Making your own CLB???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Framingham MA
Making your own CLB???
Being the (relatively) poor owner of a '98 A4... and not wishing to invest in (or risk the early model year hassles of) a CLB for permanent use when a workable recall fix is on the way... I keep thinking that there must be a cheaper, temporary do-it-yourself fix.
One member posted about using a $6 latching relay to simulate the column lock motor and provide the necessary feedback signal to the BCM. How hard can this be? The wiring diagram and basic logic are right here: http://tinyurl.com/6x7nc The C207 connector only has four leads... how difficult can it be to temporarily wire in an appropriate relay?
Yet another person said they they used a column lock motor removed from another C5... plugging it in and taping it off under the dash in a place where it could do no harm. Sounds like it could work if the feedback switch is, indeed, self contained.
Has anyone else come up with any other do-it-yourself fix? Are there any pitfalls I am not seeing here?
Monk
One member posted about using a $6 latching relay to simulate the column lock motor and provide the necessary feedback signal to the BCM. How hard can this be? The wiring diagram and basic logic are right here: http://tinyurl.com/6x7nc The C207 connector only has four leads... how difficult can it be to temporarily wire in an appropriate relay?
Yet another person said they they used a column lock motor removed from another C5... plugging it in and taping it off under the dash in a place where it could do no harm. Sounds like it could work if the feedback switch is, indeed, self contained.
Has anyone else come up with any other do-it-yourself fix? Are there any pitfalls I am not seeing here?
Monk
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 447
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Originally Posted by Monk
Being the (relatively) poor owner of a '98 A4... and not wishing to invest in (or risk the early model year hassles of) a CLB for permanent use when a workable recall fix is on the way... I keep thinking that there must be a cheaper, temporary do-it-yourself fix.
One member posted about using a $6 latching relay to simulate the column lock motor and provide the necessary feedback signal to the BCM. How hard can this be? The wiring diagram and basic logic are right here: http://tinyurl.com/6x7nc The C207 connector only has four leads... how difficult can it be to temporarily wire in an appropriate relay?
Yet another person said they they used a column lock motor removed from another C5... plugging it in and taping it off under the dash in a place where it could do no harm. Sounds like it could work if the feedback switch is, indeed, self contained.
Has anyone else come up with any other do-it-yourself fix? Are there any pitfalls I am not seeing here?
Monk
One member posted about using a $6 latching relay to simulate the column lock motor and provide the necessary feedback signal to the BCM. How hard can this be? The wiring diagram and basic logic are right here: http://tinyurl.com/6x7nc The C207 connector only has four leads... how difficult can it be to temporarily wire in an appropriate relay?
Yet another person said they they used a column lock motor removed from another C5... plugging it in and taping it off under the dash in a place where it could do no harm. Sounds like it could work if the feedback switch is, indeed, self contained.
Has anyone else come up with any other do-it-yourself fix? Are there any pitfalls I am not seeing here?
Monk
Last edited by Dan_the_C5_Man; Jul 29, 2004 at 03:12 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Framingham MA
Originally Posted by Dan_the_C5_Man
It's not difficult. I've been contemplating building these myself; at 20 bucks a pop I can still make a profit. The only reason I haven't done this yet is it will stab certain folks in the back (like JimX), folks that have contributed a great deal to the CF community. They are only making $$ on a few items, this being one of them..
On the other hand, I see nothing unfair or immoral with me making one for myself... or in helping out another poor do-it-yourselfer with information. I believe that's done here all the time!
Monk
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 290
Likes: 8
From: 60 miles from BGKY
Originally Posted by Monk
Being the (relatively) poor owner of a '98 A4... and not wishing to invest in (or risk the early model year hassles of) a CLB for permanent use when a workable recall fix is on the way... I keep thinking that there must be a cheaper, temporary do-it-yourself fix.
One member posted about using a $6 latching relay to simulate the column lock motor and provide the necessary feedback signal to the BCM. How hard can this be? The wiring diagram and basic logic are right here: http://tinyurl.com/6x7nc The C207 connector only has four leads... how difficult can it be to temporarily wire in an appropriate relay?
Yet another person said they they used a column lock motor removed from another C5... plugging it in and taping it off under the dash in a place where it could do no harm. Sounds like it could work if the feedback switch is, indeed, self contained.
Has anyone else come up with any other do-it-yourself fix? Are there any pitfalls I am not seeing here?
Monk
One member posted about using a $6 latching relay to simulate the column lock motor and provide the necessary feedback signal to the BCM. How hard can this be? The wiring diagram and basic logic are right here: http://tinyurl.com/6x7nc The C207 connector only has four leads... how difficult can it be to temporarily wire in an appropriate relay?
Yet another person said they they used a column lock motor removed from another C5... plugging it in and taping it off under the dash in a place where it could do no harm. Sounds like it could work if the feedback switch is, indeed, self contained.
Has anyone else come up with any other do-it-yourself fix? Are there any pitfalls I am not seeing here?
Monk
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 447
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Originally Posted by Monk
That part of the equation I understand perfectly. Vendors have overhead, advertising, employees and myriad other expenses. And they are providing an important service to those without the time or knowledge to investigate, build and test a home-made device. I would not try to undercut them.
On the other hand, I see nothing unfair or immoral with me making one for myself... or in helping out another poor do-it-yourselfer with information. I believe that's done here all the time!
Monk
On the other hand, I see nothing unfair or immoral with me making one for myself... or in helping out another poor do-it-yourselfer with information. I believe that's done here all the time!
Monk
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Framingham MA
Originally Posted by wrustywrench
the lock motor idea is a good one, if it contains all the needed switches and such...but I bet it costs more than a bypass
Monk
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Framingham MA
Originally Posted by LivinTheDream
Try getting a CLB from Zip--it works fine on my '98 A4 (built in June). I thought about growing my own as well, but took the chance and am glad I did.
But I'm also one of those folks who is still willing to let GM clean up their own mess... the new recall fix should be perfect for me since I have an A4. I am mostly just looking for a cheap way to get through this summer without a stranding.Monk
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,840
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Originally Posted by Monk
Yeah, I'd probably spend the money and take a chance that I was one of the very lucky '98 owners for whom the CLB works... although I have never been lucky like that before! But I'm also one of those folks who is still willing to let GM clean up their own mess... the new recall fix should be perfect for me since I have an A4. I am mostly just looking for a cheap way to get through this summer without a stranding.
Monk
But I'm also one of those folks who is still willing to let GM clean up their own mess... the new recall fix should be perfect for me since I have an A4. I am mostly just looking for a cheap way to get through this summer without a stranding.Monk
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 447
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Originally Posted by Evil-Twin
You can always save a few bucks buy having one of your friends, read a manual, then they could perform brain surgery on you if you needed it...
All I can say is thank goodness GM doesn't do brain surgery as a side business!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 537
Likes: 1
From: Elkton MD
Well, I've been reading the posts about the column lock problem for some time now and feeling real smug about how mine hasn't been any problem. Ha, shoulda knocked on wood. Backing out of driveway last weekend. Started it up, put it in reverse, engine dies, COLUMN HAD LOCKED!!! Shut off key and rocked steering wheel left-right then turned key. Column unlocked and everything was fine. Next immediate step, go directly to dealer with copy of "Electronic Column Lock System Recall" memo (courtesy of member "C5tech" elsewhere on this forum). I have been reading about a shortage of parts for this recall so I am expecting a big runaround on "when" for the fix. Dealer looks at my copy of the recall, checks my VIN # in database, and says "No problem", bring it in next tuesday. It looks like "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" is really true. I didn't even get to the point of mentioning about my lock-up. By the way, mine is a '98 A4, so take yours in and get it corrected for good (IF yours is an AUTOMATIC).
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,333
Likes: 1
From: VA
St. Jude Donor '03-'11
It's just a solenoid. Unplug the connector to it, measure the resistance. Then buy the right wattage resistor.
I think that's all there's to it.
One day when my lazy azz gets stuck somewhere, i'll do the same
I think that's all there's to it.
One day when my lazy azz gets stuck somewhere, i'll do the same
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 447
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Originally Posted by 99C5Vert
It's just a solenoid. Unplug the connector to it, measure the resistance. Then buy the right wattage resistor.
I think that's all there's to it.
One day when my lazy azz gets stuck somewhere, i'll do the same
I think that's all there's to it.
One day when my lazy azz gets stuck somewhere, i'll do the same
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 966
Likes: 43
From: Lansing MI
Monk-
Don't think the recall will solve your problem. As I understand it, they will remove the lock plate and reprogram the PCM, but if the column lock fails it will still immoblize the car by shutting off the fuel but your wheel will still turn. Lots of help GM is! I'll keep my CLB. Jeff
Don't think the recall will solve your problem. As I understand it, they will remove the lock plate and reprogram the PCM, but if the column lock fails it will still immoblize the car by shutting off the fuel but your wheel will still turn. Lots of help GM is! I'll keep my CLB. Jeff
