Column Lock Recall and Column Lock bypass
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Williamson New York
Column Lock Recall and Column Lock bypass
Just got the column lock recall notice- (have been ignoring it up to this point)0 Anyone know if I can just keep ignoring the recall becasue I've installed the bypass - or should I have it done because it updates some other info. in my "program"? 
Team Owner
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by PVHolgado
Just got the column lock recall notice- (have been ignoring it up to this point)0 Anyone know if I can just keep ignoring the recall becasue I've installed the bypass - or should I have it done because it updates some other info. in my "program"?
If you want a little extra theft protection, install a hidden kill switch. That's what I did and it was very easy, especially since we have the 6 speeds. HTH 
Robert
Race Director
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From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
If you have a 6spd (and guesing from your hardtop avatar you do), I'd ignore it. Especially if you have any custom programming...you'll lose it with the recall PCM flash.
If you do have it done, you can reinstall your CLB afterwards and feel safe again.
If you do have it done, you can reinstall your CLB afterwards and feel safe again.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: South Florida
have there been any reports of column lock AFTER the recall had been done? What exactly does it do to disable the column lock?
Also, I hear the PCM flash also updates takes care of other issues... anyone have a list of what it updates?
Thanks,
Don
Also, I hear the PCM flash also updates takes care of other issues... anyone have a list of what it updates?
Thanks,
Don
Race Director
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From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Originally Posted by don527
have there been any reports of column lock AFTER the recall had been done? What exactly does it do to disable the column lock?
It cuts fuel to the engine if/when the column locks. This is all the recall PCM flash does. Since GM can't totally diable to lock due to Fed anti-theft regulations, this is their safety measure to insure the car can't be driven with a locked column.
And yes, several people have had stuck columns after the recall "fix".
On A4 cars, the lock itself is disabled, and this actually is a cure to the stuck lock issue. They can get that since the auto tranny locks, and that alone complies with the needed anti-theft device requirement. A4 cars snce 2001 never came with a column lock from the factory for this reason.
There may be other program updates for your specific vin that would also be done when the recall flash is performed. A spark knock issue is one that I know of, there may be others.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Williamson New York
Yes I have a 2000 FRC- 6 spd. Looks like two opinions exist-- Anyone know what else may be "altered" by new programing installed during recall fix of bypass? I'm happy with car's current operation but don't want to miss out on any "improvements". Thanks again to all-
Last edited by PVHolgado; Nov 4, 2004 at 09:57 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Austin, Texas
Originally Posted by PVHolgado
Yes I have a 2000 FRC- 6 spd. Looks like two opinions exist-- Anyone know what else may be "altered" by new programing installed during recall fix of bypass? I'm happy with car's current operation but don't want to miss out on any "improvements". Thanks again to all-
You do not mention if you have a CLB, or not. If you don't, GET ONE. If you don't have one, and get one, I would recommend having the recall done before installing the CLB (so that your records show it as done in the event that you want to sell the car).
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,492
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From: Williamson New York
I do have the CLB already installed- Does that have to come out to participate in recall campaign? I'd rather leave it alone- is the fuel guage program update reson enough to get it done?
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Austin, Texas
Originally Posted by PVHolgado
I do have the CLB already installed- Does that have to come out to participate in recall campaign? I'd rather leave it alone- is the fuel guage program update reson enough to get it done?
Well, I had to have warranty work done (rear diff. leak), and the Service Advisor told me that they would do the recall. I told him that I did not want it done as I had installed a CLB. He told me that he had no choice since it was a "safety" recall. Long story short, he agreed to do only the PCM reprogram, since I said over my dead body will they remove any part of my dash (part of the recall is an inspection of the locking pin). I told him, up front, about the CLB because I had read here where a dealer had tried to charge a member for having removed the CLB while performing the recall. If you are out of warranty, don't have the recall done. If you will possibly be having warranty work done in the future be prepared to "have a discussion" with the Service Advisor about the CLB.
As far as the gas guage goes, if you run Chevron (it has Techron as an additive), or are willing do add a bottle of Techron (WalMart sells it) at each oil change, then you do not need to worry about any fuel guage issues.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Hot Springs AR
Originally Posted by PVHolgado
Yes I have a 2000 FRC- 6 spd. Looks like two opinions exist-- Anyone know what else may be "altered" by new programing installed during recall fix of bypass? I'm happy with car's current operation but don't want to miss out on any "improvements". Thanks again to all-
IMO, the risk isn't worth the rewards, if any.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Don't do it! Leave it as is with the CLB. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Country Boys Can Survive.
I keep getting the recall notice. I've installed the CLB. When my column locked, quite unexpectedly, I WALKED to the Chevy dealer and asked them about it, and they looked at me like I just walked off a shuttle from Mars. And that's the dealer Chevy wants me to take it too! I would drive right across this country to have that car fixed before I'd take it to that dealer. Keep your CLB the way it is, and be happy. Your just asking for problems taking it to the dealer. 
Pro
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 746
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From: salem or
I'd agree that the real fix for a 6-sp is the CLB.
If you don't have one, then you should get the recall done...including replacing the pin (which gets worn and sticks in it's bore)...as well as get the keyswitch updated if it is the "old type".
In my case, the column failed to unlock as a backed out of an angled parking spot and onto a busy 4 lane grid. The car started and idled normally, allowing me to completely back out and block the traffic lane. Of course, the wheel then wouldn't turn...and to top it off the car died and wouldn't restart...leaving me stuck in harms way with a lumber truck bearing down on me.
This, in my opinion, is a dangerous problem that should have been resolved by GM at a much earlier date. sj
If you don't have one, then you should get the recall done...including replacing the pin (which gets worn and sticks in it's bore)...as well as get the keyswitch updated if it is the "old type".
In my case, the column failed to unlock as a backed out of an angled parking spot and onto a busy 4 lane grid. The car started and idled normally, allowing me to completely back out and block the traffic lane. Of course, the wheel then wouldn't turn...and to top it off the car died and wouldn't restart...leaving me stuck in harms way with a lumber truck bearing down on me.
This, in my opinion, is a dangerous problem that should have been resolved by GM at a much earlier date. sj
