---------- damn column lock -------------
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,064
Likes: 6
From: Pinellas Park Florida
I have a 2005 manual C6. Long story short, yes I have read the millions of threads on this issue, what the hell can I do about this crap without spending $1,000? 3 times this week, since it started getting colder I have had to disconnect my battery and re-connect to start my car. It also happened last time it got cold. I have a brand new Red Top Optima battery, DO NOT get the "column lock engaged" message on the dash. The car just won't start, the column lock mechanism doesn't make a sound, the steering wheel is not locked, the car thinks it's started and the headlights turn on, but nothing happens. So that leads me to believe that it's the module. (electrical problem vs. mechanical) If I just replace the module, do you guys think that will fix the problem? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Your taking the battery off line will stop working after a time-what you need to try first is twisting the steering wheel back and forth hard to try to free up the lock. What is ready bad is the SCL malfunction blocks the car from properly shutting down and drains the battery. You will get all kinds of error messages that will confuse the dealership-sorry there isn't a better or cheap solution
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 319
Likes: 147
From: Kerrville, TX
You're right it's not your battery. And it's not your starter.
From what I remember, the service column lock message does not even appear.
All lights come on, but nothing happens when you press start.
The first time it did it, the starter or something was making a tick sound every time I pressed start.
Later on the symptom changed to no sound at all, just all the lights on but no start.
The only tell tale sign is the delayed action or slow/lazy sound of the column lock pin as it dies a slow death (working on some days, then giving up on other days).
When you get the new column lock, the zing sound of the column lock will amaze you, lol.
Dealer seemed to have a hard time diagnosing it, even though they were in touch with GM tech center with all the diagnostic stuff.
In the end I tried to suggest/give the part# to the dealer 2 times after I read the posts from 1988Bullitt.
Luckily on the second suggestion, they traced it to the column lock and replaced exactly that part#...
It was a frustrating and expensive ordeal going back to the dealer some 5 times before finally getting a working car.
You have the advantage of getting straight to the point based on symptoms and avoid replacing unrelated parts.
Read the posts by 1988Bullitt, as he went through a lot of troubleshooting and I felt he best described my symptoms EXACTLY, which is why I felt confident in suggesting his part# to my dealer...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ock-again.html
See if his descriptions match what you are experiencing.
In the meantime, if you get stuck somewhere, you can get it started sometimes after a prayer or you can start the car by push starting while leaving the ignition in the on position (I did a lot of these during my ordeal...)
From what I remember, the service column lock message does not even appear.
All lights come on, but nothing happens when you press start.
The first time it did it, the starter or something was making a tick sound every time I pressed start.
Later on the symptom changed to no sound at all, just all the lights on but no start.
The only tell tale sign is the delayed action or slow/lazy sound of the column lock pin as it dies a slow death (working on some days, then giving up on other days).
When you get the new column lock, the zing sound of the column lock will amaze you, lol.
Dealer seemed to have a hard time diagnosing it, even though they were in touch with GM tech center with all the diagnostic stuff.
In the end I tried to suggest/give the part# to the dealer 2 times after I read the posts from 1988Bullitt.
Luckily on the second suggestion, they traced it to the column lock and replaced exactly that part#...
It was a frustrating and expensive ordeal going back to the dealer some 5 times before finally getting a working car.
You have the advantage of getting straight to the point based on symptoms and avoid replacing unrelated parts.
Read the posts by 1988Bullitt, as he went through a lot of troubleshooting and I felt he best described my symptoms EXACTLY, which is why I felt confident in suggesting his part# to my dealer...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ock-again.html
See if his descriptions match what you are experiencing.
In the meantime, if you get stuck somewhere, you can get it started sometimes after a prayer or you can start the car by push starting while leaving the ignition in the on position (I did a lot of these during my ordeal...)
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles CA
If you are experiencing what he's describing (for me, I believe symptom#1 eventually became symptom#2 where the steering wheel does not even lock sometimes), and I think you are, column lock should be the culprit, as it was in my case as well.
The only difference between your case and my/1988Bullitt's cases would be, ours starts to happen when hot, yours when cold.
But I think it all leads to the same eventual death of the column lock.
I am sure you could go on for months longer, as mine did still start on most days, but with that slow/lazy column lock sound that makes your heart stop each time wondering if it will start or not...
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles CA
Oh, also. On the last visit to the dealer, they pulled code B2515
Quick look up online showed this:
DTC B2515 Strg Whl Cont Illegal Resistance Value
I have no idea why the dealer never got this code until the 5th visit. They did tell me that a different, electrical expert tech worked on the car when they finally confirmed the problem.
So check if the dealer sees any B2515 code somewhere.
Not sure if a regular OBD II can pull this code, my OBD II reader never found anything during the multiple no-starts.
Quick look up online showed this:
DTC B2515 Strg Whl Cont Illegal Resistance Value
I have no idea why the dealer never got this code until the 5th visit. They did tell me that a different, electrical expert tech worked on the car when they finally confirmed the problem.
So check if the dealer sees any B2515 code somewhere.
Not sure if a regular OBD II can pull this code, my OBD II reader never found anything during the multiple no-starts.
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I had the same issue on my '05 but I would get the DIC column lock message. Dealer replaced the column lock module with no improvement. Then the column lock motor which hasn't completely fixed the problem, but it rarely happens now. From what i have read, there is a defect in the manufacturing of the column lock motor itself so no matter how many times they replace it, you will keep having this problem. Last I checked, GM wont' issue a recall since there aren't enough of us with this problem. If GM was straight up, they would replace the whole steering column on all 2005's with the 2006 non-column lock system. But again they just won't at this time.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 319
Likes: 147
From: Kerrville, TX
I plan on replacing the column lock soon, hopefully it will start to warm up, since it only gives me problems in the cold weather. I wonder how much the whole steering column is? That might be worth doing, I'm already going to spend at least $370 for the column lock, and like you said there's no guarantee that it will be a permanent fix.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 319
Likes: 147
From: Kerrville, TX
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 569
Likes: 3
From: Florida
I don't think you could just replace the column to an 06. You would also need to replace the BCM, and possibly the PCM.
The BCM is waiting on data/communication from the steering column lock control module(the little black box that the ribbon cable plugs into). If the motor(steering wheel theft deterrent lock in GM's world) doesn't move.....no signal gets sent to the module....which in turn doesn't send signal to the BCM. When the BCM gets no signal...the car doesn't start...and you get the service column lock message or have others reported you get nothing.
So if you just took the control module and theft deterrent lock out, and replace it with another column that didn't have it.....your stock BCM would still be waiting for signal regardless.
The BCM is waiting on data/communication from the steering column lock control module(the little black box that the ribbon cable plugs into). If the motor(steering wheel theft deterrent lock in GM's world) doesn't move.....no signal gets sent to the module....which in turn doesn't send signal to the BCM. When the BCM gets no signal...the car doesn't start...and you get the service column lock message or have others reported you get nothing.
So if you just took the control module and theft deterrent lock out, and replace it with another column that didn't have it.....your stock BCM would still be waiting for signal regardless.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 319
Likes: 147
From: Kerrville, TX
I don't think you could just replace the column to an 06. You would also need to replace the BCM, and possibly the PCM.
The BCM is waiting on data/communication from the steering column lock control module(the little black box that the ribbon cable plugs into). If the motor(steering wheel theft deterrent lock in GM's world) doesn't move.....no signal gets sent to the module....which in turn doesn't send signal to the BCM. When the BCM gets no signal...the car doesn't start...and you get the service column lock message or have others reported you get nothing.
So if you just took the control module and theft deterrent lock out, and replace it with another column that didn't have it.....your stock BCM would still be waiting for signal regardless.
The BCM is waiting on data/communication from the steering column lock control module(the little black box that the ribbon cable plugs into). If the motor(steering wheel theft deterrent lock in GM's world) doesn't move.....no signal gets sent to the module....which in turn doesn't send signal to the BCM. When the BCM gets no signal...the car doesn't start...and you get the service column lock message or have others reported you get nothing.
So if you just took the control module and theft deterrent lock out, and replace it with another column that didn't have it.....your stock BCM would still be waiting for signal regardless.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 569
Likes: 3
From: Florida
No detailed...I should have taken pictures as I went along. Biggest deal is getting the steering wheel off. There are detailed instructions for that somewhere. After that you will just have to follow up underneath the dash to get the cable unplugged from the control module. You can get to it without taking the whole dash apart(all I did was drop the lower cover and don't think I really needed to do that)...it isn't the easiest thing in the world as it's in a tight spot.
Maybe take pictures along the way like I should have done...LOL..
Maybe take pictures along the way like I should have done...LOL..
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
That makes sense. I just got a Service Column Lock message last night, took 2 times pressing the start button for the car to start. It barely started! I'm going to order the part tomorrow and replace it ASAP. Are there any detailed directions for replacing the lock out there?
I was getting the "service steering column" message (4 times), but it eventually started. This morning it did nothing. The column was unlocked and the lights came on - but no start.
It was freezing this morning also.The last corvette I had was in 1990. I really like driving this car when it starts. If I had known about the starting issues with this car i would have got a 06 model.
Thanks for your posts.Please post your results or PM me.
Thanks much,
Roy
Last edited by racerboyroy; Feb 15, 2010 at 12:42 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 319
Likes: 147
From: Kerrville, TX
------------- UPDATE------------- Got the column lock replaced today, it took 6 hours and lots of tools and patience. There were several road blocks. Getting the steering wheel off was FUN! Sticking an alan wrench in a small hole trying to find a piece of metal to release the clips that hold the airbag on took 30min and 2 people. Once the air bag was off the steering wheel and everything behind it came off fairly easy. Then finding the module and getting to it to disconnect the old wiring and connect the new. The hardest part was getting the lock ring back on the column that holds the column lock on. Then is was downhill, just putting stuff back on. The car started right up (it's not cold today) and the sound was definately different and faster when unlocking the steering column. We'll see how it works the next time it gets cold, but for now it's working perfectly. I don't have time to go into a detailed write up and didn't take pictures. If you can replace a clutch or install headers and have lots of tools including clamps, vice grips, torx bits, etc. you can do this yourself. If anyone needs help or has questions feel free to ask. I'd also like to thank all the forum members for responses and advice as I would not have been able to do this without you guys!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 569
Likes: 3
From: Florida
------------- UPDATE------------- Got the column lock replaced today, it took 6 hours and lots of tools and patience. There were several road blocks. Getting the steering wheel off was FUN! Sticking an alan wrench in a small hole trying to find a piece of metal to release the clips that hold the airbag on took 30min and 2 people. Once the air bag was off the steering wheel and everything behind it came off fairly easy. Then finding the module and getting to it to disconnect the old wiring and connect the new. The hardest part was getting the lock ring back on the column that holds the column lock on. Then is was downhill, just putting stuff back on. The car started right up (it's not cold today) and the sound was definately different and faster when unlocking the steering column. We'll see how it works the next time it gets cold, but for now it's working perfectly. I don't have time to go into a detailed write up and didn't take pictures. If you can replace a clutch or install headers and have lots of tools including clamps, vice grips, torx bits, etc. you can do this yourself. If anyone needs help or has questions feel free to ask. I'd also like to thank all the forum members for responses and advice as I would not have been able to do this without you guys!
Saved yourself money too. I also had a fit with getting the wheel off. It was the hardest part for me really. I couldn't see inside or how the clips worked. So ditto....I know there are some detailed instructions on getting the wheel off...so others who do this on your own...find them...and read them first....then you are good to go...
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles CA
Cool, that makes 2 people who have replaced the column lock on their own with reprogramming BCM and saved $$$, unlike me
I can imagine the grin on your face when you first heard that ZING sound of the new lock, LOL.
Mine has been starting fine except for 2 instances when I had to give a 2nd try to start (and thought maybe my clutch wasn't fully down maybe?).
Hope yours is fixed for good.
I am sure I will get a chance to try self-service in about 4~5 years when the column lock dies again.
I can imagine the grin on your face when you first heard that ZING sound of the new lock, LOL.
Mine has been starting fine except for 2 instances when I had to give a 2nd try to start (and thought maybe my clutch wasn't fully down maybe?).
Hope yours is fixed for good.
I am sure I will get a chance to try self-service in about 4~5 years when the column lock dies again.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 319
Likes: 147
From: Kerrville, TX
Good job!!!
Saved yourself money too. I also had a fit with getting the wheel off. It was the hardest part for me really. I couldn't see inside or how the clips worked. So ditto....I know there are some detailed instructions on getting the wheel off...so others who do this on your own...find them...and read them first....then you are good to go...
Saved yourself money too. I also had a fit with getting the wheel off. It was the hardest part for me really. I couldn't see inside or how the clips worked. So ditto....I know there are some detailed instructions on getting the wheel off...so others who do this on your own...find them...and read them first....then you are good to go...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 319
Likes: 147
From: Kerrville, TX
Cool, that makes 2 people who have replaced the column lock on their own with reprogramming BCM and saved $$$, unlike me
I can imagine the grin on your face when you first heard that ZING sound of the new lock, LOL.
Mine has been starting fine except for 2 instances when I had to give a 2nd try to start (and thought maybe my clutch wasn't fully down maybe?).
Hope yours is fixed for good.
I am sure I will get a chance to try self-service in about 4~5 years when the column lock dies again.
I can imagine the grin on your face when you first heard that ZING sound of the new lock, LOL.
Mine has been starting fine except for 2 instances when I had to give a 2nd try to start (and thought maybe my clutch wasn't fully down maybe?).
Hope yours is fixed for good.
I am sure I will get a chance to try self-service in about 4~5 years when the column lock dies again.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Questions
Would it be possible to unplug the old column lock, plug in a new one (less the metal bracket that comes with it) and tie wrap the new lock somewhere under the dash? If the old unit works once to unlock the column, then unplugging should stop it from relocking. This would make any second repair (if the new column lock failed) very simple.
Thoughts????
Thoughts????