Hi all,

Not exactly a regular poster, but obviously do read the forums. I'm a '05 C6 MN6 owner- Precision Red.

I hadn't used the car for probably about 3 weeks, then used it for about a 50 mile trip, then it sat again in parking garage in my apt building for another 2 weeks. Lo and behold, it would not start at all the other day. Called AAA for a jump start and....NOTHING. Tried it one more time and got the "Service Column Lock" error message on the DIC. Got my own portable battery charger and tried to plug it into the lighter outlet and all lights, radio, etc. comes on but can't start it (after recommended 30 min hooked up). Tried to jump start it myself but not even a whimper (may be b/c charger itself was lower, but probably didn't make a difference). Judging by the other posts, it probably needs to be towed, likely not DBS, but who knows and column lock issue probably b/c of low/dead battery.

Question is, from those of you who have had your cars towed, is there anything particular you think I should know? The car is in a parking garage on the 2nd floor, pretty tight conditions, so I'm a little concerned about have it towed out of there, but don't really have a choice. Secondly, I have Onstar and do you know if they pay for towing and up to how far? Is it better to use Onstar service vs. AAA? If so, why?

Thanks in advance for you help. Keep up the good work on this forum...very useful information!

B2S

 

First, the column lock is your problem, not the battery. Yes the battery may have been the initial issue, but it will not start now, even if you replace the battery.

I mention this because the locked column will make it difficult to get the car towed safely. It happened to me on my '99 vert. The battery physically broke open and failed, and then the column wouldn't unlock, etc.

Hopefully, your wheels point straight ahead. If so, a flatbed will work (although you may scrape the front air dam getting it on). It is quite difficult to get the car towed conventionally. There just isn't a lot of clearance under the front end to lift the back.

Good luck. My story ended okay (no real damage), but I was really concerned.

 

Flat bed is the only way. You probably had DBS or a bad battery. As far as jumping it did you leave the cables on for awhile with the other car running at a fast idle? Good luck and let us know what happens. FYI the dealer has a flash for the DBS issue and should correct that. The battery is around two years old so it could need replacing.

 

Before I let some bozo yank my car out of a tight spot in a garage, I would get a fresh battery and install it there. You should then be able to operate normally.

 

I disagree. An actual column lock failure is way down on the list as far as possibilities here. C6 is way different than C5.
And a DIC service warning reflecting the column lock is very common with any C6 dead battery from any cause.
Most likely just a dying, dead or bad battery.
DBS or a charging system problem are unlikely, but possibilities too.
Given a longer charge, or a jump, the car probably would have started.
I would definitely try this before using a tow service!
Sometimes it helps to disconnect the battery negative for 10 minutes or more to reset things, and let the car start.

 

ive had mine towed twice for the column lock issue. both times the dealer checked out the battery and they claim it is fine. after about 30 minutes of waiting the car starts right up. now the dealer wants to replace the lock itself...we'll see if that works. as far as towing...flatbed is the only way to go. call 1800-chev-usa and as long as the car is still under warranty they will take care of all the charges. if the driver is smary he will have some wood ramps or something to keep the front end from scaping on the truck. my car is lowered front and rear and it still makes it up onto the truck with no scraping.

 

I agree, Column lock is a normal default code on a C6 iwht low voltage. DBS will occur within 2 days of shutting down, since your car was left for longer than that it cannot be determined if you had DBS or just a weak battery that gave out normally. I would firs open the hood and check the battery voltage if it is less than 4 volts the battery is DEAD. I wolud then put a new or serviceable battery in and try to start it normally lastly the tow
Jack+

 

I had my '97 towed twice, both times for column lock. The first time they had to drag it out of my garage and put it on a flatbed. They used some boards, but still had to drag the radiator supports across my garage floor, I can still see the marks they left. The second time I was at work in the parkng garage. There was not enough vertical clearance for a flatbed, so one of those trucks that clamps around/under the rear wheels had to come. The driver had a heck of a time getting out of the garage up a steep ramp. He drove very slow until the rears started to scrap, then got out and raised the rear, then got back in and moved three feet until it scraped again, repeated over and over until he hit the top of the ramp, then had to lower the rears every few feet until he was completely out on a level street. He then towed the car to the dealer on the fronts with the rears barely off the ground. Promised me he would be careful and go slow, delivered it safely, and I never had any problems afterwards so I guess it worked ok. He was unusually conscientious.

 

Been there... My 2005 MN6 had a severe case of DSB whereby two different GM roadside assistance could not start the car. With the low voltage, the system trips all sorts of error codes including steering lock module, etc. My car was pushed out of my garage (private home) and the steering wheel was not locked so we were able to manage positioning the car to be placed onto the flatbed.

I agree that only a flatbed should be used and care is still necessary as they load the car onto the bed. This car is low. Luckily, all worked out at the end with a reflash and a new battery.

Good luck

 

Thanks for your responses, Roadside Assistance will be here in the morning to hopefully....*fingers crossed*...at least get it started to get it the hell out of the parking garage...will keep you posted...