CLB

[PeterG]

Has anyone installed a Column Lock Bypass on a stick shift and had any further troubles with anything, including the BCM, the column locking anyway, or anything else?

 

[vett boy]

I've had it for three years and 30,000 miles-no problem her

 

[zagger]

Had my in for over a year, only wish I had installed it sooner. Now I drive and park enywhere with confidence that I won't get stuck.:J

 

[Gotash]

I've had since this summer and have not had a problem.

Has anyone installed a Column Lock Bypass on a stick shift and had any further troubles with anything, including the BCM, the column locking anyway, or anything else?

 

[Dave]

I installed mine myself two years ago...no problems.

 

[Vettdude]

Column Lock

Need your input please....

I have had my 2000 '6 speed' Vette in 3 times for the column lock issue...
The last time they got me for $1000.00 to replace the BCM, plus towing!

It's now only 5 months later and I got the old "pull key wait 10 sec." BULL CRAP again and today I can not get the car to go over the magic 2 miles per hour mark before it shuts the fuel pump off - AGAIN!

I'm considering getting an aftermarket version of the column lock bypass from Thunder Racing for 45.95 (unless someone knows of a better one?) and installing it myself.... As well as by passing the relay they installed by the BCM with a jumper wire!

Any other great ideas out there that could help out - short of going postal on the local Chev Service Center?

This really SUCKS!!!! ;help

PS: I managed to get the BCM that came out of my car when they did the swap (Even though they didn't want to give it to me) - Does anyone know of a way or place I could send it to, to have it checked out??? I just have to question if the BCM was ever really bad???

Thank You guys for any help you may give!

 

[c4c5specialist]

H Ithere,
First, if I were you, I would document every receipt and contact GM on that 1000 bill you got.
Special policy 05081 is in effect for Corvette and you MAY have recourse on that bill, especially since you have a 2k4.
Next, according to that special policy, you will be able to get it repaired at no cost.
I have seen both sides of this CLB, both good and bad, so as with everything else on Corvette there are 2 sides.
Allthebest, :bash

 

[PeterG]

Eliminating the problem: 1, 2, 3

This is how I eliminated the column lock problem on my '99 C5.

1.) Per GM Product Safety Policy GMP06-029-05081, variously known as Special Policy Adjustment 05081, in force until February, 2008, with my last lock up, I specifically detailed to the dealer that my column locked up again. They removed the lock plate and installed their harness kit "K". The mechanic who installed harness "K" told me that it may fail, but they have found that if they install it in a certain upright position, it may not fail.

This is nothing less than ongoing, serious incompetence and bad engineering by GM.

~~~~~~~~

2.) I installed a column lock bypass. That was three weeks ago. I bought it from Corvettes of Houston. Their phone is 800-829-6434.

It cost about $45. I had two experiences where I was stranded, the car flatbedded, and my activites seriously disrupted. Since, I park in the lower level of my high rise where it would be impossible to get the car removed around the turns and up a ramp, I was not going to allow GM to do this to me again.

When I ordered the CLB, I had it shipped next day air nearly doubling my cost. I had it installed the following day.

It was worth every penny. I should have done it years ago. Finally, I can relax believing that the car is likely to start wherever I may be. I spoke with everyone I know who owns a C5 and every local Chicago mechanic I know.

No one reports any problems since installing the CLB.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3.) My unsolicited advice to you is to definitely change dealers and mechanics. If they charged you that much money, replaced parts without repairing the CAUSE of problem, and left you exposed to more "Pull key, Wait 10 seconds" messages, they do not deserve your loyalty or trust.

I recommend that you follow all the wisdom provided above by C4C5 Specialist. GM should take responsibility for all these expenses and GM should grab control of their dealerships who take unfair advantage of stranded C5 owners !

 

[c4c5specialist]

No one reports any problems since installing the CLB.
GM should take responsibility for all these expenses and GM should grab control of their dealerships who take unfair advantage of stranded C5 owners !

HI there,
Actually, I have had problems with CLB and so has GM. Facts are facts, and it does happen.
Your point about GM taking responsibility, they have, with this special policy.
However, they do NOT hold dealerships accountable and that is what I have a problem with.
So, be that as it may, take your time and make an accurate informed decision.
CACC and myself do NOT endorse NOR sell the CLB. We are speaking from technical experience and information within the GM service system.
While I do NOT speak for GM, both relays and CLB has been problematic.
Thank god its been removed from C6, thats all I have to say.
Allthebest,:bash

 

[Vettdude]

H Ithere,
First, if I were you, I would document every receipt and contact GM on that 1000 bill you got.
Special policy 05081 is in effect for Corvette and you MAY have recourse on that bill, especially since you have a 2k4.
Next, according to that special policy, you will be able to get it repaired at no cost.
I have seen both sides of this CLB, both good and bad, so as with everything else on Corvette there are 2 sides.
Allthebest, :bash

I have all my receipts for work done by them....

Do you know off hand where at GM I should send copies of them to?
Did the special policy 05081 make ref. to anything about them replacing the BCM to try and fix and eliminate the 'Pull Key wait 10 Sec / Service Column Lock' - like they did when I had my car towed in the third time???

Also, should I ask for a pre approved repair number of some kind - because the service dept. told me last time that they have done all the recall repairs - & I had to pay for replacing the BCM (which I did) to get the 'Pull Key wait 10 Sec / Service Column Lock' to go away - allowing me to drive faster than 2mph.

I wonder how long my car will be down before GM responds?

Do you know of any way I can have my original BCM I got from them checked out?
It could be good?

 

[PeterG]

Potential contacts

You can call the Chevrolet Customer Satisfaction group at 800-222-1020

and the Chevrolet Owner Center at 800 630-2438.

 

[Vettdude]

Thank You!!!!

Thank you!!!

I will do that first thing tomorrow!

You guys are GREAT here on the Center...

 

[ob1vette]

You can call the Chevrolet Customer Satisfaction group at 800-222-1020

and the Chevrolet Owner Center at 800 630-2438.

ICALLED CHEVY OWNER CENTER AFTER NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH TWO DEALERS. cHEVY FINALLY PAYED PARTS AND LABOR FOR THE BCM. TALKE TO THEM. THEY MAY HELP YOU. IF THEY GET ENOUGH CALLS FROM US C-5 OWNERS THEY MAY DO SOMETHING FOR A PERMANENT RELIABLE FIX.ad

 

[leadfoot4]

A couple of summers ago, I installed a CLB on my '01 coupe. I think that I have reasonable mechanical skills, and installed it properly.

Within a day or two I started having problems. When turning the steering wheel, I got a "clicking" or "ratcheting" noise. It appeared that the CLB was not holding the locking pin in a fully retracted position, and the pin was hitting the detents as the wheel turned.

I took the CLB out, and haven't had any problems since...knock on wood!

 

[04 Commemorative]

I hate to sound stupid here but.....I brought my vette in for the recall and they did whatever they do. I never had a problem before and so far have not had one yet. Do I have my head in the sand? Should I be concerned about doing something? Thanks in advance.

 

[PeterG]

My experiences

As a long-time owner of several Vettes, I can say that this is one of the worst failures of GM's policy of avoidance.

GM often simply avoids design, engineering, or manufacturing problems. It waits for owners and the truly dedicated and sharp mechanics such as C4C5Specialist to resolve GM-induced problems.

GM fails to see that its avoidance of unresolved problems costs it sales. Some unknown and unidentifiable number of potential Corvette buyers learn of problems like the column lock problem and shy away from GM to buy a non-GM product. Importantly for GM, potential buyers of other GM products hear of problems like the window regulator problem on Buicks, the intake manifold cracking on Buicks and Pontiacs, and several others over the years. Those potential buyers can easily switch to Asian or European products. Obviously they have been switching for years. This is proven by GM's market share drop over recent decades.

The C5 intermittent column lock problem has plagued this great car from its introduction. GM has issued three or four fixes and then fixes to the fixes after learning that a relay fails over time or something is not quit right with a fix. It has issued a special policy -- a warranty-type -- to fix the problem, but that expires in February, 2008, I believe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had two experiences over the last two years. The first stranded me and required a flatbed ride to the dealership. When the second incident occurred, I had learned from this forum how to recover from it myself.

It was then that I decided to install the CLB. I also had the dealer remove the locking plate so the worst that would happen is the engine will get no gas. Great? I could then steer it while I push 3250 pounds back home.

I decided that the C5 is a great car, but I will not live with it when I cannot be certain it will not strand me somewhere at any time.

I traded it and will pick up my new C6 in a few days. I am a Corvette person forever -- even if it is bound by GM's policy of avoidance !

Cynically, it appears that GM's policy of avoidance worked... GM sold me a new car.

However it is pathetic that GM fails to unequivocally and totally correct problems like those I mentioned above including the C5 column lock situation. GM loses sales everyday; people switch to Asian and European cars everyday.

Imagine if GM acknowledged and corrected its design, engineering and manufacturing problems. It would sell more cars. ...And millions of US dollars would cease flowing out of the USA. Americans would have more jobs .

 

[LLC5]

Never read it said any better.

 

[LTVetteVert00]

As a long-time owner of several Vettes, I can say that this is one of the worst failures of GM's policy of avoidance.

GM often simply avoids design, engineering, or manufacturing problems. It waits for owners and the truly dedicated and sharp mechanics such as C4C5Specialist to resolve GM-induced problems.

GM fails to see that its avoidance of unresolved problems costs it sales. Some unknown and unidentifiable number of potential Corvette buyers learn of problems like the column lock problem and shy away from GM to buy a non-GM product. Importantly for GM, potential buyers of other GM products hear of problems like the window regulator problem on Buicks, the intake manifold cracking on Buicks and Pontiacs, and several others over the years. Those potential buyers can easily switch to Asian or European products. Obviously they have been switching for years. This is proven by GM's market share drop over recent decades.

The C5 intermittent column lock problem has plagued this great car from its introduction. GM has issued three or four fixes and then fixes to the fixes after learning that a relay fails over time or something is not quit right with a fix. It has issued a special policy -- a warranty-type -- to fix the problem, but that expires in February, 2008, I believe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had two experiences over the last two years. The first stranded me and required a flatbed ride to the dealership. When the second incident occurred, I had learned from this forum how to recover from it myself.

It was then that I decided to install the CLB. I also had the dealer remove the locking plate so the worst that would happen is the engine will get no gas. Great? I could then steer it while I push 3250 pounds back home.

I decided that the C5 is a great car, but I will not live with it when I cannot be certain it will not strand me somewhere at any time.

I traded it and will pick up my new C6 in a few days. I am a Corvette person forever -- even if it is bound by GM's policy of avoidance !

Cynically, it appears that GM's policy of avoidance worked... GM sold me a new car.

However it is pathetic that GM fails to unequivocally and totally correct problems like those I mentioned above including the C5 column lock situation. GM loses sales everyday; people switch to Asian and European cars everyday.

Imagine if GM acknowledged and corrected its design, engineering and manufacturing problems. It would sell more cars. ...And millions of US dollars would cease flowing out of the USA. Americans would have more jobs .

As long as we are on this rant, :W why not include the hated EBCM issue as well as a long list of other design flaws that seem to never be addressed by GM? How long has the Vette differntials and transmissions leaked? I agree that they lose more business through avoiding the issues than just admitting there was a problem and designing a fix.ad I believe most customers are smart enough to understand that this is a complex product...but for them to take a "sxit happens" approach is unforgivable, IMHO.

Don't get me wrong...I love my car. But, for the top of the line vehicle for Chevy to experience what appears to be recurring problems model year after model year...that suxx. And, it ain't right!:bash

LT

 

[zagger]

Since we are ranting, I have to chime in.ad I was ready to to burn my vett before I installed the CLB. After taking it to three different dealers and then trying to get the issue resolved through the GM I was getting nowhere.:W Every time I took the car out It felt like crap shoot, didn't know if I'll be walking home. GM just sits back and laughs at the suckers like me who against better judgment listen to their bull and were afraid of installing an aftermarket solution to the mess they created. If GM would step up and stood by their product like their Japanese and European counterparts no one would buy anything but American cars. The C5 has been plagued by a number of simple problems that a first year engineering student could solve. That in itself is no problem, every complex machine will have it's issues.:bang It is the inability by the GM to resolve these simple problems that makes them into great frustration for the rest of us. A policy that is driven by the proverbial "penny wise dollar foolish" strategy. I love my vette and I always look for an excuse to drive it. With learning more about the issues and some aftermarket parts a Vette is a great reliable car that lives up to most of our expectations.:J A thank you to CAC and this forum. It kept me from committing insurance fraud out of pure frustration! Read this forum, learn more about the car and don't be afraid to experiment with aftermarket stuff and don't ever rely on GM to be there as a friend when you need them. For GM denial rather than honesty is the way to make profit. Ok, I feel better

 

[BoeingMan]

I had gotten a letter form GM about my car qualifying for the CLB fix free of charge. It was two maybe three years ago. I can't find the letter. Is there a time limit to this offer?

Since I have had no problems since I purchased my 2002 new I disregarded the offer. So is there a time limit to this fix?

Also this may sound like a stupid question but, once this CLB is installed the steering colum never locks when the key is removed?

Thanks


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