Column Lock Bypass vs. GM Harness K

[First Vette 03C5]

Hi,

Somone told me that GM makes a part called a "Harness K" that acts as a column lock bypass ... I drive a stick and know that the recall for the column lock does not actually resolve the problem. My dealer agreed to install this part for $150 ... does this really work?

I have never worked on cars ... when i get a free minute i just like to drive ... I was seeking advice if this GM item is an acceptable solution or should I have a friend help me put in a column lock bypass from a third party vendor?

Thanks!!

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
There is actually no reason in your case to install the automatic equipped version.
Your 03 is alot better than the 97-00 that preceeded it.
The recall does work and 99% of the time, there will NOT be a occurance of the condition.
I would also never use a CLB on any c5.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[bossvette]

Paul:
I recently bought a 97 how would I find out if the repairs had been done, the owner before me didn't know and only had the car for a few months.
thanks
Craig sr.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there, Craig,
Just send me your VIN and I can check for you.
Not a problem.
Allthebest ,c4c5

 

[50thvert]

Put in the CLB despite what you read!

HI there,
There is actually no reason in your case to install the automatic equipped version.
Your 03 is alot better than the 97-00 that preceeded it.
The recall does work and 99% of the time, there will NOT be a occurance of the condition.
I would also never use a CLB on any c5.
Allthebest, c4c5

I drive my car (MN6) to work about 70 days/year living in New England. I usually go out for lunch. That means I start it 4 times, or 280 times every season. I also use the car on weekends. Let's say I start the car 300 times every season and I am sure that is low.

99% means that 3 times I will be left with a locked column in a disabled $55,000 car when, for $49, I can solve the problem with 30 minutes work.

GM put a crappy system in there and it should be disabled. I have friends with the CLB installed for years with no problem. I installed it in my 2003 and working fine.


Bob

 

['04 Torch Red]

I drive my car (MN6) to work about 70 days/year living in New England. I usually go out for lunch. That means I start it 4 times, or 280 times every season. I also use the car on weekends. Let's say I start the car 300 times every season and I am sure that is low.

99% means that 3 times I will be left with a locked column in a disabled $55,000 car when, for $49, I can solve the problem with 30 minutes work.

GM put a crappy system in there and it should be disabled. I have friends with the CLB installed for years with no problem. I installed it in my 2003 and working fine.


Bob

Now THAT is a good answer!

 

[Dave]

column lock bypass

How is the column lock bypassinstalled and how does it work??

 

[50thvert]

How is the column lock bypassinstalled and how does it work??

You disconnect the column lock mechanism, and in it's place you install the Column Lock Bypass. When the car's computer sends the lock instruction to the unit, it replies with a signal so that your computer believes the column lock is engaged. However, the pin that locks the column is not engaged because you disconnected it.

I purchased mine here:
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog/?action=shop&sid=220&pcid=156

and used these instructions to install:
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=24

Now my steering wheel is 100% always unlocked. If I wish to uninstall the CLB, I can just unplug it and re-plug in the column lock connector.

My install time was about 45 minutes, some say less. My biggest problem was a sore back (pre-existing!) and getting the kick panel back on properly! I think I could easily do a second one in 30 minutes or less.

I have read of too many people who were left stranded and now several recalls by GM still have not solved it. There is a report on corvetteforum.com of one guy who had the latest recall done and was still locked out. There is nothing you can do but get a tow, or the violent steering wheel shake which might or might not work. I understand some people are very against it, but 99% effective (or even 99.9%) is not good enough when a permanent fix (easily un-doable) is available for about $50.

50thvert

 

[Senator75]

HI there,
There is actually no reason in your case to install the automatic equipped version.
Your 03 is alot better than the 97-00 that preceeded it.
The recall does work and 99% of the time, there will NOT be a occurance of the condition.
I would also never use a CLB on any c5.
Allthebest, c4c5

I'm curious, why would you never use a CLB?

 

[duals]

We don't even want to go there.

 

[c4c5specialist]

Ok, but this is why.
http://corvettemechanic.com/board/index.php?act=ST&f=3&t=1292&st=0
Allthebest, c4c5