I have a 2000 A4 and it just happened to me a few minutes ago. My car is sitting in the Hooters parking lot. Don't know how to get it unlocked. Any suggestions? I need some serious help. If I don't get it unlocked I will call the tow truck in the morning to deliver it to the dealership where I bought it. :mad

 

Welcome to the club! This has happened to me 4 times across two different Corvettes.

The general concensus on unlocking a stuck column lock is to wiggle the steering wheel back and forth as hard as you can while inserting the key, moving it to the ON position (do not start the engine), and removing the key.

Every time the key is inserted and placed in the ON position, the computer will send an unlock to the column lock. This method will work if your column lock is just "stuck" (banging it around can "unstick" it). In some cases, the actuator itself is dead and will not move at all (if this happens, you're more or less screwed for a DIY remedy). This happened to me today... had to call the tow truck to come pick it up and drop it off at my Chevy service center.

The plus side is that it only took them an hour to fix the problem... trust me, every Chevy you go to will be EXPERTS at fixing the problem since it happens so often.

Good luck!


[Modified by diynoob, 2:52 AM 7/30/2003]

 

I guess I was doing it all wrong. I tried to move it once the engine had started. I see you want me to move the steering colum back and forth with the key in the on position. Then remove the key. Is this how I read your e-mail? :confused:

 

You are correct. You are not supposed to start the engine. The idea is to get the key to the on position while wiggling the wheel. The only trick is that the key must come out of the ignition before going to the on position again in order for an unlock signal to be fired.

Note that I have never had this method work for me, but others have reported many successes with it.

I think there's something about the way I get into the car (perhaps putting pressure on the locked wheel and actuator) that causes premature actuator failure.

 

The way the unlocking mechanism works is that it sends a "pulse" to the column lock....thats when you hear the noise. What you need to do is shake the wheel right before, during, and after that noise.

It sends the unlock pulse when you turn the key to the on position (engine can stay off), and it sends the lock pulse when you remove the key. So, shake the wheel and put the key in and out....it'll be like you are molesting your car, but 9 times outta 10 it'll unlock for you.

After that, get a column lock bypass! I just happen to know a place you can get one for under $40 ;)

Jon
http://www.ls1howto.com

 

Which brings up a good point... if you don't hear a click from the steering column as you usually do, you're probably stuck. :sad:

This is what happened to me several times, which is why the wiggle trick didn't get me very far.

 

You can pull on steering wheel hard too the left like 70 too 100 pounds of pressure too left three times then to the right three times while pulling on the right turn key to the on position.

 

The unlock signal comes when the key is turned to on and the lock signal comes when the key is pulled from the ignition so you have to keep repeating that key sequence until you can jiggle the lock loose when it gets the signal to unlock.
Bill

 

Thanks for all the inputs. I have made copies and am on my way back to the car to see if I can get it unlocked. If I don't get it unlocked I guess I will be calling AAA. Anyone looking for a good buy on a 2000 corvette with less than 19,000 miles? :mad

 

While waiting for my car to be serviced (oil/filter change), I noticed a Red 99 or 00 C5 (6-Speed )coming in on a flat-bed tow truck. As I suspected it was being transported to the dealership for a Column Lock failure. The tow drive unloaded the locked up car right in front of me and I SAW a tech get in and shake the steering wheel back and forth a few times. The CL "unlocked" and he drove it to the stall for the new GM approved CL fix.

Since I have a 2001 6-Speed (not subject to the recall) and have not added the CL defeat kit, I was interested how he unlocked the car. The trick is in how you do it! After confirming it is locked, turn off the key and REMOVE the key. Then shake the wheel back and forth hard. You can then insert the key and drive it somewhere but DO NOT remove the key again or you will be locked up until the fix is installed. The important thing to note is to remove the key. It cannot be unlocked if the key is in the circuit.

BTW, he has not seen a CL failure on a 2001 and has had no 2nd time failures for cars fixed with the new GM kit and had not had very good luck with the pull the special fuze procedure. The tech had a box full of old CL's that had have been fixed.

You may want to remember this trick if you get stranded. It is something to try before you call for the flat bed tow truck. I feel sure verbal expletives will help :)

 

My column locked on my 2001 vert when I was in Bowling Green last month. All attempts to unlock it failed, so, a flatbed trip to the dealer and $260 solved it for now. But I would never sell my vette because of this.

 

fast2000vette,

I had a 2000 with the CL failure which prompty received the GM CL fix. Yet, it locked on me again.

I had that 2000 lemon lawed due to the oil leak problem, and ended up in a 2002. The 2002 has had CL failures twice now as well. I think GM just doesn't have the CL thing quite down yet on the C5s, regardless of year. Either that, or I am abusing the CL somehow and don't know it.

 

Corvette Forum: Thanks for all the help. Just returned home with the vette put away for the evening. I turned it left and right with a lot of force inserted the key and it decided to unlock. I did this 3 or 4 times before it worked but it did work. Now I need a permanent fix so that it doesn't strand my wife. Can't have her calling me to come and rescue her when the steering colum locks up. I was somehow thinking the CL problem was just on the 6 speeds but tonight I found out differently. I will continue to use the forum just for the tech experience we have out there. Thanks again.
If I sold the vette I would be asking for a divorce. I just don't like having to put money into a car that is not even broke in . It only has 18,000 miles on it. :D

 

I just ordered the CL bypass kit. Enough of this Poop.... :seeya

 

Just an update to the CL. I took the vette to the shop and had it fixed. E-mailed NHTSA and Chevy customer care about the problem. When I went to pick it up was only charged the diagnosis charge of $98. Gordon Chevrolet of Orange Park picked up the rest of the bill. I am a happier camper than before. Just hope it doesn't happen again. :cheers: