I have a 2002 manual corvette with a locked steering column problem. I know there are different products you can install to eliminate this problem . I was wondering if this problem can be eliminated without installing any bypass items. My car has already been in the shop in 2004 with the recall. Thank you.
Rick.

 

buy an lmc5. That is a sure fire cure

 

if it is locked now, there is a trick that will only work a few times to get it unlocked. What you do is start with the ign key in the off position. then the wheel is locked. Grab the steering wheel like you are driving angry. attempt with decent force to turn the wheel back and forth. You will get stopped in both directions. Do this 3-4 times, then stop with right turn pressure on the lock.Then, hold that pressure and slowly turn the ign key to run. It should unlock, and start.

Instead of starting the car, though, immediately take the neg batt terminal off. This will put you in a position to install a column lock bypass because the lock pin is retracted.

You can gat an optional unlocker, but sometimes the lock pins are worn and won’t retract properly. This is what causes the pull key wait 10 seconds because the bcm is timing from the moment you turn the key until the lock is fully retracted. If it takes too long, then the bcm thinks you are trying to steal the car.

All the bypass designs mimic this timing circuit so the bcm is happy, even though the column lock is actually disabled whet you add a clb kit

 

Take the steering column apart remove the locking pin. Saw it off. Buy tuning software and change the 2mph cutoff to 200mph

 

Just call Compliance Parts and talk to the guy I forget his name. He is absolutely TOP NOTCH and he will get you back up and running in no time flat. You WILL be satisfied!! My column lock stuck on at my apartment complex mail box center about 300 feet from my place and I called him and he told me it would be alright, pull a fuse (I forget which, he will tell you) and key the car on again saying that it will likely unlock *one time* before it really really gets stuck on. He was right so I creeped it back to my place and he had the part shipped to me lickety split and it worked flawlessly ever since. This is unique because it is the only fix that actually works forever.

 

No doubt that will work, but buying an LMC5 and installing it is a lot less work a less expensive. ($50)

 

I know read his post the OP asked if there was a solution other than a bypass. I answered his question

 

but you may have to still deal with the 2mph limp mode if it’s not tuned out.

 

The LMC5 takes care of the 2 mph cutoff by telling the BCM that the lock is working properly.

 

Column lock issues have been linked to battery quality /performance. How is your battery? IIRC the recommended Reserve Capacity is 120. To get a higher RC you may have to upsize your battery. I have a 78 series in my Z06 and have no issues with column lock. (292k miles on the clock)

 

What battery is suggested?

 

If I were anywhere near my car, I'd look and tell the brand but I haven't seen my car since January. I can tell you that I bought it at AutoZone and it is an AGM battery so I don't have to worry about leakage.

 

This one maybe? Only AGM I see on Autozone? $300?
https://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...32142_232687_0

 

Richard is most helpful.

 

I definitely did not pay $300 for a battery. I'm pretty sure it is a Durolast. IIRC the catalog calls for a 75 series battery. I had to go to the next size up 78. It fits. It will fill you battery tray but will still clamp down using the factory pieces.

 

what is the magic part you received ?
thanks, daveycat

 

Another shout out to Richard at Compliance Parts.

I experienced the dreaded column lock today, don’t know why I didn’t install an LMC5 previously, but I hadn’t. Of course this doesn’t happen to you when your at home, I was at a shopping center that I had no desire to leave my car at. Thankfully I wasn’t on a road trip or something.

I called Richard at Compliance Parts, after reading previous posts that he is super helpful. Indeed he was. He gave me directions, and I was able to return to my car with a few hand tools and free it up to drive home.

The basics of how to (hopefully) free a stuck steering column lock:

Tools: needle noes pliers, hammer, 6” or so socket extension, Torx T25 wrench/driver.

Process:
1. Remove 2 Torx from under steering column, these hold the plastic surround ‘clamshell’ in place. You will want to tilt the wheel all the way up.
2. lightly pry the lower cover piece down, particularly on the side towards the stalk with wiper control (key side).
3. There is an aluminum box on the right side of the steering column, it contains the faulty lock. Tap on it with hammer and socket extension.
4. Try to start vehicle and see if lock releases. If not, turn off and tap again, try again. Hopefully this works, and you can drive to someplace you want to leave your car until you can install the LMC5.
5. After you get to wherever, but BEFORE you remove key from the ignition, use needle nose to remove fuse #23 under the passenger footwell. This should keep the lock from re-engaging when you remove the key and will have you completed step 1 for installation of the LMC5. Personally I would not drive again until the fix is installed.
6. Call Richard at Compliance Parts and buy an LMC5 and install it! Then replace fuse.

I’d honestly suggest keeping the noted tools in your car to anyone with a C5 that hasn’t had a column lock solution installed, might get you out of a jam a lot quicker.