service column lock question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 18
From: Henderson NV
service column lock question
Hello, The recall has been done to my 98 already, am I correct to assume if the voltage drops below lets say 11 volts it triggers the "service column lock" until you reset the DIC.
My other question is since I have been having this issue, my key FOB doesnt function also (yes it has a brand new battery), are these two things linked to the voltage .
Thanks
My other question is since I have been having this issue, my key FOB doesnt function also (yes it has a brand new battery), are these two things linked to the voltage .
Thanks
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 18
From: Henderson NV
Most common cause of the column lock symptom is a weak or bad battery or loose or corroded battery cables including at the starter solenoid.
Early year FOB's need to be resync'ed to the car when you change the battery in the FOB and at other times when it looses sync. Resync is achieved by standing near the car and pressing both the lock and unlock button until the horn beeps. If the Fob gains sync and soon after looses sync there can be many causes including the following:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...em-solved.html
It can also loose sync if the battery voltage on the car battery drops below a threshold value when cranking the engine. The memory functions typically get reset to defaults when that happens. You can test that by setting the DIC display to display something like oil pressure. Then shut off the ignition and then start the car. If the DIC display is now "miles" then the car battery is dropping below the threshold value that retains memory functions. Car will start with very low battery voltage but the C5 electronics are NOT happy when the noload battery voltage is below 12.5 volts measured using a digital multi meter with the neg battery cable disconnected.
Early year FOB's need to be resync'ed to the car when you change the battery in the FOB and at other times when it looses sync. Resync is achieved by standing near the car and pressing both the lock and unlock button until the horn beeps. If the Fob gains sync and soon after looses sync there can be many causes including the following:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...em-solved.html
It can also loose sync if the battery voltage on the car battery drops below a threshold value when cranking the engine. The memory functions typically get reset to defaults when that happens. You can test that by setting the DIC display to display something like oil pressure. Then shut off the ignition and then start the car. If the DIC display is now "miles" then the car battery is dropping below the threshold value that retains memory functions. Car will start with very low battery voltage but the C5 electronics are NOT happy when the noload battery voltage is below 12.5 volts measured using a digital multi meter with the neg battery cable disconnected.
Big Help!! Much appreciated
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 18
From: Henderson NV
voltage at battery before start up 11.9
Voltage when vehicle starts 13.2 -14 volts so the Alt is charging Battery, upon shut down voltage goes to 11.8.
Took it for a drive today, now that I have the front 3157 factory front turn signals working , upon using them the voltage meter on the DIC bounces back n forth ( 13.2 to 13.0/12.9) with the turn signal going on /off.
Voltage when vehicle starts 13.2 -14 volts so the Alt is charging Battery, upon shut down voltage goes to 11.8.
Took it for a drive today, now that I have the front 3157 factory front turn signals working , upon using them the voltage meter on the DIC bounces back n forth ( 13.2 to 13.0/12.9) with the turn signal going on /off.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 18
From: Henderson NV
Most of the C5 electronics including the column lock system run a diagnostic at the time the key is turned ON and therefore require battery voltage and NOT the voltage available from the alternator once the engine is running. So having the voltage after the diagnostics have completed is TOO late.
A good battery at full charge will measure 12.7 to 12.9 volts or more when measured with a digital multi meter with the neg battery cable disconnected.
Unsure how you are measuring the "before start" battery voltage but if you are using the dash gauges you are wasting your time. Dash gauge voltage with key ON and engine OFF is a loaded voltage reading since many C5 electrical systems are loading the battery. EBCM, PCM, BCM and IPC to mention a few. Only way to know the state of health of the battery is by using a digital multi meter across the battery posts with NO KEY in the ignition.
Sounds to me like your battery is WAY low......
A good battery at full charge will measure 12.7 to 12.9 volts or more when measured with a digital multi meter with the neg battery cable disconnected.
Unsure how you are measuring the "before start" battery voltage but if you are using the dash gauges you are wasting your time. Dash gauge voltage with key ON and engine OFF is a loaded voltage reading since many C5 electrical systems are loading the battery. EBCM, PCM, BCM and IPC to mention a few. Only way to know the state of health of the battery is by using a digital multi meter across the battery posts with NO KEY in the ignition.
Sounds to me like your battery is WAY low......
the old Optima was 4 yrs old, so I replaced it today, everything seems to be running normal at this time.
Appreciate your help
