99 column lock - e-mail from a Corvette friend, game over!

[6 Shooter]

"Dealer took the locking plates out last time, but never put in the by-pass harness. This time the column didn't lock (no plates), but the security system shut the engine off when you moved. I'm trading it for a 911/S next week."

 

[jrose7004]

Naw, he'll never have any trouble with a Porshe!

 

[leftyvette]

Hate to say it, but Posche did rate the highest on reliability this year.

 

[Edmond]

And to think that a little $50 plug could've saved him that trouble. It was one of the first things I did to my car was the column lock bypass.

And make sure that LG tunes the 2 mph cutoff out for your car, Dwayne.

 

[O Vette]

This column lock problem is a real black eye for GM and Corvette. IMHO they never really came up with a satisfactory solution to the problem and things like this leave a real bad taste in buyers' mouths. They just didn't handle the situation vey well.

 

[c4c5specialist]

Nope, Corvette technicians just need to know how to FIX COLUMN LOCK AND EDUCATE THE CONSUMER!

:eyerole

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Vettes_Rule]

Ok, maybe I over reacted

Too many friends would make fun of me switching after bashing the Germans for so many years. Ordered the aftermarket bypass harness this morning.

 

[c4c5specialist]

You have a 1997, you need to check your battery and terminals, not install a CLB that could ruin your BCM.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Vettes_Rule]

Yep

It was a charging system problem that initiated the whole thing (again). Dealer now tells me it's the actuator motor and wants $650 to replace it. I asked about just tuning out the 2 MPH shutoff and they looked at me as if I were a fish on a bicycle. Stuck in a one horse town w/ only one GM dealership that's on the verge of closing. Guess I should contribute to the local economy and pony up the $$$.

Thanks for the advice

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Its not, simply install a 78 class battery, torque the terminals to 11 ft lbs, and that is all you need to do.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[O Vette]

C4C5, you are the one in the know and I trust your opinion and advice. The problem, however, there isn't a C4C5 available to all owners especially, ones who live in smaller communities where finding someone with Corvette experience can be difficult. Corvettes are great autos but, the continued increase and use of electronics in cars has created problems. Toyota is a good example. Electrical problems can be difficult to sort out and all Vette specialists are not created equal. As for me, I don't need a radio volume control on the steering wheel, a 12 disc changer in the back, self dimming mirrors, a twilight sentinel or two lights in the cargo area. Plus, I can adjust a seat and steering wheel without electric motors. Guess I am getting old and cranky but, I look at these things an nothing but future problems. I love the Corvette for its styling and mechan ics. I could do with less wiring and more dependability. All that said, I do realize that it seems that Americans want all the gizmos and the cars with them are the ones that sell.

 

[Vettes_Rule]

HI there,
Its not, simply install a 78 class battery, torque the terminals to 11 ft lbs, and that is all you need to do.

Allthebest, c4c5

The battery was charged and tested out ok. I assume they'll have to reset the BCM as well?

 

[c4c5specialist]

If they had to test and charge the battery, it wont last.

Allthebest, c4c5