Push Button Start takes 3 or 4 attempts before initializing???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 862
Likes: 362
From: Maumelle AR
Push Button Start takes 3 or 4 attempts before initializing???
My 2005 C6 base, 6 speed manual sometimes, (Usually after a few days without running), the Push Button Start takes 3 or 4 attempts before initializing. What I mean by initializing is ... after the button is pushed several times, it will make an 'electronic" type sound ... "errrrrrn", then starter engages and car starts. It seems to me this electronic sound is some type of initializing. Problem is, that sometimes I have to hit the start button 3, 4 or 5 times, putting it in and out of gear before I hear the electronic initialization. Once I hear that sound, I know the car is about to engage and start.
Do all 6 speed manual 2005 Vettes make this initialization sound before the engine begins turnover?, or do they simply start at the second the start button is touched? I know whatever the case, the multiple attempts is not normal, but now I wonder if that electronic sound is even normal? I've seen something pop up on the information display about "Steering column, ***", ... can't remember exactly, but not always.
Do all 6 speed manual 2005 Vettes make this initialization sound before the engine begins turnover?, or do they simply start at the second the start button is touched? I know whatever the case, the multiple attempts is not normal, but now I wonder if that electronic sound is even normal? I've seen something pop up on the information display about "Steering column, ***", ... can't remember exactly, but not always.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 310
Likes: 24
From: Minnesota
When I was looking at used C6s, two of them that I checked the service history on (out of not very many) had the ignition buttons replaced under warranty. They might have more than one set of contacts in them, where one is working and one isn't? No idea, just a coincidence I thought I'd pass on.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 173
From: San Jose Ca
Did it say "service column lock"? The buzzing you hear is the column lock actuator retracting the locking pin on the steering column.
And welcome to the party on this one. You're in for some reading, and a lot of frustration. Hope you're still under warranty, not that that is of much help on this issue.
And welcome to the party on this one. You're in for some reading, and a lot of frustration. Hope you're still under warranty, not that that is of much help on this issue.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 862
Likes: 362
From: Maumelle AR
Did it say "service column lock"? The buzzing you hear is the column lock actuator retracting the locking pin on the steering column.
And welcome to the party on this one. You're in for some reading, and a lot of frustration. Hope you're still under warranty, not that that is of much help on this issue.
And welcome to the party on this one. You're in for some reading, and a lot of frustration. Hope you're still under warranty, not that that is of much help on this issue.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth Texas
No recall and short answer your screwed.
No column lock by-pass is available either. If you pay someone to do it your looking at close to $1,000 I think. Basically it does it cause your column lock motor is going out so when it's cold especially it will struggle to disengage which is why you have to cycle it a few times. When it's warm it does it less. When the car has been sitting a few days it will usually do it as well. BTW I have a '05 as well. This is the only year for the column lock so we are so lucky to have it!!
No column lock by-pass is available either. If you pay someone to do it your looking at close to $1,000 I think. Basically it does it cause your column lock motor is going out so when it's cold especially it will struggle to disengage which is why you have to cycle it a few times. When it's warm it does it less. When the car has been sitting a few days it will usually do it as well. BTW I have a '05 as well. This is the only year for the column lock so we are so lucky to have it!!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 862
Likes: 362
From: Maumelle AR
Man, this really pzzes me off! I mean, c'mon GM ... Why??? I left GM 25 years ago because of stupid, half azz engineering that was throughout the Z28 I had at that time.
Ok, ..ok, Is this column lock something I can do, or will I likely have an airbag explode, knock the **** out of me, and rob me of my latter year's hearing? Sorry, ... but I ain't used to car problems for the last 25 years!
Ok, ..ok, Is this column lock something I can do, or will I likely have an airbag explode, knock the **** out of me, and rob me of my latter year's hearing? Sorry, ... but I ain't used to car problems for the last 25 years!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,289
Likes: 129
From: Providence Forge, VA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
There were tons of problems with the column lock issue on the C5 and I couldn't believe the C6 came out with it in 2005. From 2006 on they removed it.
Please make double sure your battery is good and on a battery tender. In some cases a weak battery has delivered this message. Here's a lengthy thread on the issue for additional discussion on column locks:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...mn-lock-2.html
If you search for "column lock" on CF you will find lots more.
Good luck, hope you can resolve it.
Please make double sure your battery is good and on a battery tender. In some cases a weak battery has delivered this message. Here's a lengthy thread on the issue for additional discussion on column locks:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...mn-lock-2.html
If you search for "column lock" on CF you will find lots more.
Good luck, hope you can resolve it.
Last edited by foremaw; Jan 2, 2011 at 05:01 AM.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 862
Likes: 362
From: Maumelle AR
Man, I just don't know if it's worth it. This battery tender deal is almost enough to push me out alone! The idea that I have to keep a $50,000 car (When new) plugged in the wall just to be able to start it is assinine to me! Now comes this ridiculous problem that GM fought the entire C5 production run, and its put into the fresahly new C6 ???, ... only to remove it after one year???? You mean you just figured out this was a bad idea after fighting it unsuccessfully for 9 years ??? Where is Ralph Nader when you need him!!??
I stress too easily, depress too easily ... and this just adds to my discomfort. How can I be comfortable with a car that I KNOW ... is just looking for the right opportunity to strand me? I just bought the car ... It's beautiful, ... Borla catback, Z06 rims ... and suspect reliability.
As I stated earlier, I went to foriegn sports cars about 25 years ago, and swore I'd never settle for mediocrity engineering again. Now, aside from the exotics, no one's building sport coupes, foriegn or domestic except for the Corvette, so here I am. Bewildered
I stress too easily, depress too easily ... and this just adds to my discomfort. How can I be comfortable with a car that I KNOW ... is just looking for the right opportunity to strand me? I just bought the car ... It's beautiful, ... Borla catback, Z06 rims ... and suspect reliability.
As I stated earlier, I went to foriegn sports cars about 25 years ago, and swore I'd never settle for mediocrity engineering again. Now, aside from the exotics, no one's building sport coupes, foriegn or domestic except for the Corvette, so here I am. Bewildered
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,289
Likes: 129
From: Providence Forge, VA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
I only mention the battery because its a common cause of issues on C6s. Since you have a 2005, you need to always park it with the M6 in Reverse or you incur some battery drain. If you park it in Reverse and drive it daily or very regularly, you may not need a battery tender. If not, a tender helps. There's no stress to it, you park the car and put the plug in (if you don't plan on driving it for a while). Do you still have the original battery? If so, it may need to be replaced. None of this is a big deal. I'm just trying to eliminate the simple stuff first.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Check the static battery voltage first. You'll need a good 12.5 or above for things to work correctly although some have had things work with less. In order to work on the column lock yourself, you'll need a set of manuals. I suggest first a code reader so you can find out what its complaining about.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,113
Likes: 8
From: Pottsboro; Sometimes Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '12
I only mention the battery because its a common cause of issues on C6s. Since you have a 2005, you need to always park it with the M6 in Reverse or you incur some battery drain. If you park it in Reverse and drive it daily or very regularly, you may not need a battery tender. If not, a tender helps. There's no stress to it, you park the car and put the plug in (if you don't plan on driving it for a while). Do you still have the original battery? If so, it may need to be replaced. None of this is a big deal. I'm just trying to eliminate the simple stuff first.
When anything electrical is suspect, always rule out battery first with C6, especially '05's....edit: I have read there is a computer update as well for electrical usage while parked on '05's....maybe someone with a '05 can chime in....and concur or not
