Has anyone experienced the steering column lock. Our 2005 had to be towed yesterday after it locked up. This is the third time this has happened. Any suggetions or solutions?

 

Uh-oh!!! I haven't heard of any widespread problems with this on the C6.

This was a widespread problem on the C5 - so much so that a very popular mod on the C5 is the CLB (Column Lock Bypass) which keeps the column from locking and disabling the car. I don't know that anyone makes a CLB for the C6 as it hasn't seemed to become a problem.

Darn, I hope your problem is an isolated case and not a precursor to a lot of C6's having this problem!

Keep us posted if they come up with a long-term fix for your problem.

Bob

 

Not a common C6 problem!
I assume you have a manual tranny?
Anyway, do a search here, there have been a few SCL module failures reported on this forum.
And it surely has to go into the dealer for a diagnostic work up.

 

I'm sorry for you. My 2005 was towed twice for this problem with less than 2100 miles.

 

another guy in the general forum is c/o the same thing. Also I just read a sticky on this very problem with the c5's. in the Tech section. It described In detail what to do why it happens etc.

 

Assuming the c5 uses the same parts as the C6..here you go

Q What is the symptom of failure?
A Your steering wheel will not unlock and the DIC will display an error message "Service Steering Column Lock". Your owner's manual will instruct you to have your vehicle towed to the nearest GM dealer for repair.

Q What exactly causes this failure?
A When you insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position, the BCM (Body Control Module) sends a command to your Column Lock Motor to "unlock" and then checks a status line to ensure that the steering column is unlocked. If it gets the wrong status, it will display an error message as mentioned above. It can be caused by ECL (Electronic Column Lock) mechanism failure and occasionally by low battery voltage, which sometimes confuses the BCM.

Q Can anything be done to unlock the steering column once it has locked up?
A Sometimes; turn the ignition OFF and REMOVE the key. Shock your lock motor actuator assembly by jerking the steering wheel against the stops. Re-insert your key and try again. Also, if your battery voltage is low, charge your battery or replace it.

Q If my battery is discharged and I jump it to get the engine started, the alternator is now charging shouldn't the column unlock?
A NO; The whole unlock sequence occurs before you ever turn your key to start your engine. If the battery is too low, you will probably have trouble with your column lock. Several folks have replaced their battery and the column lock problem has never occurred since.

Not that this will help..Good luck

 

My dad just had his 98 C5 towed into the dealer last week to fix his locked steering column, there was a big recall on this, hopefully it does not happen to the C6's.

 

Been there...done that...got the t-shirt...

It does and has happened to C6's...not fun to see your car on a rollback on the way to the dealer...

 

The good news is, failure of the SCL on '05 C6 MN6's is so small that it's insignificant. The bad news is, it's hapening to you. The recall of C5's now eliminates/disables the SCL on ALL domestic C5's and is no longer used on C6's ....... EXCEPT ....... 2005's with manual transmissions. It's expected that approval will be obtained to remove/disable the SCL on '05's but to my knowledge has not yet occured.

Although the SCL parts are similar, they're not the same as the C5, nor is the functionality due to the C6's shutdown procedure (park in reverse). Therefor, an aftermarket bypass kit is not available and probably never will be available as development for a single model year (manual only) is not cost effective?

Lastly, low battery voltage is probably the primary reason for SCL failures, particularly when you consider all the battery failures in C6's (DBS).

 

After so many years with the C5 gm hasn't gotten the column lock bs sorted out yet? Sad

 

The C6 column lock issue has little relation to the C5 problem except maybe the name....

 

my 05 mn6 is at the dealer right now for this. had to have it towed monday. i havent heard from them yet as to what the problem is.

 

Ohh. My mistake. :o

 

I had this happen twice, first time at home, undid the coller around the the colum, two torx bit, used a screw driver tapped it with a hammer and the lock unlocked. Second time I was away from home, I left the coller off, it would not unlock, again i tapped it unlocked. Never happened again. Traded the car in with the parts in a bag. For another Vette of course.

 

Is there a C6 defeat for this steering lock thing?

 

Not yet....

 

Hopefully they're real close:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1482963

This probably will fix the SCL and DBS issues.

 

It happened again since I first posted....hopefully it is finally fixed this time after a few days at the dealer!

Thanks for all the info!

 

i just got mine back from the dealer yesterday after 2 weeks. they did not fix anything related to the column lock. they said they could not duplicate the problem so they cant fix it. i understand where they are comming from but it still sucks cause i just have to wait for it to happen again and get another tow.

 

Could you please restate the details of your problem?