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Hi everyone...I'm seeking some advice regarding an issue with my 2000 C5 convertible. After years of hearing about the steering column lock problem, I finally encountered it myself. The other day, as I returned to my car after a quick stop at the store, I was greeted with the dreaded "wait 10 seconds" message on the display. I also recall it mentioning something about servicing the steering. Then the steering was locked. I saw on youtube to turn on the ac for a bit then let the car cool and jiggle the wheel it worked. But I know that doesn't always work so i want to get it fixed asap.
While I've been watching YouTube videos on how to fix the problem myself, I've realized I'd rather have a professional take care of it. However, I'm concerned that not every mechanic will be familiar with this particular issue. I'd appreciate any recommendations for reliable mechanics in the Fairfield County, Connecticut area who have experience dealing with Corvette steering column lock problems.
You need to buy and LMC5 from Compliance auto parts. Compliance is the only place that sells the genuine part. eBay and the like are selling Chinese knock offs that are not licensed or supported.
If it is unlocked, the LMC5 installation will fix it forever.
If it won't unlock, it needs to be unlocked before the LMC installation. Mine locked once at an interstate rest area and I was able to get it unlocked by vigorously turning the steering wheel. It also locked before I got around to installing the LMC5, wouldn't unlock with the unlocker harness, and Richard at Compliance Parts advised to undo the steering column shroud and tapping the lock with a screwdriver and hammer. That worked.
If it is unlocked, the LMC5 installation will fix it forever.
If it won't unlock, it needs to be unlocked before the LMC installation. Mine locked once at an interstate rest area and I was able to get it unlocked by vigorously turning the steering wheel. It also locked before I got around to installing the LMC5, wouldn't unlock with the unlocker harness, and Richard at Compliance Parts advised to undo the steering column shroud and tapping the lock with a screwdriver and hammer. That worked.
not asking what will fix it. I am asking who can I bring it to to fix it. Would a mechanic know right away what to do with the part once I get it? Or would I have to walk them through it
Any mechanic worth his salt can do it....I did it, so I know they should be able to.
ok yeah I know it’s straight forward but didn’t know if they’d know of the way to install as it’s not a problem they see all the time. So all I’d need to bring to them is a LMC5?
The only issue I see is a shop may not want the liability for installing an aftermarket item that is designed to bypass a safety feature. There is a second option and that is Doctor Dons column lock simulator. It's a plug and play and mounts under the drivers side knee bolster.
You need to buy and LMC5 from Compliance auto parts. Compliance is the only place that sells the genuine part. eBay and the like are selling Chinese knock offs that are not licensed or supported.
For what it is worth, I installed an LMC5 many years ago. And, while my steering column no longer locks, I am forever getting the damn "Pull key and wait" message.
For what it is worth, I installed an LMC5 many years ago. And, while my steering column no longer locks, I am forever getting the damn "Pull key and wait" message.
The original CLB works better MUCH BETTER than the LMC5. You just install it, NEVER have to do the "brown" wire mod, Never have to call Richard, and never have to see the "wait 10 secs" show up. https://www.ebay.com/itm/11268711548...Bk9SR7r49s2gYg
OP, where are you located? Maybe check with the local Corvette club or hangout or car gathering and maybe you can find someone willing to install whichever one you decide to get. I for one installed the CLB (column lock bypass) that yellow2007 posted about way back in 2007 and have never had an issue with it. No pull key message or column lock message at all.
The original CLB works better MUCH BETTER than the LMC5. You just install it, NEVER have to do the "brown" wire mod, Never have to call Richard, and never have to see the "wait 10 secs" show up. https://www.ebay.com/itm/11268711548...Bk9SR7r49s2gYg
i've rocked one of these for almost 20 years now and never had an issue
No mechanic is going to have any idea about this problem unless he's a Corvette enthusiast.
A dealership would know, as Chevrolet issued copious amounts of documentation on the various recalls they did for the column lock. The issue with those recalls was that only the last one, the "C" version actually works reliably, and the reason for that is that it removed the locking mechanism. As in, with no key in, I can turn the wheel.
Incidentally, when it locked up in my garage, I got it "moving" again by making sure the battery was fully charged, then setting the charger to boost, and starting the car. That extra bit of voltage got the locking pin free.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
NCM Member '09
Originally Posted by jackthelad
Incidentally, when it locked up in my garage, I got it "moving" again by making sure the battery was fully charged, then setting the charger to boost, and starting the car. That extra bit of voltage got the locking pin free.
A dying battery is what locked mine to start the fun...
I spent almost 2 hours trying to install the LMC5. Had the BCM out but I could NOT get any of the wires to pull out of the connector even with their tool. I bought a pin removal kit and tried several of them to no avail. Now since my car hasn't experienced the lock out I quit while was ahead and buttoned everything back up and ordered the simulator. If you are interested send me a pm and I'll fire off the LMC5 to you no charge. It's even back in it's blister pack........
So just to clarify, the simulator simulates the existing column lock and is plugged into the existing lock wiring connector? Do I need to remove the knee bolster to install the simulator?
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Steering Column Lock, who can help me fix it?
