Yesterday I had the steering column lock actuate for the second time in 3 months. GM had upgraded the solenoid the last time (July) per the service notice. My car is a 6-speed (MN6), 2000. Yesterday it locked again, but after playing with it, I got it running and promptly took it to the dealer and told them to put the bypass kit in. They told me it wasn't approved for the 6-speed, only the automatic and they couldn't duplicate the problem. I told them to put it in anyway, because I didn't trust the car anymore.

My question is:
The factory bypass for the automatics apparently consists of installing a disk that doesn't have any notches so that the solenoid can not engage and lock the column. With this factory mod, does anyone know what happens if the computer decides it needs to lock the column again anyway? Although the column will not mechanically lock, does the computer kill the fuel over 1 mph like it did previously? If so, I am no better off with the factory mod than I was before (i.e., the car will still be immobilized).

Anyone have facts that I can hit GM with or am I ok?

Thanks,
John
2000 Magnetic Red Convertible

 

It was my understanding that the A4 fix simply rendered the column lock inoperable. I thought they just unplugged a harness and that was that. Whatever they told you for the 6 speed was bull. GM has not come out with a different or better part to correct the problem....they simply fix it with the same parts knowing full well that it will happen again. My dealer even tried to deny it the second time and I went off. They took care of it and there was no bloodshed. Happened to my car twice....got the column lock bypass, installed myself...very very simple... and no worries.

 

I have an A4 with the GM bypass installed. All it is, is a blocking plate that doesn't allow the pin to engage. You can still hear the solenoid when you turn the key. I wonder if you could buy the parts and install them yourself on your MN6.

 

The problem as he mentioned, is that the column lock can still fail, and when it does, a normal 6 speed car will shut off the fuel pump. It doesnt matter if there is a block off plate or not, a failed column lock is a failed column lock.

I beleive there are multiple programs out there for the BCM or PCM, and one of which may not shut down the fuel pump. Maybe this is what they flash onto A4 cars when they do the plate-with-no-holes fix? C5-Tech would probably know better.

 

The GM "fix" for the A4 has two parts : a new lock plate disc with no holes for the lock plunger pin, and the installation of a bistable relay which "simulates" the lock/unlock feedback switch that is part of the lock motor assembly. This relay gives the BCM a fake feedback signal, so that the BCM thinks the CL is working properly, and thereby prevents the engine fuel safety cut-out if the car starts moving. So, in a nutshell, just buy an aftermarket CLB, which is just a bistable relay, but a better quality one than the GM version. I understand the GM "fix" relays fail.

 

Mine was replaced once under warranty. It happened again about a month ago and dealer refused to fix it saying it had already been fixed once :mad

 

The recall for M6 consists of a relay to provide more current to the unlock drive than the BCM can provide through its own output.

 

I had the same problem when I took it in this week. The dealer said they could not duplicate the problem, therefore they wouldn't cover the cost of the fix. They are also telling me that they won't approve the installation of the automatic retrofit into my manual car because it wasn't made for the 6-speed. I told them to install it anyway, which they did. I called the service manager today to ask about the fuel shut-off portion of the column lock problem and he "guaranteed" me that the fuel would not shut off and leave me stranded now that they have installed the column lock bypass kit for the automatic. I still find that hard to believe.

I am also now dealing with the GM regional customer service rep to get them to pay for the bypass installation, since it is a defective design. They are still working on that issue.

 

I would have made a sence at that dealership. That reply is just :bs .
Why in the hell doesn't GM do a recall on these? Can we all unite and declare war on GM :boxing

 

"The problem as he mentioned, is that the column lock can still fail, and when it does, a normal 6 speed car will shut off the fuel pump. It doesnt matter if there is a block off plate or not, a failed column lock is a failed column lock."

:iagree: If the column lock sticks in thje locked position,theft mode will be enabled and fuel will be shut off,so you still will be stuck even though you installed the A4 lock plate.In other words,the BCM doesnt know that you removed the lock plate,but it does know the position of the column lock pin via the feedback position signal...

GM is not allowed to disable the column lock on the M6 because it is an added theft feature and a safety feature (parking on a hill with the wheels turned and column locked)...

If you have an M6,get the aftermarket bypass :yesnod: Even with the GM recall fix,the column lock actuator itself can still fail (been there,done it)


[Modified by C-5 TECH, 8:52 AM 10/31/2003]