CLB install tip (Thunder Racing unit)
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 1,557
From: Poway CA
2025 C1 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (stock)
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (stock)
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
CLB install tip (Thunder Racing unit)
I installed the Thunder Racing CLB last night. Everything went pretty smoothy except for 1 thing:
When you connect the cigarette power cord to retract the column lock, be sure to connect the harness-end first, then plug in the cigarette end for a few seconds, then remove.
The problem is this: The Thunder CLB kit comes with a molded power connector. This is nice because you don't have to worry about stripping wires or correct polarity, BUT the connector will SNAP into place and lock!! If the cigarette end is plugged in, you are applying power to the lock with no quick way to stop it. The directions clearly state to only apply power for 1 or 2 seconds - probably because you will smoke the lock motor. Of course this all happens when you're lying on your back, on the floor with your head under the dash.
I had to scramble out and pull the cigarette lighter end out quickly. Kinked my neck real good in the process.
Good luck,
When you connect the cigarette power cord to retract the column lock, be sure to connect the harness-end first, then plug in the cigarette end for a few seconds, then remove.
The problem is this: The Thunder CLB kit comes with a molded power connector. This is nice because you don't have to worry about stripping wires or correct polarity, BUT the connector will SNAP into place and lock!! If the cigarette end is plugged in, you are applying power to the lock with no quick way to stop it. The directions clearly state to only apply power for 1 or 2 seconds - probably because you will smoke the lock motor. Of course this all happens when you're lying on your back, on the floor with your head under the dash.
I had to scramble out and pull the cigarette lighter end out quickly. Kinked my neck real good in the process.
Good luck,
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles CA
Re: CLB install tip (nitrosuzie)
i take it your column was already in the locked position? Is there a need for this step if you're just taking preventative measures so it doesnt lock in the future?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 1,557
From: Poway CA
2025 C1 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (stock)
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (stock)
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
Re: CLB install tip (nitrosuzie)
i take it your column was already in the locked position? Is there a need for this step if you're just taking preventative measures so it doesnt lock in the future?
My story:
Last week after work, my column would not unlock - got the "service column lock". I banged around on it and it eventually did unlock, making the strangest noise I have ever heard. Car is a 98 with 45K miles; never had a problem before; I am OUTSIDE of the CL recall range! :rolleyes:
I then drove it home and ordered the CLB. It stayed in the garage until it arrived. Out of curiosity I did start the car several times and the lock was operating normally agian, but no way was I gonna mess with it anymore.
Very good info/instructions here: http://www.97vette.com/howto/columnlock/index.html
[Modified by SDVette, 1:28 PM 5/14/2004]
