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Another Service Column Lock Question

ICOMP

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 7, 2007
Messages
67
Location
Lawrenceburg, IN
Corvette
2007 Black Z51 Coupe and 2004 Magnetic Red Coupe
I'm sure that everyone is getting tired of mining this issue back up, but I have more questions, and I hope that someone can give me good advice. First, today I realized that it's been a long while since the column has actually locked on my '04 coupe. Is this a symptom of low voltage?

Second, If I were to get the appropriate battery to fix the voltage issue, will the "service column lock" DIC prompt go away, or does this require a trip to the dealership?

Thanks to all in advance!

ICOMP
 
Hmm. I haven't heard about the steering column failing to lock unless the column lock 'recall' had been performed on the vehicle. After this service is performed, the steering column will not lock after the key is removed. I don't think the battery voltage issues that can prevent the locking pin from being retracted apply to a pin that won't engage the steering column after shutdown...?

Are you the original owner of the vehicle? Have you or a previous owner had the 'recall' performed -- or done it yourself (there's some DIY kits out there, I think)? If not, you may actually have a bad column lock actuator.
 
Both are good questions...hopefully we can get C4C5specialist to step in here and let us know
 
Hmm. I haven't heard about the steering column failing to lock unless the column lock 'recall' had been performed on the vehicle. After this service is performed, the steering column will not lock after the key is removed. I don't think the battery voltage issues that can prevent the locking pin from being retracted apply to a pin that won't engage the steering column after shutdown...?

Are you the original owner of the vehicle? Have you or a previous owner had the 'recall' performed -- or done it yourself (there's some DIY kits out there, I think)? If not, you may actually have a bad column lock actuator.

I am the original owner. I really don't remember taking the car in for this specific recall, but it has gone back for others. I also had the column serviced a few years ago for some active handling issues. I'll normally try to handle as much of the mechanical repair on the car as I'm capable of, but stuff like this will normally be done by a pro. Thanks for responding...

ICOMP
 
I am the original owner. I really don't remember taking the car in for this specific recall, but it has gone back for others. I also had the column serviced a few years ago for some active handling issues. I'll normally try to handle as much of the mechanical repair on the car as I'm capable of, but stuff like this will normally be done by a pro. Thanks for responding...

No worries!

Well, if this is something that's just recently cropped up, I'm leaning more toward a bad column lock actuator. But I'm also wondering if they didn't slip it in there on you when your steering column was serviced a few years back...? Hopefully some of the real C5 gurus will weigh in shortly, and either confirm my suspicion or point you in the right direction.
 
No worries!

Well, if this is something that's just recently cropped up, I'm leaning more toward a bad column lock actuator. But I'm also wondering if they didn't slip it in there on you when your steering column was serviced a few years back...? Hopefully some of the real C5 gurus will weigh in shortly, and either confirm my suspicion or point you in the right direction.

I think that maybe they did. Guess it can't reall hurt to replace the battery, right? I still have the original in the car. Getting ready to bring it out of the moth balls anyway...

Thanks again...
 
I think that maybe they did. Guess it can't reall hurt to replace the battery, right? I still have the original in the car. Getting ready to bring it out of the moth balls anyway...

Thanks again...

My pleasure! Actually, I was hoping (like "Toms01") that members such as "C4C5specialist," "gmjunkie," "Hib Halverson," and/or "Junkman2008" might chime in; they really seem to be the resident C5 experts. Alas, I'm still a padawan... ;)

No, that's true: replacing the battery can't hurt at all. The worst you'll have is a new battery and a column that still doesn't lock... :ugh
 
On the SCL...with my 04, I have never had a problem with it in the 8 years we've owned the car, so I have no first-hand experience troubleshooting or repairing.

I do "talk" to folks who work on the cars and I listen to service techs talk about it and one who I greatly respect is "c4c5specialist". My understanding from him is a large portion of SCL problems are actually not caused by the lock itself but by problems with battery voltage.

With respect to this specific problem which "ICOMP" has...I'm with "timfitz63". I have never heard of an SCL failing to lock but I have heard of an SCL failing to unlock.
 
On the SCL...with my 04, I have never had a problem with it in the 8 years we've owned the car, so I have no first-hand experience troubleshooting or repairing.

I do "talk" to folks who work on the cars and I listen to service techs talk about it and one who I greatly respect is "c4c5specialist". My understanding from him is a large portion of SCL problems are actually not caused by the lock itself but by problems with battery voltage.

With respect to this specific problem which "ICOMP" has...I'm with "timfitz63". I have never heard of an SCL failing to lock but I have heard of an SCL failing to unlock.

Thanks Hib...And if I understand correctly, the column will never lock once the dealer fix is performed? appreciate the feedback and I really enjoy your articals!

ICOMP
 
My pleasure! Actually, I was hoping (like "Toms01") that members such as "C4C5specialist," "gmjunkie," "Hib Halverson," and/or "Junkman2008" might chime in; they really seem to be the resident C5 experts. Alas, I'm still a padawan... ;)

No, that's true: replacing the battery can't hurt at all. The worst you'll have is a new battery and a column that still doesn't lock... :ugh

Sometimes things are so easy to fix that it becomes difficult. You'll be happy to know that I replaced the old battery with the same Professional grade 86-6yr that came in it from the factory and now all is well with the world! DIC reads no issues and the column lock now operates as it should.

Thanks to all for the feedback! This forum and knowledgable folks like Paul and Hib have literally saved me a small fortune in repair bills! If I ever cross paths with you guys the drinks are on me!

ICOMP :beer
 
Sometimes things are so easy to fix that it becomes difficult. You'll be happy to know that I replaced the old battery with the same Professional grade 86-6yr that came in it from the factory and now all is well with the world! DIC reads no issues and the column lock now operates as it should...

Interesting! Glad to hear it was simple and relatively inexpensive too!

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that a new battery fixed all the electronic gremlins; such seems to be the case with just about every modern vehicle...
 
... You'll be happy to know that I replaced the old battery with the same Professional grade 86-6yr that came in it from the factory and now all is well with the world! DIC reads no issues and the column lock now operates as it should.

ICOMP :beer

According to Paul, something like 87% of the time it's a battery related issue that is the main culprit for this failure. He said that a lot of times, misdiagnosis by the technician trying to fix the problem causes more headaches than necessary. Knowing your battery was that old, that would have been the first thing that I would have suggested you replace. As for the dealer fix, keep in mind that 3 TSB's were released to address this problem and not all dealerships are aware of all three. Thus, they might only perform the second TSP fix and you will still end up with the problem.

Paul did two videos that address this issue in detail. I posted them in this thread, along with everything that I know and have gathered on the subject.
 
Those are the two that I did of Paul at CruiseFest 2010 (not nearly as polished as you can do), AJ. Glad they are making the rounds. People make a huge deal over this and if they would just watch these two videos it would explain many things.
 
... People make a huge deal over this and if they would just watch these two videos it would explain many things.

BAM. You nailed it. :thumb
 
Even better! After the second huge issue with the dreaded column lock, after the run around with the dealer, I went to Dyno Tuned Performance. Since my wheel has the lock plate removed, I can't have a real lock issue, I now have the speed for fuel cutoff set at 255, and the circuit removed from the tune. After all, what good is the circuit if it doesn't do its job and only causes problems?
 
Even better! After the second huge issue with the dreaded column lock, after the run around with the dealer, I went to Dyno Tuned Performance. Since my wheel has the lock plate removed, I can't have a real lock issue, I now have the speed for fuel cutoff set at 255, and the circuit removed from the tune. After all, what good is the circuit if it doesn't do its job and only causes problems?



BTW, This guys first response was "Turn that shit off!" The guy had me slip him $40. I heard the Lock actuate a couple times, and had the Pull key wait 10 sec ONCE at first startup, then cleared all the BCM faults, and nothing else with it since, if it somehow finds a problem now, no fuel cutoff. But the guy said bring her back if I have issues. Also, the guy and another that works there have C5s. One has had a CLB in for 10 years, no problem... I bought that and hadn't installed it yet. I am happier with this. No codes, errors, fuel cutoff. It's what Chevy should have done. Remove the Lock plate and disable the circuit. Time to return my CLB :p Tanks DTP.
 

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