Help! Service Column Lock Error Again!
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 86
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From: Fayetteville GA
Help! Service Column Lock Error Again!
I'm sorry to keep bring this up but it's a problem that is near and dear to all of us, the Service Column Lock, aka Steering Column Lock.
I'm writing this email to solicit your opinion. Last weekend I experience the dreaded SCL problem as I was attempting to drive away at home (somewhat of a lucky thing). I left the car in the driveway for about 4 hours. I returned later to attempt to move it and it started fine with no errors. I started it 6 more times that night and had no problem. I drove it several times during the week and also had no problem. I called the dealer, Nalley Chevrolet in Atlanta to complain about the SCL error. They told me to bring the car in and the fix would be to remove the Steer Column Lock Module completely. Afterward the fix, the steering column will be moveable no matter if the car was parked, off or on. What is the general opinion on the fix these days? Is it to remove the module completely? Have others been told to remove the entire module? I am concerned that my car will be less secure with the module completely gone. Your comments please! Thanks
I'm writing this email to solicit your opinion. Last weekend I experience the dreaded SCL problem as I was attempting to drive away at home (somewhat of a lucky thing). I left the car in the driveway for about 4 hours. I returned later to attempt to move it and it started fine with no errors. I started it 6 more times that night and had no problem. I drove it several times during the week and also had no problem. I called the dealer, Nalley Chevrolet in Atlanta to complain about the SCL error. They told me to bring the car in and the fix would be to remove the Steer Column Lock Module completely. Afterward the fix, the steering column will be moveable no matter if the car was parked, off or on. What is the general opinion on the fix these days? Is it to remove the module completely? Have others been told to remove the entire module? I am concerned that my car will be less secure with the module completely gone. Your comments please! Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,480
Likes: 62
From: Middletown DE
Re: Help! Service Column Lock Error Again! (khaggins)
I am in the same boat.
Mine left me stranded in my driveway (luckily) and the car was 5 day's old (to me - used) They performed the "FIX" but i purchased the kit to elminiate it from locking all togethor. (I had no warning)
If the dealer is willing to take it out, i would have them do it.
I look at it this way - Sure, the wheel may not be locked but seriously, if someone want's the car - they are going to get it anyway, whether it be from a flatbed or that they did their homework and know with a 12v source that they can easily disable the lock mechanism their self.
Sure it is a good deterent for "kid / amature" theives, but is it worth it if You get stranded??? I guess that is an question you have to answer yourself.
It was a wake up call when mine locked - i just moved into my area - i know like 3 people within 50 miles, and the towtrucks (per roadside assistance) would take like 2-3 hours to help, let alone getting a rental - etc... When the guy finally came to tow me, he knew exactly why, he also stated that this is the reason 90% of the time he has to tow a c5. With that said - i will install the bypass.
Good Luck.
Mine left me stranded in my driveway (luckily) and the car was 5 day's old (to me - used) They performed the "FIX" but i purchased the kit to elminiate it from locking all togethor. (I had no warning)
If the dealer is willing to take it out, i would have them do it.
I look at it this way - Sure, the wheel may not be locked but seriously, if someone want's the car - they are going to get it anyway, whether it be from a flatbed or that they did their homework and know with a 12v source that they can easily disable the lock mechanism their self.
Sure it is a good deterent for "kid / amature" theives, but is it worth it if You get stranded??? I guess that is an question you have to answer yourself.
It was a wake up call when mine locked - i just moved into my area - i know like 3 people within 50 miles, and the towtrucks (per roadside assistance) would take like 2-3 hours to help, let alone getting a rental - etc... When the guy finally came to tow me, he knew exactly why, he also stated that this is the reason 90% of the time he has to tow a c5. With that said - i will install the bypass.
Good Luck.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 86
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From: Fayetteville GA
Re: Help! Service Column Lock Error Again! (99firetruck)
Thanks 99firetruck! I think that I will just let them take the thing out all together. You're right! If they want it they will eventually get it. I don't want to be stranded in the street. Thanks Again for the reply!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 247
From: Weatherford TX
Re: Help! Service Column Lock Error Again! (khaggins)
On your Z06 with 6 speed, you will still have the column locking mechanism in. GM kit includes a new wiring harness that allows the installation of an additional relay. "GM will install an improved Electronic Column Lck module and a new relay ". this relay sort of puts a parallel circuit in the system so the computer won't keep the car from starting and hopefully the new locking mechanism won't screw up. your steering wheel will still be locked when car is not running.
In the auto trans cars, the same relay circuit is installed, but the steering wheel locking ring is taken out and a spacer installed. This way when the locking pin is extended it has nothing to lock into.
I am not sure from what I have read if the SCL bypass module will work properly if the GM recall has been done on your car. Maybe Corvettes of Houston can tell you if it will.
In the auto trans cars, the same relay circuit is installed, but the steering wheel locking ring is taken out and a spacer installed. This way when the locking pin is extended it has nothing to lock into.
I am not sure from what I have read if the SCL bypass module will work properly if the GM recall has been done on your car. Maybe Corvettes of Houston can tell you if it will.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 86
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From: Fayetteville GA
Re: Help! Service Column Lock Error Again! (99firetruck)
I wanted to take the time to say thank you all for your help in responding to my email request for assistance for Service Column Lock.
I took my car into the dealership to have them inspect the system and search for any clue of a SCL default log entry in the computer. They found no log default entry that pointed to any problem. Also there is no recall on my year model and the problem has disappeared! I know that it has not truly disappeared!
I took my car into the dealership to have them inspect the system and search for any clue of a SCL default log entry in the computer. They found no log default entry that pointed to any problem. Also there is no recall on my year model and the problem has disappeared! I know that it has not truly disappeared!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville GA
Re: Help! Service Column Lock Error Again! (khaggins)
I wanted to take the time to say thank you all for your help in responding to my email request for assistance for Service Column Lock.
I took my car into the dealership to have them inspect the system and search for any clue of a SCL default log entry in the computer. They found no log default entry that pointed to any problem. Also there is no recall on my year model and the problem has disappeared! I know that it has not truly disappeared!
I took my car into the dealership to have them inspect the system and search for any clue of a SCL default log entry in the computer. They found no log default entry that pointed to any problem. Also there is no recall on my year model and the problem has disappeared! I know that it has not truly disappeared!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,480
Likes: 62
From: Middletown DE
Re: Help! Service Column Lock Error Again! (khaggins)
Funny,
When mine was "Towed" in to the dealer, they called me the next day and asked in an angry manner - "What's wrong with it? It starts up fine".. I said it is not the starting but the Steering.
He called me back later and said it was unlocked when he drove it in the bay.
My "Theory" is that the ride on the flatbed was enough to rattle the lock assembly and caused it to operate again.
I have read in this forum that you can "rock" the steering wheel back and forth with some force and it could disengage the lock. I did try this before sending it off and it did not help.
On a brighter note - I installed the Elminator and it was a piece of cake. Just make sure you can be limber enough to see and work underneith the steering column.
Good Luck
When mine was "Towed" in to the dealer, they called me the next day and asked in an angry manner - "What's wrong with it? It starts up fine".. I said it is not the starting but the Steering.
He called me back later and said it was unlocked when he drove it in the bay.
My "Theory" is that the ride on the flatbed was enough to rattle the lock assembly and caused it to operate again.
I have read in this forum that you can "rock" the steering wheel back and forth with some force and it could disengage the lock. I did try this before sending it off and it did not help.
On a brighter note - I installed the Elminator and it was a piece of cake. Just make sure you can be limber enough to see and work underneith the steering column.
Good Luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 876
Likes: 23
From: Prescott Valley, AZ
Re: Help! Service Column Lock Error Again! (99firetruck)
I have an '01 and have not gotten a recall. The dealer says the Z'z have the right column lock parts. Mine locked up on me 3 time in 2 days in Feb. The dealer got it to lock up also but no codes were thrown. They told me GM would not authorize new parts so they bent the pin a little and lubed it. The dealer said that should fix the problem but it locked on me again this afternoon. Now I have to go through the process all over again. This time they better replace the damn parts. I've heard there is TSB out on the aftermarket bypass that can fry the BCM and voiding any warranty. That is why I have't installed the column lock bypass.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,557
Likes: 0
From: Columbia MD
Re: Help! Service Column Lock Error Again! (mmorse)
The 01044a recall applied only to 1997, 1998 and 2000 models by VIN only, then they released a TSB covering even more of them in these years. I've never seen any TSB on BCM frying but if an aftermarket part causes any failure said part usually wont be covered. If you've noticed in all GM vehicles with the ignition switch in the dash the column no longer locks on automatic trans vehicles.
If you are stranded again try rocking the wheel, then pull the BCM fuse in the right kick panel , I think it's number 23 or 25, then reinstalling it. 95 percent of the time it will reset and release.
If you are stranded again try rocking the wheel, then pull the BCM fuse in the right kick panel , I think it's number 23 or 25, then reinstalling it. 95 percent of the time it will reset and release.
