wheel locked, engine runs
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 108
From: Switzerland
wheel locked, engine runs
after having parked the car i came back a few hours later and engine started normally. the steering wheel was locked. i changed the key battery, same. i noticed the key doesnt lock or unlock the doors. but its been ages since i last tried these functions as the car is garaged.
is this a known problem?
i would guess its mechanical. what exactly locks the steering wheel?
is this a known problem?
i would guess its mechanical. what exactly locks the steering wheel?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
From: Temple Texas
http://www.complianceparts.com/
What do you mean "the key does not unlock the doors"? Unless someone has swapped your locks or keys that's not even possible. Your keys are physical items and your locks are too. No electrical mishap can affect the way those items interact.
The fob on the other hand is a different item.
What do you mean "the key does not unlock the doors"? Unless someone has swapped your locks or keys that's not even possible. Your keys are physical items and your locks are too. No electrical mishap can affect the way those items interact.
The fob on the other hand is a different item.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 795
From: Espanola New Mexico
I think the OP means that the FOB won't lock or unlock the doors. I have experienced the locked steering wheel, when you insert and turn the key to the run position the BCM energizes the steering wheel locking mechanism which frees the steering wheel. I had to violently jerk the steering wheel against the stops in order to free the steering wheel. Sometimes the problem is caused be a marginal battery.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,756
Likes: 934
From: Orlando Florida
Column lock issues account for a significant number of older threads on this and other corvette forums.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-tech/1015483-steering-column-lock-faqs-please-read-before-you-post-sticky-please.html
If your column is physically locked then it’s likely none of the recall actions have been accomplished, and you may need both a column lock bypass, such as the LMC5, and an unlocker, also from the same organization as the LMC5. There are other options, but the LMC5 is very easily obtained.
http://www.complianceparts.com
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-tech/1015483-steering-column-lock-faqs-please-read-before-you-post-sticky-please.html
If your column is physically locked then it’s likely none of the recall actions have been accomplished, and you may need both a column lock bypass, such as the LMC5, and an unlocker, also from the same organization as the LMC5. There are other options, but the LMC5 is very easily obtained.
http://www.complianceparts.com
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 795
From: Espanola New Mexico
To the OP, know that if you install the LMC5 column lock bypass your steering will forever more never lock again. The unlocked is simply a cigarette lighter adapter with a couple of wires.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
From: Temple Texas
Also note your locked steering wheel and fob not working are two separate issues.
I think the TPMS system uses the same radio as the fobs but until you get your steering unlocked it will be tough to know if the TPMS sensors are communicating with the car since you have to drive a bit before they activate.
You could pull your codes and post them. There are videos on youtube, search for c5 pull codes and you'll find them.
I think the TPMS system uses the same radio as the fobs but until you get your steering unlocked it will be tough to know if the TPMS sensors are communicating with the car since you have to drive a bit before they activate.
You could pull your codes and post them. There are videos on youtube, search for c5 pull codes and you'll find them.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 108
From: Switzerland
thanks everybody for the input.
i read up on the subject. this time all went well: i connected a charger, yanked the wheel left and right 20 times, and turned the key holding wheel in right position. it unlocked. it has unlocked normally about a dozen times since. unfortunately i didnt measure batt voltage with ignition on, so i cant be sure it was the battery, but im led to believe that was it, because i had left the car with ignition on for about half an hour (or more) the night before and didnt drive far in the meantime.
what i find weid, though, is that there were no mils or dic messages. the bcm must notice when the engine is running and column is locked, no?
so does everybody agree on getting the lmc5? i also see the column lock bypass/simulator and installation seems simpler.
i also saw a post talking about reprogramming something, but cant find it anymore. as im using efilive im interested to find out what the poster was talking about. efilive does not access the bcm, though.
i read up on the subject. this time all went well: i connected a charger, yanked the wheel left and right 20 times, and turned the key holding wheel in right position. it unlocked. it has unlocked normally about a dozen times since. unfortunately i didnt measure batt voltage with ignition on, so i cant be sure it was the battery, but im led to believe that was it, because i had left the car with ignition on for about half an hour (or more) the night before and didnt drive far in the meantime.
what i find weid, though, is that there were no mils or dic messages. the bcm must notice when the engine is running and column is locked, no?
so does everybody agree on getting the lmc5? i also see the column lock bypass/simulator and installation seems simpler.
i also saw a post talking about reprogramming something, but cant find it anymore. as im using efilive im interested to find out what the poster was talking about. efilive does not access the bcm, though.
Last edited by romandian; Jun 24, 2025 at 03:52 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 795
From: Espanola New Mexico
When problems start occurring with the column lock system the service column lock or pull key wait ten seconds message will appear. A 2mph fuel shut off will occur, the programing change you are referring to is changing the 2 mph to 200mph, and the programing is done to the PCM. Read the column lock sticky at the top before the discussions, lots of info there.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 108
From: Switzerland
well, no "pull key" message appeared.
would you know where that speed (2→200) can be adjusted. i dont see it anywhere.
i found the column lock option (g0801). in the stock tune it set to "yes", in my cos3 it has been set to "no" and thats how it currently is. maybe thats why there was no dic message? i have got the "pull key" about half a dozn times in the past 10 years, though.
would you know where that speed (2→200) can be adjusted. i dont see it anywhere.
i found the column lock option (g0801). in the stock tune it set to "yes", in my cos3 it has been set to "no" and thats how it currently is. maybe thats why there was no dic message? i have got the "pull key" about half a dozn times in the past 10 years, though.