking the steering wheel against the stops. Re-insert your key and try again. Also, if your battery voltage is low, charge your battery or replace it.

Can the Dealer do anything to correct this? NO

Of course I'll have to have it towed to there Place...... DO NOT DO THAT! 1st time in 14 years my C5 let me down... I am just sick..
Thanks in advance for any help....
It's OK... you can get it unlocked... it will take some work and I wouldn't recommend doing it too many times, just this once to get it home and wait for the LMC5.

The Dealership will be expensive and they will NOT fix the issue UNLESS they will install the LMC5 for you... some will, some won't.
IF you have it towed to a Dealership... INSIST they use the LMC5 unlocker and LMC5 module to FIX your car...

Here is one way to unlock
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-no-tools.html

Last edited by 73Corvette; Sep 7, 2015 at 10:13 AM.
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Old Sep 7, 2015 | 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Button
Hello, boy do I need help!! my 2000 C5 went south Yesterday with this Column issue...
Is there any way to get it back and Unlocked until I can Order a LMC5 Module from California? Can the Dealer do anything to correct this? Of course I'll have to have it towed to there Place...... 1st time in 14 years my C5 let me down... I am just sick..
Thanks in advance for any help....
99.5% of all CL issues is a low battery voltage. Make sure you charge the battery and get about 12.5 volts or more.
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Old Sep 7, 2015 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by dadaroo
99.5% of all CL issues is a low battery voltage. Make sure you charge the battery and get about 12.5 volts or more.
Can you jump your battery and possibly get the Column to unlock? If your on the road and have no way to charge it...
The reason I ask is I've never seen it posted as a possible temporary solution...

Last edited by 73Corvette; Sep 7, 2015 at 10:19 AM.
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Old Sep 7, 2015 | 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
Last time I saw you post this statistic it was 99.9%. Has your actual collection of data made it necessary to revice the percentage??
No, Chuck I think the original number was 99.5% from Paul Koerner (sp?) who did a great presentation on C5 batteries and CL issues. It was recorded in two video sessions. He is a well known GM technician and has his own forum called the Corvette Mechanic. I will go back and view his videos again. I think he was using input on the number from GM dealer warranty issues years ago. Not sure why I typed 99.9 since that would be high in my opinion.

Of course there are a lot of things I do that I can't explain why.


As in the past, we still all consider you to be the CL GURU. Thanks for calling me on that one.

Mr. Sam
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