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I recently had a problem with my column being locked. I left it alone and the next day it unlocked, but now it doesnt lock anymore it just gives me a message "service column lock" The car starts and its not locked anymore but as soon as i put it in first and try to go it dies. Is there anything that i can do before it goe$$$ to the dealer.
thanks
:mad
I was bitten by the service column lock bug yesterday on my 98. Dealer says no recall has been issued. I disconnected the battery and removed fuse BCM 25, then put the fuse back in and reconnected the battery. The problem is still there. My toy is stuck in the garage!
I understand the bypass gadget will prevent this in the future, but how do I get it driveable now? Isn't there a "reboot" to clear everything?
You can clear the 'Service Column Lock' message by pulling fuse #25 (BCM fuse) in the foot well for 15 seconds. Assuming there is no problem with the column lock itsself, this will clear the message...
Shirl
Try pulling the fuse with the key 'on' but the engine not running. If this does not work, check for DTC codes on the DIC and post them here. I can help you decifer them.
Shirl
You can also try yanking on the steering wheel side to side while turning the key on and off (do not start the car). If you utilize the search feature on this subject you will be amazed at the amount of posts. Good luck!
I received a notice from GM regarding the recall. Got it about a 1.5 months ago. Letter stated they would contact me parts become avail to perform repair.
I became an expert at living with this problem for over a month. The quickest way to unlock the wheel is to put the key in the ignition (in the off position), and with your left hand start shaking the wheel left and right. You might have to do it pretty hard. I remember thinking about the damage I was doing (it didn't harm a darn thing) As you are banging the wheel back and forth with your right hand turn the key. You don't need to start the car just turn it to the position that normally unlocks the wheel. Once it unlocks you are good to go. (Keep in mind that unless you have your windows blacked out like I do, you might look pretty funny jerking the wheel around)
That said I lived with this problem for more than a month, talked to Chevy who told me there was no recall even though I read that there was. Finally I just ordered the steering lock bypass from the vendor mentioned above. It took me about 20 minutes (and that was taking my time) and I have not had the problem since. It's been almost a year.
Shirl,
I have the codes listed below. A side note is that last week I heard a ticking noise coming from the passenger's area. At first I thought there was a bomb in my car. Now that I have the floor panel open, the ticking noise is coming from the box next to the fuse panel.
You guys should slow down and read the original post. He said that the column lock is stuck in the UNLOCKED position. The mechanism has malfunctioned. It''s not clear that installing the by-pass at this point will do any good. I believe you need a functioning lock mechanism before you can install the by-pass.
Even if the recall had been issued for his car, it does not apply to a broken lock. The recall only fixes the computer code for the M6. His only hope with the recall is if he has an A4, in which case the lock mechanism will be disabled as a result of the recall. :cheers:
If it was stuck in the unlock position, this is a good thing. Break into the dash, unplug the darn thing and install the CLB. It is when it is in the lock position you have a problem and can't drive.
If it was stuck in the unlock position, this is a good thing. Break into the dash, unplug the darn thing and install the CLB. It is when it is in the lock position you have a problem and can't drive.
Spend the $55 and buy a CL By-Pass kit and you won't have the sick to your stomach feeling again. Thunder Racing sells a kit which includes a T-15 torx for $55. Worth every penny.
In this day and age I marvel at folks still getting stranded by the dreaded column lock. GM has not fixed the problem and I doubt they will.
This week end while I'm installing my Hurst shifter, VE boots and gauge bezels a column lock by-pass is going in.
For piece of mind install a by-pass especially if you haven't been stranded yet. An ounce of prevention.