Ok......after reading all the latest on this wonderful problem......I've heard pleny of guys say they don't wory because they put the bypass in.......because I've got the mn6 and want the lock problem to go away, I'm ready to do surgery! What kind of problems am I looking at? Thanks.... :yesnod:

 

Welcome to the forum.... the first place to look for common problems is the Tech tips section.. go to the top of this page, click on tools, then c5 then tech tips... here is a link to your specific issue:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=30&TopicID=1


[Modified by Evil-Twin, 5:19 PM 2/12/2004]

 

Very Easy- took me about 2 beers :cheers:

 

blittle,

The column lock bypass (aftermarket) is very easy to install. Just take your time and follow the instructions. It is also easy to remove if you ever intend to reverse the bypass.

I installed the aftermarket bypass from C5 Solutions after a defective column lock module stranded my wife and I for three days while out-of-state, on vacation.

I later removed the bypass to have the official Chevrolet "satisfaction campaign" performed on my C5.

Now Chevrolet is recalling most C5's to repair the column lock. It only took them EIGHT MODEL YEARS to find a fix.

Good luck.

 

Do it. It will take you about 1/2 an hour by the time you get your tools together. Just read the instructions. it is not complicated at all. The peace of mind is well worth it. :cheers: :smash:

 

Thanks to all......I just ordered mine and can't wait to get at it and get the thing out of mind! Hey Busa196.......I like the two beer idea! Anyway, too bad the "fix" that they have come up with DOES NOT fix the column lock problem for those of us with the mn6 trans. :cuss Thanks again......it's always great to know the answer is in the Corvette Forum!!!! :seeya

 

I just heard a rumor that GM is about to announce a fix for the column lock problem.

 

Save your money and wait. Borrowed this from another post which tends to support the rumor I heard that GM was about to come out with a fix....

GM SERVICE AND PARTS OPERATIONS
DCS1129
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date: February 11, 2004
Subject: Upcoming Safety Recall
04006 – Electronic Steering Column Lock
Models: Certain 1997-2000 Chevrolet Corvette with Automatic Transmission
(Excluding Vehicles Repaired by Customer Satisfaction Program
01044 or Technical Service Bulletin 01-02-35-008)
All 1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette with Manual Transmission
To: All Chevrolet Dealers
Attention: Dealer Operator, General Manager, Sales Manager, Used Car
Manager, Service Manager, Parts Manager and Warranty
Administrator
Based on information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) web site, the media may report that General Motors will be announcing
a safety recall involving certain 1997-2000 model year Chevrolet Corvettes with
automatic transmissions and all 1997-2004 model year Chevrolet Corvettes with
manual transmissions.
These vehicles have a condition in which the vehicle can operate when the
electronic steering column fails to unlock. If this were to occur the driver would
have no ability to steer the vehicle.
To correct this condition in the 1997-2000 vehicles with automatic transmissions,
Chevrolet dealers will remove the column lock plate in vehicles that were not
repaired by Customer Satisfaction Program 01044 or Technical Service Bulletin
01-02-35-008. To correct this condition in 1997-2004 vehicles with manual
transmissions, Chevrolet dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) software. These repairs will be performed at no cost to the customers.
There are approximately 140,000 vehicles involved. GM is working with its
suppliers to obtain the parts needed to correct this condition as quickly as
possible. Based on the anticipated schedule, we plan to notify customers about
this recall during the second quarter of 2004. GMVIS information will not be
available until the recall is formally announced.
Listed below are some anticipated questions and answers to assist in responding
to customer inquiries.
Q1: What vehicles are in the recall population?
A1: Certain 1997-2000 model year Chevrolet Corvettes with automatic
transmissions that were not previously repaired by Customer Satisfaction
Program 01044 or Technical Service Bulletin 01-02-35-008 and all 1997-
2004 model year Chevrolet Corvettes with manual transmissions.
Q2: What is the condition that prompted a safety recall?
A2: Some involved vehicles have a condition in which the vehicle can operate
when the electronic steering column fails to unlock.
Q3: What might occur as a result of this condition?
A3: The driver would have no ability to steer the vehicle.
Q4: Why does the engine stall in some cases and in other cases remain
running, allowing the vehicle to move, when the steering column
remains locked?
A4: In the event that the Electronic Column Lock (ECL) fails to unlock when
the driver starts the engine of 1997-2004 model year Corvettes, the Body
Control Module (BCM) sends a signal to the PCM to inhibit fuel so, when
the vehicle travels (reverse or forward) at the speed of about 2 MPH, the
vehicle engine stalls. However, if the power supply to the PCM is
interrupted or voltage is low, the PCM resets during engine starts and
does not inhibit fuel. The driver is capable of moving the vehicle with a
locked steering column.
Q5: Why should we be concerned about this condition?
A5: In the event that PCM does not inhibit fuel, the vehicle could travel at
speeds higher than 2 MPH. In both cases, the driver would not have
steering capability.
Q6: What was the cause of the condition that allows movement when the
steering column remains locked?
A6: By design, when the ECL during ignition or engine start up, senses a
steering column that has mechanically failed to unlock or cannot confirm
that the ECL is in an unlocked state, the BCM signals the PCM to inhibit
the fuel to avoid the possibility of moving the vehicle without being able to
steer. If the power supply to the PCM is interrupted or voltage is low, the
PCM resets during engine start up and does not have enough time to see
the BCMÂ’s inhibit fuel signal. If the PCM does not see the inhibit fuel
signal within a specified amount of time, it will allow vehicle motion. The
PCM, then, does not act on any new signals from the BCM regarding the
column lock/unlock state. If the column has failed to unlock, the driver
could move the vehicle.
Q7: Did GM conduct a recall for 1998-2000 model year Corvettes for a
similar condition?
A7: GM conducted Customer Satisfaction Program 01044 and recalled 1998-
2000 model year Chevrolet Corvettes built between April 1, 1998 through
December 12, 1999. We conducted this program beginning in July 2001
for ECLs failing to unlock, causing inconvenience to the customers. The
potential for the column to be locked and for the vehicle to be driven was
only discovered recently.
Q8: Why was the recall conducted in July 2001 a Customer Satisfaction
Program and this current field action a Product Safety Recall?
A8: The July 2001 program addressed a customer concern that could occur in
certain 1998-2000 model year Corvettes where the steering column would
fail to unlock during the initial key-in and start up. This current field action
is a safety recall because of the potential for the driver to move the vehicle
with the steering column in a lock mode.
Q9: Have there been any reports of incidents, injuries or fatalities related
to this condition?
A9: GM has not confirmed any occurrences of this condition in the field. There
are no confirmed occurrences of crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to
the condition.
Q10: Why do some ECLs on Corvettes remain locked after engine start
up?
A10: Some ECLs may remain locked after start up because the lock pin is not
retracting from the steering column lock. There may be an electrical or
mechanical problem that doesnÂ’t allow the steering column to unlock.
Q11: How was this condition discovered?
A11: The failure of the ECL to unlock, but the vehicle can be moved was
identified during the investigation GM was conducting. GM recently
discovered that the fuel was not being inhibited by the PCM even though
the ECL was locked because of low battery voltage.
Q12: Does the lack of a steering column that locks when the key is
removed make the Corvette noncompliant with FMVSS 114 “Theft
Protection?”
A12: FMVSS “Theft Protection” requires vehicles to either lock the steering
column or lock the vehicle in “Park” when the key is removed. A locking
steering column is not required on automatic transmission Corvettes
because these vehicles lock in “Park.” Locking steering columns were
standard production content for model years 1997-2000. The locking
steering column was not included in automatic transmission vehicles after
the 2000 model year. All Corvettes with manual transmissions for model
years 1997-2004 have a locking steering column, because obviously
these vehicles do not have a lock in “Park” feature.
Q13: What will GM do to correct this condition on the subject vehicles?
A13: To correct this condition in the 1997-2000 vehicles with automatic
transmissions, Chevrolet dealers will remove the column lock plate in
vehicles that were not repaired by Customer Satisfaction Program 01044
or Technical Service Bulletin 01-02-35-008. To correct this condition in
1997-2004 vehicles with manual transmissions, Chevrolet dealers will
reprogram the PCM software. These repairs will be performed at no cost
to the customers.
Q14: When can customers bring in their vehicles for repair?
A14: Customer notification begins in the second quarter of 2004. Customers
should contact their dealers to arrange for servicing after they get their
recall notification letters.
Q15: Are these vehicles safe to drive?
A15: The vehicles that are part of this recall meet all FMVSS standards and are
safe to drive. The conditions of column lock up/stall and column lock
up/vehicle movement are not common occurrences. Until their vehicles
are repaired, drivers can avoid the problem by turning the steering wheel
fully left and right, after engine start up, and before shifting into gear.
While doing this, if a “ratcheting” noise is heard, drivers should turn the
engine off, remove the key, and contact a Chevrolet dealer to schedule
repair. If no “ratcheting” noise is heard, drivers can continue to operate
their vehicles but should bring the vehicle in for repair when they receive
the recall notification letter.
Q16: What if the driver experiences column lock up, stalling, or lack of
steering ability before they get the recall notice?
A16: If drivers experience column lock up, stalling, or lack of steering ability
after starting the engine, they should contact a Chevrolet dealer to
schedule repair.
Please contact the GM Dealer Business Center if
you have questions about this message.
END OF MESSAGE
GM SERVICE AND PARTS OPERATIONS

 

It's about time GM recognizes this problem. Sid.

 

Install instructions for a column lock bypass, with photos: http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24

 

If you read the text above, you'll see that GM is doing nothing to FIX the column lock itself for 6 speed cars, they are just making sure the car shuts off when it does fail (which it will, just like it always has).

For A4's, you guys finally get fixed for free! :cheers:

 

I've read the GM's "fix" only stops you from driving the car when it locks and does not eliminate the possibility of locking. Anyone know for sure what GM's fix is? I won't bother with the bypass if the fix is going to eliminate it completely.

 

ndirishr1 posted the GM fix above, just read through it and you'll see. A4's now have nothing to worry about, 6 speeds will still get stranded (and, they'll be safer while being stranded).


[Modified by jmX, 9:19 PM 2/12/2004]