Today my 2003 Z06 with only 1812 miles got a Service Column Lock message on the DIC. It seems though that the column is not locking after I lock the car and is the reason for the message. Now this is not a bad thing as I would rather have the column not lock than lock and not be able to drive the car. Anyone else get this message and the column not locking?

 

It's possible for the stock CL assembly to fail in either direction.. If I were you, I would buy (or make) a CLB and install it ASAP! You wouldn't find me driving around with it in that condition! Good luck.

BTW, you need to drive that thing more!

 

I will NEVER install an aftermarket bypass as it can damage the BCM. I know many of you say you have had no problems but, some BCM issues can be attributed to the aftermarket bypass because it sends the wrong voltages to the BCM.

 

Wow i never knew that they could potentially *cause* a problem. if they do cause issues why do vendors sell them?

 

Gimme a break. You make a broad comment about CLBs damaging BCMs - that is simply not true.

You have a lot of stars under your handle, read some of the detailed posts recently on the options you have to avoid CL problems. CLBs now come in 2 forms: original aftermarket and the GM Harness K that is used for A4s. The best bet today is to buy the Harness K and install it to get the same GM solution provided to A4s.

I am one of many owners that have used the aftermarket CLB for many years (4+ years here) and have NEVER had any BCM problems. The issues you refer to are for SOME earlier model C5s that seem to have minor problems with the aftermarket CLB.

If you do not bypass the CL, you are just asking for trouble.

 

Sorry Shylor, but the CLB's don't "send" voltage to anything..

It's a relay; 2 wires for the coil (which is very similar to the coil windings in the stock CL motor) and 2 wires for the switch (feedback circuit to the BCM.)

Very simple, very straightforward, you could make one at home (like I did) if you have a basic understanding of electronics. Please don’t over-complicate this issue as sooooo many others have tried to do in the past. Good luck.

 

Buy the CLB and be done with it.

 

This is the information I have about what an "aftermarket" bypass can do to the BCM:

"One GM Engineer said the aftermarket bypasses can effect the BCMs, by causing the two relays soldered to the BCM boards to malfunction. Thus giving messages such as Serv. Column Lock and could eventually damage the relays and trash the BCM. The issue had to do with voltage to the relays, the bypasses reduce it versas the OE voltage and reduced voltage on a relay contact can cause it to stick."



If I ever do install a bypass, it would be the GM approved Harness K.

 

That works.. Like the Nike commercial. "Just Do It!"

 

Once again you make it a point to let the forum know that you made your own CLB ($10). And you also make it a point not to share that info with the forum. You seem very knowledgable when it comes to electronics which is why I don't understand you not wanting to share that knowledge with others.

 

I believe I replied to you (either directly or via PM) about this once before.. I'll repeat;

Go buy a "single coil - latching / magnetic" relay. Read the stock GM schematics. Hook up relay to stock wiring harness. Enjoy.

As I said before, I'm not going to provide step by step detailed instructions; it will potentially short-sheet members like JimX, who I (assume) are still recv. revenue from such devices.

Maybe I'll just start making my own version, sell it for 20 buck and still make a profit.. Problem is, half the C.F. community is so "brainwashed" into thinking "$$ = quality" that I probably wouldn’t sell very many anyway. After all, a 20 dollar part can’t possibly be as good as a 75 dollar one, can it?

The main reason I mention the cheap CLB in the column lock threads is to drive home the fact that this issue is not at all complicated (but it must be because GM still hasn't fixed it yet, right?!?)

 

What is the " GM Harness K that is used for A4s. The best bet today is to buy the Harness K and install it to get the same GM solution provided to A4s."

I have a 6 speed and am not familiar with this. I assume the dealer is not going to do this for me under recall so can you tell me what part number I ask for and how I install.

Thanks

 

It is GM's bypass that they used for the automatic recall. They will not install this on the 6 speeds under the recall because by law there must be a lock (of which the auto's have in the shifter). The harness K is also a little more expensive (around $80), than an aftermarket bypass.


From another site:

"The relay kit, 88952427 also contains a revised lock plate that does NOT engage the lock actuator. This requires removing the steering wheel, airbag coil and lock plate. It does take some time.
You may have to purchase a lock plate compressor, T30 torx driver, and a steering wheel removal kit with legs, to complete the lock plate change."

 

I'll be your first customer Dan! Where do I send the money?
I've got the GM manuals and basic knowledge.
All I'm asking for is the part # of the relay.
Thanks

 

As Dan said, the CLB does not send voltage. The BCM sends a 12V line to the CLB and the CLB's relay switches the same 12V back as the simulated lock status EXACTLY as the CL originally did. I did not build my own CLB, but I have a technical background and reviewed the schematics in my service manuals to understand the circuit.

When the BCM receives a lock status that conflicts with what it's expecting, it set's a bit in memory to mark the mismatch which sets the SERVICE COLUMN LOCK message. If you clear the bit by pulling the fuse, the message does not reappear. The issue with some earlier C5s is not with the "voltage" of the (since it's actually generated by the BCM) but that the timing between when the CLB sends the status signal and when the BCM expects the status signal is slightly off resulting in the mismatch. No damage. The "GM" engineer you spoke to doesn't sound like he knows exactly how it works. It's no secret that GM did not like customers bypassing their designs - it's actually embarassing that customers fixed their problem for them. The Harness K is based on the CLB.

GM can't install it, but then again they wouldn't advocate the original CLB for legal reasons. So it's up to you, the customer, to take matters into your own hands (MN6 owners that is) and install it yourself to fix this defect once and for all. No recall work on an MN6 today will fix the defect, it only masks it.

 

Has anyone else gotten the "Service Column Lock" message and the column wasn't locking? Again I'm thrilled my column isn't locking but wish I could keep this message from appearing each time I start my car (without having to install a CLB). No codes are shown.

 

I'll be your first customer Dan! Where do I send the money?
I've got the GM manuals and basic knowledge.
All I'm asking for is the part # of the relay.
Thanks

 

Sure.. Your stock CL assembly is broken, so it isn’t toggling the feedback switch to the BCM anymore.. You were very lucky that it failed in the "open" position, rather than the "closed" position and requiring a call to the towing company..

It's crazy to take it to the dealer and have them replace the stock part. Just install the GM Harness-K and be done with it already.

 

I pulled the #25 fuse and reinstalled it. Now the column lock works perfect again and no DIC messages.

 

Same thing happened to me.

Get the msg at startup, but the column never locked.

After I realized the column was never locking, I thought it was great and drove it like that for about a year. I had a CLB but hadn't installed it.

Battery recently died, and upon switching to the new one, the BCM must have reset and now the damn thing works again. :

So I will be installing that CLB real soon.