Column lock service
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,144
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
Statute of limitations is usually 8 to 10 years on a recall to ensure you don't pay anything out of pocket. Even when ownership has transferred to a new owner.
In this case I would just buy an LMC5 and install with the brown wire mod and be done with it myself for $50.
In this case I would just buy an LMC5 and install with the brown wire mod and be done with it myself for $50.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
This error is often a result of a failing battery. Time to get it tested. For extra peace of mind, consider an LMC5.
I have the factory recall "fix" and have not had the column lock issue. My Z06 has 305k miles on it. I use a 78 series battery (largest that still fits using factory mounting) and a RC of 120.
I have the factory recall "fix" and have not had the column lock issue. My Z06 has 305k miles on it. I use a 78 series battery (largest that still fits using factory mounting) and a RC of 120.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,984
Likes: 185
From: CT
This error is often a result of a failing battery. Time to get it tested. For extra peace of mind, consider an LMC5.
I have the factory recall "fix" and have not had the column lock issue. My Z06 has 305k miles on it. I use a 78 series battery (largest that still fits using factory mounting) and a RC of 120.
I have the factory recall "fix" and have not had the column lock issue. My Z06 has 305k miles on it. I use a 78 series battery (largest that still fits using factory mounting) and a RC of 120.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,984
Likes: 185
From: CT
Statute of limitations is usually 8 to 10 years on a recall to ensure you don't pay anything out of pocket. Even when ownership has transferred to a new owner.
In this case I would just buy an LMC5 and install with the brown wire mod and be done with it myself for $50.
In this case I would just buy an LMC5 and install with the brown wire mod and be done with it myself for $50.
What is the brown wire mod. Is this part of the installation of the LMC5, or in addition to it.?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,144
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
Battery is fine. Drove the car about 350 miles the day before and I keep it charged up when not in use. I did order the LMC5 module. If it as easy to install as they say and is it reliable. I use my C-5 only one longer drives and don't want to get a lock-up in the middle of nowhere. When the code came up. I pulled the key and waited. I cranked the wheel right and left and it unlocked. Car started right up and ran fine putting it back in the barn
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,929
Likes: 386
From: Chandler AZ
It is still worth getting it load tested and it is free at AutoZone. A couple of years ago my friend was having alternator / battery issues. I followed her in my truck to make sure she made it to AutoZone. While testing her car, I had them test my truck because it seemed to start a bit slower when below zero. Turned out my battery was only kicking out 9.5V under load.
Anyways the battery was bad!
It seemed perfect a few days before that.
By the way I bought my new battery at Costco for $99.99 plus tax, it’s interstate brand, last one lasted one month shy of 5 years, back then it was $84.99.
Get it tested and maybe shop around if you need a replacement.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,929
Likes: 386
From: Chandler AZ
This error is often a result of a failing battery. Time to get it tested. For extra peace of mind, consider an LMC5.
I have the factory recall "fix" and have not had the column lock issue. My Z06 has 305k miles on it. I use a 78 series battery (largest that still fits using factory mounting) and a RC of 120.
I have the factory recall "fix" and have not had the column lock issue. My Z06 has 305k miles on it. I use a 78 series battery (largest that still fits using factory mounting) and a RC of 120.
Had to call girlfriend away from work to come get me, less than year old battery, pulled it and took home, took a while to trickle charge and I was in a hurry.
I saw some kid jumping up and down on hood of car, went back at 1 or 2 am, put battery back in and it took another 30 minutes of trying to get column unlocked, got car home, ordered LMC5 and never drove it again until it was installed and did brown wire mod so I didn’t have to get back down there.
One less thing to worry about.
By the way I had the GM recall done, and they claimed it was already done, but I had column lock on me about 12-20 times from 2003-2004, so they did it again or pretended to, the recall solved nothing in my case.
Get LMC5 it’s cheap insurance.
By the way, I’m guessing the kid was jumping up and down on his own hood to make his buddies laugh, but imagine your C5 stranded and you have to leave to go trickle charge battery, you would be paranoid!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
you can still have an issue where you get a “service column lock” and will have fuel cutoff at 2mph with the recalls done, just in your case the column won’t be locked.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
just because you haven’t had issues, doesn’t mean that it’s fixed. This is also a manual transmission car, meaning they didn’t remove the lock plate in any of the recalls like they did with yours.
you can still have an issue where you get a “service column lock” and will have fuel cutoff at 2mph with the recalls done, just in your case the column won’t be locked.
you can still have an issue where you get a “service column lock” and will have fuel cutoff at 2mph with the recalls done, just in your case the column won’t be locked.
Dealers are to remove the column lock plate on U.S. and Canadian vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and U.S. vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. After the service correction, the steering column will no longer lock when the key is removed.
On Canadian and export vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, and export vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, Dealers are to 1) reprogram the PCM, and 2) verify there is adequate lock plate clearance and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. After the service correction, the steering column will continue to lock when the key is removed.
Refer to the Product Safety Bulletin #04006C for further information.
Like I said, a lot of misinformation around this topic. But hey, someone made money selling unnecessary "fixes".
Last edited by jackthelad; Aug 23, 2022 at 03:27 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,929
Likes: 386
From: Chandler AZ
Mine is a manual trans car and they did remove the lock plate for the C recall. You can sit in the car, no key in the lock and wiggle the steering wheel
Dealers are to remove the column lock plate on U.S. and Canadian vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and U.S. vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. After the service correction, the steering column will no longer lock when the key is removed.
On Canadian and export vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, and export vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, Dealers are to 1) reprogram the PCM, and 2) verify there is adequate lock plate clearance and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. After the service correction, the steering column will continue to lock when the key is removed.
Refer to the Product Safety Bulletin #04006C for further information.
Like I said, a lot of misinformation around this topic. But hey, someone made money selling unnecessary "fixes".
Dealers are to remove the column lock plate on U.S. and Canadian vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and U.S. vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. After the service correction, the steering column will no longer lock when the key is removed.
On Canadian and export vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, and export vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, Dealers are to 1) reprogram the PCM, and 2) verify there is adequate lock plate clearance and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. After the service correction, the steering column will continue to lock when the key is removed.
Refer to the Product Safety Bulletin #04006C for further information.
Like I said, a lot of misinformation around this topic. But hey, someone made money selling unnecessary "fixes".
What year did they fix your car?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,144
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
Mine is a manual trans car and they did remove the lock plate for the C recall. You can sit in the car, no key in the lock and wiggle the steering wheel
Dealers are to remove the column lock plate on U.S. and Canadian vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and U.S. vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. After the service correction, the steering column will no longer lock when the key is removed.
On Canadian and export vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, and export vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, Dealers are to 1) reprogram the PCM, and 2) verify there is adequate lock plate clearance and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. After the service correction, the steering column will continue to lock when the key is removed.
Refer to the Product Safety Bulletin #04006C for further information.
Like I said, a lot of misinformation around this topic. But hey, someone made money selling unnecessary "fixes".
Dealers are to remove the column lock plate on U.S. and Canadian vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and U.S. vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. After the service correction, the steering column will no longer lock when the key is removed.
On Canadian and export vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, and export vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, Dealers are to 1) reprogram the PCM, and 2) verify there is adequate lock plate clearance and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. After the service correction, the steering column will continue to lock when the key is removed.
Refer to the Product Safety Bulletin #04006C for further information.
Like I said, a lot of misinformation around this topic. But hey, someone made money selling unnecessary "fixes".
So if there is "misinformation" it's you spewing it.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
Not so fast! I am the original owner of my 99 MN6. I've had every recall done including the locking plate removed. Yes, Santa Monica Cheverlot removed the locking plate on my MN6. I still had issues 16 years later with the "pull key" error message. No my steering didn't lock but I still got the error and the car would not drive over 2mph. Not until the LMC5 with brown wire mod.
So if there is "misinformation" it's you spewing it.
So if there is "misinformation" it's you spewing it.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
Mine is a manual trans car and they did remove the lock plate for the C recall. You can sit in the car, no key in the lock and wiggle the steering wheel
Dealers are to remove the column lock plate on U.S. and Canadian vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and U.S. vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. After the service correction, the steering column will no longer lock when the key is removed.
On Canadian and export vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, and export vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, Dealers are to 1) reprogram the PCM, and 2) verify there is adequate lock plate clearance and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. After the service correction, the steering column will continue to lock when the key is removed.
Refer to the Product Safety Bulletin #04006C for further information.
Like I said, a lot of misinformation around this topic. But hey, someone made money selling unnecessary "fixes".
Dealers are to remove the column lock plate on U.S. and Canadian vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and U.S. vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. After the service correction, the steering column will no longer lock when the key is removed.
On Canadian and export vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, and export vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, Dealers are to 1) reprogram the PCM, and 2) verify there is adequate lock plate clearance and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. After the service correction, the steering column will continue to lock when the key is removed.
Refer to the Product Safety Bulletin #04006C for further information.
Like I said, a lot of misinformation around this topic. But hey, someone made money selling unnecessary "fixes".
this is where I got my info for them not removing the lock plate, from NHTSA. Your document is clearly directly from GM though, so NHTSA must have not updated it.