Column Lock
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Beverly Hills CA
Column Lock
Does anybody know the cheapest place where I can find a Column Block Kit? My steering wheel on my 98 coupe locked today and the message "Service Column Block" appeared. Does anybody have any ideas of what the easiest way to fix this is?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Re: Column Lock (BH C5)
the easiest/permanent fix is to install a bypass or you can have a dealer replace the faulty part (for free if you have an extended warranty), but then there's always the chance of it happening again.
ls1howto.com has the best price on the bypass kit, but he has a warning on his website stating that due to high demand it may be a couple weeks before the product is shipped. he also has the following disclaimer for '97's and '98's:
"For 1997 and 1998 cars, there is a possibility you will randomly see a message "Pull key and wait 10 seconds" with this product. Other manufacturers have had the same issue with 1997 and 1998 model cars. If you have a 1997 or 1998 model, and you understand this, you can order below choosing "Unsupported" as your year model. You will have 30 days to return the product if it does not work for a full refund. Only a small percentage of customers with 1997 and 1998 year model cars have reported this issue."
other forum vendors also sale the bypass, their prices are a bit higher but they could probably get it to your door sooner. hope this helps and good luck with whatever route you take!
ls1howto.com has the best price on the bypass kit, but he has a warning on his website stating that due to high demand it may be a couple weeks before the product is shipped. he also has the following disclaimer for '97's and '98's:
"For 1997 and 1998 cars, there is a possibility you will randomly see a message "Pull key and wait 10 seconds" with this product. Other manufacturers have had the same issue with 1997 and 1998 model cars. If you have a 1997 or 1998 model, and you understand this, you can order below choosing "Unsupported" as your year model. You will have 30 days to return the product if it does not work for a full refund. Only a small percentage of customers with 1997 and 1998 year model cars have reported this issue."
other forum vendors also sale the bypass, their prices are a bit higher but they could probably get it to your door sooner. hope this helps and good luck with whatever route you take!
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Az
Re: Column Lock (BH C5)
BH C5,
GM has has just released a NEW actuator part number, if you decide on a repair I would suggest that you have them use PN 26089807. The actuator is the motorized pin assembly in the steering column.
Good luck,
LEC
GM has has just released a NEW actuator part number, if you decide on a repair I would suggest that you have them use PN 26089807. The actuator is the motorized pin assembly in the steering column.
Good luck,
LEC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,407
Likes: 1
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Re: Column Lock (lowdowndirty)
I posted this in the parts section, but........Corvettes of Houston has the kit for $100. I didn't read into it, just saw it was available.
[Modified by WWK888, 11:13 PM 9/8/2003]
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
Re: Column Lock (lowdowndirty)
This is what I would do when I would get the column lock. Really jerk the wheel back and forth at the same time you or someone else turns the key to the on position. This worked for me 4 times untill my ls1howto.com bypass kit came in the mail and now I don't have to worry about getting stranded (which happened once :mad ) :cheers:
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
Re: Column Lock (WWK888)
YES, $35 is a great deal. I got mine in a couple weeks ago and it works great! A quality piece for sure.
IF you can get the column un-locked, you can un-plug the actuator (like you will be doing when you get the bypass) and it will go into a fail-safe mode, it will just warn you everytime you turn it on to SERVICE it BUT, it will allow you to drive it anyway!! This is what I did for a month while I was trying to fix it before I got smart and just ordered Jon's bypass ;)
Gary
IF you can get the column un-locked, you can un-plug the actuator (like you will be doing when you get the bypass) and it will go into a fail-safe mode, it will just warn you everytime you turn it on to SERVICE it BUT, it will allow you to drive it anyway!! This is what I did for a month while I was trying to fix it before I got smart and just ordered Jon's bypass ;)
Gary
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