A Column Lock bypass Question

[Mitzelj]

Ok gang, I have a 99 Coupe with an A4, I want to kill off the column lock, but unfortunately I bought the car three days after the recall ended! Anyway, I'm considering which kit to use, the aftermarket or the GM kit. The GM kit comes with a new column lock ring, but I don't really want to remove the steering wheel to install it. So, I have one question, I read a site that had the recall text listed and it said something about the factory part still allowed the shifter to lock. So does the aftermarket kit prevent the transmission/shifter from locking?? I am leaning towards the aftermarket kit since it would not require the removal of the steering wheel. Thanx in advance for your attention. Jeff

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
In order to the column lock fix to function correctly, you really need to install the different ring for the steering wheel.
This is intended to disable the locking of the steering wheel.
On automatic equipped vehicles, this is part of the repair, and it should be done.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Mitzelj]

c4c5specialist-
Thanx for the reply. Would you prefer the factory fix over the after market bypass?? My column lock seems to work fine and it is fairly loud as I can ussually hear it engage and disengage. Personally, I'm inclined to lose the thing completely with the bypass and I was curious if this would affect the trans/shifter lock? Thanx, Jeff

 

[EHS]

I've heard the aftermarket column lock kit can screw up the BCM.

You may want to go with the factory kit.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Yes, I would only want the factory installation for the repair.
It has been proven that the bypass does NOT adequately load the BCM, and can show problems down the line.
You will always hear the lock cycle. This is part of the repair, as the actuator still provides electrical load. The other side to this is a feedback relay, and a lock plate that does NOT allow the actuator to engage.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[singledad_9]

c4c5,

What is the part number for the factory bypass kit.

Mike

 

[c4c5specialist]

c4c5,

What is the part number for the factory bypass kit.

Mike

Hi there,
88952427 is the number.
This comes with the relay, lock plate, and the directions.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Mitzelj]

HI there,
Yes, I would only want the factory installation for the repair.
It has been proven that the bypass does NOT adequately load the BCM, and can show problems down the line.
You will always hear the lock cycle. This is part of the repair, as the actuator still provides electrical load. The other side to this is a feedback relay, and a lock plate that does NOT allow the actuator to engage.
Allthebest, c4c5

c4c5-
How difficult is it to pull the wheel. I've done airbag wheels before so I am familair with the process. Does the Corvette reguire a special tool to remove the lock plate or will a standard GM tool suffice. I may swap the wheel with a Vette Esesentails to spruce up the interior. Thanx in advance. As soon as I get back from Vegas next week I will be ordering my manuals, but I thought I would ask. Thanx, Jeff

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Well, honestly, it depends.
Some people will rock the steering wheel back and forth, until it breaks loose. There are special puller legs that I use to remove it.
Its really up to you.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[singledad_9]

Thanks for the reply, is it only for automatics or can it be used with a standard.

Thanks

Mike

 

[vettenuts]

Aftermarket kit is worth the peace of mind and any other problems down the road in my opinion.

 

[c4c5specialist]

Thanks for the reply, is it only for automatics or can it be used with a standard.

Thanks

Mike

Hi there,
You can use these on either vehicle.
Its up to you on how you install it.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[singledad_9]

Thank you C4C5. You are a God. I will look into it tomorrow.

Mike

 

[SLICKMAN]

Aftermarket kit is worth the peace of mind and any other problems down the road in my opinion

;stupid

I have the bypass and never had issues yet. Worth the $$ and easy to install..

 

[singledad_9]

Slickman,

Could you do us a favor and pull your codes.

Mike

 

[SLICKMAN]

The only codes I have had were my front sensors (they are not working).. Right now there is no battery in my baby (it went bad) and I'm waiting for the big brown truck to deliver my new Optima After that, I'll take another look after I drive it..

 

[vettenuts]

Codes?