column lock not locking - bad?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 173
From: San Jose Ca
column lock not locking - bad?
A few days ago I noticed that when shutting off the car (and shifting the trans to reverse - its an 05) that the steering column isn't being locked. When I start the car the buzz of the column lock actuator is silent. I've had my share of service column lock messages on the DIC with the car not starting, and even had the CLA replaced by the dealer that didn't solve the problem. I'm wondering if the column not being locked is a good thing? Should I leave it alone?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 497
Likes: 21
From: Garner NC
If the BCM doesn't get the right signal from the column lock module, your car will not start. I'd take it back and make the dealer fix it. The actuator not moving could be a prelude to the module failing altogether.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 173
From: San Jose Ca
It took me three rounds at the dealer before they replaced the actuator. It took about two months on the new actuator before the SCL messages returned and the car would not start without multiple attempts again. Most of the time it starts with no problems, but every now and then it still happens. Zero confidence with the dealers service department.
The car still starts fine despite the lack of column lock actuation, so the BCM is getting some kind of signal to start. But I hear what you're saying. Could be just a matter of time.
The car still starts fine despite the lack of column lock actuation, so the BCM is getting some kind of signal to start. But I hear what you're saying. Could be just a matter of time.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 173
From: San Jose Ca
another month
has gone by without a hiccup in starting the car. It sits for 3 plus days at a time and no issues with starting. The column lock continues to stay silent, and it starts right up immediately.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles CA
if i remember correctly, i believe mine went silent sometimes before eventually failing repeatedly to start the car.
when the dealer replaced the actuator, you should have instantly felt/heard the difference in the "zing" when the motor works.
mine was replaced 1.5 years ago and it's been working fine since, although the motor's zing is probably not as strong as it was when first replaced.
mine is a daily driver with multiple start ups made during a day, so at the rate you are starting the car, if you had your actuator replaced within the last 3 years, i would think it should not be failing again already.
i am suspecting for your scenario of non-use, it may actually be a dying battery. when was the last time you changed your battery? my car seems to go through autozone battery in ~2 years (luckily first time it was before 2 years so got a free replacement battery. then had to pay prorated for the next one after less than 2 years on that
)
when the dealer replaced the actuator, you should have instantly felt/heard the difference in the "zing" when the motor works.
mine was replaced 1.5 years ago and it's been working fine since, although the motor's zing is probably not as strong as it was when first replaced.
mine is a daily driver with multiple start ups made during a day, so at the rate you are starting the car, if you had your actuator replaced within the last 3 years, i would think it should not be failing again already.
i am suspecting for your scenario of non-use, it may actually be a dying battery. when was the last time you changed your battery? my car seems to go through autozone battery in ~2 years (luckily first time it was before 2 years so got a free replacement battery. then had to pay prorated for the next one after less than 2 years on that
)
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
steering column lock possible fix
I have a 05 man trans corvette that just had the steering column lock replaced 5 months ago and it failed again already. So I took my old steering column lock apart and its just a electric motor that fails to move the lock pin in and out. There is a little switch(button) inside the scl housing that needs to be pressed in order for the car to start. The steering needs to be in the unlock mode in order for the pin to push the switch. I just remove the lock pin from the scl completly and glued a piece of plastic holding the switch down. The car starts right up and runs good so far. Ill keep everyone posted on if I run into any problems. Hopefully this is the bypass that everybody has been looking for. Keep in mind my steering will no longer lock though.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,493
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
If your situation starts an episode of DBS, the battery will die in 24-48 hrs depending on your battery strength, since it drains at about a 1 amp/Hr rate. So on day #3 after shutting down, if the little red light is still flashing near your radio, you're good to go for at least few weeks without a dead battery.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles CA
I have a 05 man trans corvette that just had the steering column lock replaced 5 months ago and it failed again already. So I took my old steering column lock apart and its just a electric motor that fails to move the lock pin in and out. There is a little switch(button) inside the scl housing that needs to be pressed in order for the car to start. The steering needs to be in the unlock mode in order for the pin to push the switch. I just remove the lock pin from the scl completly and glued a piece of plastic holding the switch down. The car starts right up and runs good so far. Ill keep everyone posted on if I run into any problems. Hopefully this is the bypass that everybody has been looking for. Keep in mind my steering will no longer lock though.
please update if you have any issues later with your fix, because it sounds promising.
steering not locking shouldn't be a problem, i thought 2006+ doesn't have the steering column lock at all.
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
steering column fix
yes, if you take apart that stl you will see a little button that the lock pin pushes in when unlocked. Its been 2 days now and over 100 miles on the car and everything seems to be working perfect. I am afraid that the battery could go dead though because of the fact that the bcm is not recieving signal that the steering column is locked. So ill keep everybody posted on it for sure every couple days. If everything is still good after a week ill post pictures and directions on what I did.
Last edited by ao22087; Jun 12, 2011 at 12:07 AM. Reason: spelling
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Sunny Melbourne FL
I have an 05 manual C6 as well. My issue is with the non-start as well. Replaced the battery about 2 months ago when it first stranded me. I do not get any error messages related to it, car just will not start. I do hear a buzz/humm like it is trying to unlock the steering column which is not locked. I have gotten in the practice of tugging on the steering column each time I exit to ensure it locks. Last night I got a book out of the car and it probably unlocked the column but new got it relocked......
If there is a way to overide the column lock I am all ears. I have had my hush panel off the steering column for about 3 months and have not seen the SAHS codes since(they were there just about daily before removing the panel). If someone can show a picture of the part being removed relative to the other components it would helpful.
thanks,
If there is a way to overide the column lock I am all ears. I have had my hush panel off the steering column for about 3 months and have not seen the SAHS codes since(they were there just about daily before removing the panel). If someone can show a picture of the part being removed relative to the other components it would helpful.
thanks,
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 2
From: Lexington TN. Retired Navy
It took me three rounds at the dealer before they replaced the actuator. It took about two months on the new actuator before the SCL messages returned and the car would not start without multiple attempts again. Most of the time it starts with no problems, but every now and then it still happens. Zero confidence with the dealers service department.
Dragonfly, you may be able to either remove it or disable it just like on the C5's (can't remember which) maybe removed. Dealers wont remove it though because it's considered part of anti theft device.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
steering column
yes you have to remove the airbag, steering wheel, steering column plastic, lower kick panel under steering column, plastic around gauge cluster, and the gauge cluster. reason for all that is the wire attached to the scl goes all the way up and behind the gauge cluster on the right side. you do need a steering wheel remover set. you can get one at harbor freight that will do the job for around 40 bucks. It does take a while to do and it all fits together like a puzzle so take pictures if you have to for when you piece it back together. btw...my car is still working perfect since I did it so it does work if that is whats wrong with yours!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
yeah im not having the greatest luck either...battery needed replaced in the spring, both window motors broke($350 a piece my cost I work for gm), the scl problem, both door handle touch pads, and now my a/c compressor just went to hell...about to spend another $400 on that.