CLB

[PeterG]

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. :W

2.) I installed a column lock bypass purchased from Corvettes of Houston. Their phone is 800-829-6434. It cost about $45.

 

[04 Commemorative]

I need to ask one more time...sorry but did not get an answer to my question.I got a recall letter and took vette to dealer. They did some wamma jamma and gave me vette back. I never had a problem and so far have not had one. So, do I have my head in the sand or am I ok after the visit to the dealer?:confused

 

[PeterG]

In order to eliminate the problem:

Eliminating the problem: 1, 2, 3, 4:

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, after which I would be left to pay possibly hundreds of dollars, with my last lock up, I specifically detailed to the dealer that my column locked up again.

2.) 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.

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3.) I installed a column lock bypass. I bought it from Corvettes of Houston. Their phone is 800-829-6434.

It cost around $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. I have asked local guys and others on forums.

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4.) 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.

GM should take responsibility for all these expenses and GM should grab control of their dealerships who take unfair advantage of stranded C5 owners !

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I resisted installing the CLB because I have for over 40 years trusted GM, GM parts, and always insisted upon keeping my Vettes stock. The CLB is definitely an exception.

I understand you asking about this condition again. I did repeatedly also.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

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.

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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 .

I agree with your first sentence 110% (and the rest of your post).

GM's answer to a defective / failure prone component is to disconnect it! A locking steering column is a safety and anti-theft feature that the original owner paid for (and was featured in GM literature). Imagine if another of the car's feature's were failure prone, causing the car to be immobilized, and GM's answer is to disconnect a feature that you paid for (and was still under the new car or GMPP warranty.)

GM should have to design and install a RELIABLE steering column lock system in all C5's at no cost to the owners - and compensate the C5 owners that were stranded by this poorly designed system.

My 2-cents worth. (Yes, I was stranded while on vacation out-of-state by a defective steering column lock system in my 1999 C5 while the car was under the new car warranty. Later, I had the satisfaction campaign done on my car because I feared another breakdown).

 

[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

Never mind I found the answer myself without your guy's help. Be sure and let me know right away when you guys need something.:harhar

>

 

[zagger]

I think you were given the answer, just not a direct one. The truth is that whether you had or have not had a problem with the column lock, or if the GM fixes were performed, it all means nothing. The GM fixes are unreliable and the original system is unstable. I'm glad your Vette is ruining good ( as it should!) and it's not about having your head in the sand, the fact again is that it can happen anytime and anywhere with no warning! Personally, after I learned about the problem I was reluctant to install the CLB. It took me tree trips to the dealer and substantial $ investment for the GM fixes to make up my mind and install the CLB. I don't regret it for a minute! As to whether you should have the GM perform the recall fix when the car is running perfectly, that is a tuff question. You are always taking a risk of messing up something that is working good. Good luck with whatever you decide. I can tell you that knowing what I know now, I would have never taken my car to dealer and would have installed the CLB immediately after I got the car.
hnoes This was me before I installed the CLB.
Good luck!

 

[PeterG]

A Gentleman

Zagger, you responded very well to the previous post.

Your response is in the positive spirit of the CAC. Most of us attempt to provide helpful and meaningful assistance, but you provided exactly that in a positive tone while ignoring the sarcasm of the person who requested our help.

Your approach makes the CAC useful and makes life in general more enjoyable.

Have you read the new book by Stanford's Professor Robert I. Sutton? You could write a great follow-up !

Peter

 

[04 Commemorative]

Zagger, you responded very well to the previous post.

Your response is in the positive spirit of the CAC. Most of us attempt to provide helpful and meaningful assistance, but you provided exactly that in a positive tone while ignoring the sarcasm of the person who requested our help.

Your approach makes the CAC useful and makes life in general more enjoyable.

Have you read the new book by Stanford's Professor Robert I. Sutton? You could write a great follow-up !

Peter

I thought it was a response to me but maybe not. I do hope you didn't think I was being rude,love this site way too much to do anything like that.

 

[PeterG]

I thought it was a response to me but maybe not. I do hope you didn't think I was being rude,love this site way too much to do anything like that.

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04 Commemorative,

No, certainly not to you. I was referring to the comment directly above Zagger's which said, "...Be sure and let me know right away when you guys need something...."

This site is great because of its many, many respectful & cooperative & decent people. In today's culture, sometimes there is a valid need to respond pointedly to inappropriate sarcasm.

Peter

 

[vett boy]

This site is great because of its many, many respectful & cooperative & decent people. In today's culture, sometimes there is a valid need to respond pointedly to inappropriate sarcasm.

Peter[/quote]I'll have to second your motion.