Column Lock NHTSA investigation
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Ktown IN
Column Lock NHTSA investigation
From Automotive News 9-9-02
“Feds examine Vette steering, Federal safety officials have opened an investigation of 1997-01 vets to determine whether the cars have a safety defect that sometimes makes them impossible to steer. The NHTSA said it had received 37 complaints that steering columns locked up at speeds of 5 to 65 mph. The incidents include 4 reported crashes, 2 with injuries. If a recall is necessary 110K cars would be affected, the agency estimates.”
I have a 99 that has not given me any trouble but now is the time to do more than complain to each other on the forum since GM doesn’t seen to give a damn. For those that have had a problem I urge you to contact NHTSA. Legitimate complaints and documented problems to NHTSA could finally put heat on GM to fix this ongoing issue.
:smash: :smash: :smash:
“Feds examine Vette steering, Federal safety officials have opened an investigation of 1997-01 vets to determine whether the cars have a safety defect that sometimes makes them impossible to steer. The NHTSA said it had received 37 complaints that steering columns locked up at speeds of 5 to 65 mph. The incidents include 4 reported crashes, 2 with injuries. If a recall is necessary 110K cars would be affected, the agency estimates.”
I have a 99 that has not given me any trouble but now is the time to do more than complain to each other on the forum since GM doesn’t seen to give a damn. For those that have had a problem I urge you to contact NHTSA. Legitimate complaints and documented problems to NHTSA could finally put heat on GM to fix this ongoing issue.
:smash: :smash: :smash:
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Long Island NY
Re: Column Lock NHTSA investigation (potent45acp)
Its about time....
Search for records on
Year: 2001
Make: CHEVROLET
Model: CORVETTE
Component: STEERING
Defect Investigations
1 Record(s) found
Check
to order
research.
Submit
below. NHTSA Action Number: PE02054 Make: CHEVROLET Model: CORVETTE Year: 2001
Component: STEERING
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Date Investigation Opened: Mon, July 01, 2002 Date Investigation Closed:
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number:
Summary:
STEERING COLUMN LOCKUP
Search for records on
Year: 2001
Make: CHEVROLET
Model: CORVETTE
Component: STEERING
Defect Investigations
1 Record(s) found
Check
to order
research.
Submit
below. NHTSA Action Number: PE02054 Make: CHEVROLET Model: CORVETTE Year: 2001
Component: STEERING
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Date Investigation Opened: Mon, July 01, 2002 Date Investigation Closed:
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number:
Summary:
STEERING COLUMN LOCKUP
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 0
From: new york
Re: Column Lock NHTSA investigation (Charlie LI NY)
I sent my complaint paper work in to the NHTSA 2 months ago and they said they would investigate looks like they did im glad GM should step up to
the plate and fix this problem or face the courts and pay out big money for law suits. Knowing GM they are penny wise and dollar foolish and they will most likely wait till they have there asses sued off. My car was one of the cars that had the wheel lock up when the car was moving but I was only going around 5 mph the bad thing is the motor is supposed to turn off it didnt. When I contacted chevy by regestered letter they had some lady call me and say yes they know there is a problem but my car didnt fall under there parameters for a recall. So at that I told her I had already contacted the NHTSA and she said chevy advises me to have the car repaired at my expense. I told her see you in court hope I get my wish.
QUIMBO CHEVY YOU MAKE ME :U :U :U :U
the plate and fix this problem or face the courts and pay out big money for law suits. Knowing GM they are penny wise and dollar foolish and they will most likely wait till they have there asses sued off. My car was one of the cars that had the wheel lock up when the car was moving but I was only going around 5 mph the bad thing is the motor is supposed to turn off it didnt. When I contacted chevy by regestered letter they had some lady call me and say yes they know there is a problem but my car didnt fall under there parameters for a recall. So at that I told her I had already contacted the NHTSA and she said chevy advises me to have the car repaired at my expense. I told her see you in court hope I get my wish.
QUIMBO CHEVY YOU MAKE ME :U :U :U :U
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Re: Column Lock NHTSA investigation (BrightRed C5 SWFL)
When my 98 locked I was able to put it in drive and go. Couldn't steer though. I was also able to jerk the crap out of the wheel and break it loose.
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 0
From: new york
Re: Column Lock NHTSA investigation (Manny Jagerfeld)
Manny there was a recall but according to GM if your car does not fall under certian vin number parameters you dont get the recall letter and they advise you to fix the car at your own expense and if on a later date they determine that your car now falls under the parameters of there recall they will remburse you I told them my
cart was doing exactly what the recall stated and they stuck by there guns so I contacted the NHTSA I figure if we cant fight them this agency will do something for everyone I hope they give GM a royal butt whoopin.
QUIMBO
GM YOU MAKE ME
:U :U
cart was doing exactly what the recall stated and they stuck by there guns so I contacted the NHTSA I figure if we cant fight them this agency will do something for everyone I hope they give GM a royal butt whoopin.
QUIMBO
GM YOU MAKE ME
:U :U
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Re: Column Lock NHTSA investigation (potent45acp)
I never received the actual recall (bought the car used out of state) but when my car was in for an oil change they informed me that there was a safety related recall that they were taking care right then. Sure enough it was the steering column lock issue. It took my dealer less than two hours. I forgot to mention I have a CL By-Pass kit so the lock still doesn't engage.
So far no problems having both fixes in place.
Tom
USAF Retired
So far no problems having both fixes in place.
Tom
USAF Retired
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 5,607
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
Re: Column Lock NHTSA investigation (Phil97SVT)
I would be happy if they fix it or a $5000 settlement would be fine.
Phillip
Phillip
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Re: Column Lock NHTSA investigation (Manny Jagerfeld)
Yeah, right, dream on. (sorry for being sarcastic).
I had this recall done - after that it locked on my while the car was in motion - plus I can no longer use that aftermarket CL bypass.
So the value of this recall is NEGATIVE. It made my car LESS safe and CAN"T use the aftermarket solution
I had this recall done - after that it locked on my while the car was in motion - plus I can no longer use that aftermarket CL bypass.
So the value of this recall is NEGATIVE. It made my car LESS safe and CAN"T use the aftermarket solution
Hi folks, didn´t everyone with a Corvette affected (1997-2001) get a recall? I did. Anyhow, there is a recall.
I had never any problems with the column lock in any way, but had the recall done anyhow, since it was time limited to May-June 2003 here in Sweden. (After that the upgrade would have cost my money.) The time limit though may differ in the States.
Well, the electro-magnetic lock assembly was changed in the steering column. And a relay was changed (and some wiring added there) at the BCM (above passenger feet).
The parts needed to do that recall are:
Upgrade instructions #88952430.
Relay & splice wire & crimp hose #88952428.
New complete lock #26050960.
No costs of whatsoever, and coffee and cake at the shop. It took an afternoon to fix. After all was done the nice Corvette mechanic and I also fooled around with the “big shop-computer”, reading all info there is, far beyond all codes and info one can get from the DIC. Impressive!
What the new relay does is simply to switch of an additional wire, so you can´t start the engine unless the lock has truly and entirely unlocked, and the lock cannot get any power, under any whatsoever faulty condition, when the engine is running.
If anyone feels unsafe in any way, but will not have the recall done, simply install a hidden (double contacts) toggle switch to switch off the wires to the lock motor. (See other threads in this forum "Column lock by-pass.)
Keep the motor running, with the lock off our way...
I had never any problems with the column lock in any way, but had the recall done anyhow, since it was time limited to May-June 2003 here in Sweden. (After that the upgrade would have cost my money.) The time limit though may differ in the States.
Well, the electro-magnetic lock assembly was changed in the steering column. And a relay was changed (and some wiring added there) at the BCM (above passenger feet).
The parts needed to do that recall are:
Upgrade instructions #88952430.
Relay & splice wire & crimp hose #88952428.
New complete lock #26050960.
No costs of whatsoever, and coffee and cake at the shop. It took an afternoon to fix. After all was done the nice Corvette mechanic and I also fooled around with the “big shop-computer”, reading all info there is, far beyond all codes and info one can get from the DIC. Impressive!
What the new relay does is simply to switch of an additional wire, so you can´t start the engine unless the lock has truly and entirely unlocked, and the lock cannot get any power, under any whatsoever faulty condition, when the engine is running.
If anyone feels unsafe in any way, but will not have the recall done, simply install a hidden (double contacts) toggle switch to switch off the wires to the lock motor. (See other threads in this forum "Column lock by-pass.)
Keep the motor running, with the lock off our way...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Re: Column Lock NHTSA investigation (PeterK)
My '99 locked while not in motion, but I was able to get it unlocked to get to the dealer. This was 2.5 years ago, before the recall. They fixed it and said they couldn't guarantee that it wouldn't happen again, but that it definately wouldn't happen when the car was moving! I haven't had any further problems with this, but have gotten the recall notice. I'm not sure whether to take it in or not :confused:
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: Hampton Roads
Re: Column Lock NHTSA investigation (1g1yy)
My column still locks even after GM did the recall...
It locked up going 5 mph...
Now I'm just waiting for the day it locks up at 65 or at the track.. knowing my luck..
X
It locked up going 5 mph...
Now I'm just waiting for the day it locks up at 65 or at the track.. knowing my luck..
X
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 6
From: Arroyo Grande CA
Re: Column Lock NHTSA investigation (1g1yy)
My '99 locked while not in motion, but I was able to get it unlocked to get to the dealer. This was 2.5 years ago, before the recall. They fixed it and said they couldn't guarantee that it wouldn't happen again, but that it definately wouldn't happen when the car was moving! I haven't had any further problems with this, but have gotten the recall notice. I'm not sure whether to take it in or not :confused:
