Column lock failure
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 760
Likes: 213
From: Detroit
Column lock failure
I read the sticky, and several other threads on the subject, but I'm still not really sure what the plan forward is for my failure. My column lock seems to have failed in the unlocked position, so it is unlocked with the key both on and off. My car is a 2002 Z06, so I'm experiencing the fuel cutoff at 2 mph, even though my column is unlocked.
I have tried all the different combinations of clearing codes, pulling BCM fuses, disconnecting the battery, etc, without any luck. I can still hear the ECL activate at key on and off, but the column never locks. The first start after resets, I get the "pull key, wait 10 seconds" message, then subsequent starts give the "service column lock" message.
Does this require repair at a dealership? Can I install a CLB now and be good since my column is unlocked? Is there a wire I can just ground or jump so the BCM thinks the column is unlocked?
Thanks!
I have tried all the different combinations of clearing codes, pulling BCM fuses, disconnecting the battery, etc, without any luck. I can still hear the ECL activate at key on and off, but the column never locks. The first start after resets, I get the "pull key, wait 10 seconds" message, then subsequent starts give the "service column lock" message.
Does this require repair at a dealership? Can I install a CLB now and be good since my column is unlocked? Is there a wire I can just ground or jump so the BCM thinks the column is unlocked?
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,127
Likes: 799
From: Espanola New Mexico
Since it's failed in the unlock state, I would install the CLB and be done with it, that being said my 97 column lock is still working, I have a CLB on hand, but have not installed it because I still want the anti theft benefit since my car is a M6.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 184
Likes: 36
From: Ontario CA
It sounds like you need the LMC5 from complianceparts.com . On my '00 A4 I never had an issue but carried an LMC5 in the glove box and sent it with the car when I sold it. On my '99 M6 vert I got the Pull Key and Service Column Lock messages plus had the 2 MPH shutdown. I installed the LMC5 and that cured the problem. The installation instructions cover removing the relay to disable the locking motor. Stay away from the dealer since as I understand it the GM fix doesn't cure the root cause of this problem. Good luck on finding a lasting fix.
Last edited by Danlb; Mar 11, 2018 at 01:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 760
Likes: 213
From: Detroit
It sounds like you need the LMC5 from complianceparts.com . On my '00 A4 I never had an issue but carried an LMC5 in the glove box and sent it with the car when I sold it. On my '99 M6 vert I got the Pull Key and Service Column Lock messages plus had the 2 MPH shutdown. I installed the LMC5 and that cured the problem. The installation instructions cover removing the relay to disable the locking motor. Stay away from the dealer since as I understand it the GM fix doesn't cure the root cause of this problem. Good luck on finding a lasting fix.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 353
From: Little Rock Arkansas
I read the sticky, and several other threads on the subject, but I'm still not really sure what the plan forward is for my failure. My column lock seems to have failed in the unlocked position, so it is unlocked with the key both on and off. My car is a 2002 Z06, so I'm experiencing the fuel cutoff at 2 mph, even though my column is unlocked.
What this means is that your car has the GM recall performed. Part of the recall was to not only install a smaller lock plate, hence why your column cannot lock, but also to program in a 2 MPH fuel shut off.
It's not that the column lock has "failed" but rather the GM -installed CLBs have failed. An LMC5 as mentioned or older 'Vettes of Houston -style bypass will remedy the issue.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 383
Likes: 42
I put a lmc5 on my z and its worked fine for a couple of years, but after car sitting and forgetting to have tender on it, I had to jump it. now I get the column lock message on my dic but it hasn't locked up. any suggestions?
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 760
Likes: 213
From: Detroit
If you have the LMC5 installed and are getting the Service Column Lock message, especially since this started after letting your battery die, you need to make sure your battery is fully charged and still healthy. The battery can be strong enough to start the car, but still weak enough to cause column lock problems. You may need a new battery.
Otherwise, contact Compliance Parts for help.
Otherwise, contact Compliance Parts for help.
100%
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 515
Likes: 133
My column lock failed in the locked position. Compliance parts sells an unlocker jumper harness, but that didn't work either. Per advice from Richard at Compliance Parts, I partially undid the steering column shroud and tapped on the lock motor with a screwdriver and hammer. That worked, installed LMC5 and no problems since (once I got the installation right.)
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
My column lock failed in the locked position. Compliance parts sells an unlocker jumper harness, but that didn't work either. Per advice from Richard at Compliance Parts, I partially undid the steering column shroud and tapped on the lock motor with a screwdriver and hammer. That worked, installed LMC5 and no problems since (once I got the installation right.)
My column is now unlocked but the car stalls after 2 mph and the service column message still shows. Will LMC5 fix that?? I seem to have read I may be screwed cause I installed the module while column was locked?
Last edited by dcflyer; Aug 23, 2020 at 08:56 PM. Reason: missed a point I wanted to make
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,801
Likes: 356
From: Northville, MI
If you battery, with the car off and no parasitic power loss, goes below 12.5V weird things can happen to your electronics. I was pushing too many years on my battery several years ago and used the battery tender regularly. When my battery finally aged out, I had the 2 mph shutoff happen. I checked the battery and it was about 12.2V. New battery was installed and my 2 mph shutoff was reprogrammed to 256 mph and no problems since.