Column Steering Lock
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Column Steering Lock
Good evening,
My 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary is displaying " Column Steering Lock" on my dashboard. This message came up last year as well. When I brought it to the dealer last year, they removed and replaced the actuator. They charged me around $800. The problem seemed to have been fixed. Now a year later I have the same problem. Does the actuator go bad this fast? I am hesitant to go back to the dealer and get charged again a lot of money. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
My 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary is displaying " Column Steering Lock" on my dashboard. This message came up last year as well. When I brought it to the dealer last year, they removed and replaced the actuator. They charged me around $800. The problem seemed to have been fixed. Now a year later I have the same problem. Does the actuator go bad this fast? I am hesitant to go back to the dealer and get charged again a lot of money. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,090
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From: Oswego IL
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,737
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From: Orlando Florida
" Column Steering Lock" or "Service Column Lock"? That later one has vexed many a C5 owner. Not personally sure of the 03 connotations of column lock. You have a manual trans? You might well end up here:
http://complianceparts.com/lmc5unlocker.html
http://complianceparts.com/lmc5unlocker.html
Last edited by redzg; Jan 6, 2020 at 10:07 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,290
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From: Brea CA
Install a LMC5 from Compliance Parts. GM does not have a fix for this even though they had a couple of TSB/Recalls on it.
All manual trans 1997-2004 cars should get the LMC5 installed.
All Automatic 1997-2000 cars need it installed also.
2001 to 2004 automatics do not need it since they do not have the column lock installed from the factory. GM did get a waiver to not install the column lock in these vehicles.
Use one of the independent Corvette shops in your area if you do not have the ability to install this yourself. DO not go to the dealer. If your column is locked you will need the unlock-er harness to unlock it before installing the LMC5.
The instructions are good that come with the LMC5. It installs next to the BCM in the passenger foot well and bypasses all of the column lock wiring. On your 2003 do the brown wire mod that is listed in a separate section of the doc. This is not needed for all cars but it does seem that the 2001 and up need it.
Gary
All manual trans 1997-2004 cars should get the LMC5 installed.
All Automatic 1997-2000 cars need it installed also.
2001 to 2004 automatics do not need it since they do not have the column lock installed from the factory. GM did get a waiver to not install the column lock in these vehicles.
Use one of the independent Corvette shops in your area if you do not have the ability to install this yourself. DO not go to the dealer. If your column is locked you will need the unlock-er harness to unlock it before installing the LMC5.
The instructions are good that come with the LMC5. It installs next to the BCM in the passenger foot well and bypasses all of the column lock wiring. On your 2003 do the brown wire mod that is listed in a separate section of the doc. This is not needed for all cars but it does seem that the 2001 and up need it.
Gary
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 102
Likes: 8
From: Bay Area, CA
As Redzg mentioned the service column lock, if thats what you have, is a common one. Even after letting the battery sit on the tender I would still get the message about 50% of the time. Ended up replacing the battery and haven't had the issue reappear since.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Dear Corvette Forum,
I solved my " Column Steering Lock" message being displayed on my dashboard. It seems low battery voltage was causing this message to be displayed. I purchased a brand new AC Delco battery with 700 CCA and the problem was solved. I want to thank of all you for you insight and feedback. Much appreciated.
I solved my " Column Steering Lock" message being displayed on my dashboard. It seems low battery voltage was causing this message to be displayed. I purchased a brand new AC Delco battery with 700 CCA and the problem was solved. I want to thank of all you for you insight and feedback. Much appreciated.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 370
Likes: 114
From: MN
Dear Corvette Forum,
I solved my " Column Steering Lock" message being displayed on my dashboard. It seems low battery voltage was causing this message to be displayed. I purchased a brand new AC Delco battery with 700 CCA and the problem was solved. I want to thank of all you for you insight and feedback. Much appreciated.
I solved my " Column Steering Lock" message being displayed on my dashboard. It seems low battery voltage was causing this message to be displayed. I purchased a brand new AC Delco battery with 700 CCA and the problem was solved. I want to thank of all you for you insight and feedback. Much appreciated.
Last edited by roegs; Feb 18, 2020 at 06:07 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 477
From: Brea CA
Low voltage is part of the problem. However, the system does not work 100% even with a good battery.
As I recommended install an LMC5 and you won't have to worry about getting stranded by a locked column.
Gary
As I recommended install an LMC5 and you won't have to worry about getting stranded by a locked column.
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,123
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From: North Dallas Forty Orange County, Ca.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13, '15,'21
“Pull key, wait 10 seconds” is another fun message you might also get. You’ll want to remove the column lock as a preemptive measure against this also.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 370
Likes: 114
From: MN
Are you saying that in addition to the LMC5, that I'd also want to remove the physical column lock? Does that imply physical removal, or just unplugging the connector?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 477
From: Brea CA
Just installing the LMC5 will eliminate all of the fun errors that can come up related to the column lock.
If you have a 2001 or newer, there is an optional step in the instructions for the brown wire. This should be done on all 2001 and up.
If you have a 1997 to 2000 do the install with out doing the brown wire mod. If you still get the Pull Key message the do the brown wire mod.
Gary
If you have a 2001 or newer, there is an optional step in the instructions for the brown wire. This should be done on all 2001 and up.
If you have a 1997 to 2000 do the install with out doing the brown wire mod. If you still get the Pull Key message the do the brown wire mod.
Gary
Pro
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 524
Likes: 126
From: Sandown NH
Just installing the LMC5 will eliminate all of the fun errors that can come up related to the column lock.
If you have a 2001 or newer, there is an optional step in the instructions for the brown wire. This should be done on all 2001 and up.
If you have a 1997 to 2000 do the install with out doing the brown wire mod. If you still get the Pull Key message the do the brown wire mod.
Gary
If you have a 2001 or newer, there is an optional step in the instructions for the brown wire. This should be done on all 2001 and up.
If you have a 1997 to 2000 do the install with out doing the brown wire mod. If you still get the Pull Key message the do the brown wire mod.
Gary
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 370
Likes: 114
From: MN
Thanks for the replies / patience to my questions...there are so many posts and articles on the Steering Column Lock that I'm sure my questions have been asked and answered before. I took a quick look at the LMC5 install at their site, and noticed that removing the lock mechanism relay connected (above the BCM) is part of the install, so this effectively removes the physical column lock. I ordered a LMC5 from Compliance Parts and it will be one of my first tasks once my C5 comes out of Winter storage!
