Welcome to the Corvette Forums at the Corvette Action Center!

Column lock locked

PeterG

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 30, 2003
Messages
208
Location
Chicago
Corvette
2007 black coupe, NCM Lifetime Member
I received the recall notice regarding my '99's M6 steering column lock. I took it in to the dealer for the recall procedure in the Fall of 2004. I had had no trouble before or since... until two days ago.

That's when I started up and read the "Pull key, wait 10 sec." message. I always do what computers tell me to do because I'm not as smart they are.

When I reinserted the key, I noticed that there was a longer than normal whine from the mechanism I have always assumed unlocks the column lock. Also, the whine did not include that spinning sound that ends with a solid click. During the whine, the following message appeared. "Service Column Lock"

I have tried the jiggling and swinging on the steering wheel routines several times, but it is locked. It makes no sounds that indicate it would like to unlock. At least no one will steal this C5.

Fortunately it's only 50 miles to my favorite dealer. I'm set up for a flatbed Monday morning. My dealer is set to work on it Tuesday morning, first thing.

Any experiences and ideas will be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Hopefully the work won't cost anything if you had the recall done. Sounds like it didn't work correctly. I would get a Column Lock Bypass and not worry anymiore!!
 
The recall for the 99 MN6 is just a computer change, the ECM is programed to turn off the fuel flow if the colume lock activates and the engine is on. This is done to keep GM from being liable for a moderate or high speed crash caused by a locked steering wheel. The recall does nothing to prevent the colume from locking.

As you already had the recall done and this is the second time you are going back they may replace one of the parts in the colume. If they just get it unlocked but dont actually change anything, I would also strongley suggest installing one of the various colume lock bypass kits available. I installed one in my 99, it took about 30 minutes. The locking device is completly disabled and no check engine lights.
 
I had the same thing happen to me about 2 weeks ago, just after my steering column recall fix back at the end of May.

The mechanic said that it really wasn't a necessary fix (more of a CYA) and he just removed whatever the "fix" was and viola! No more problem. It sure was driving me crazy!
 
I had the exact same situation with my 2000 m6. The column lock was serviced as per recall last summer. Early this summer I go to a friends house and park in front. I get in to leave and it won't unlock. I had to have it towed 20 miles to my dealer. $550 dollars later it was fixed. The motor is designed to fail in the locked position. I wish it was designed the oposite way, 'cus it would have saved me the hassle of a tow. - Ron
 
Just had my 98 MN6 in for annual state inspection. Since I am having a SWPS issue, I asked my Chevy Service Manager to remove the locking plate from the column lock. Since that locking plate preloads the bearing in the steering column, he said he couldn't just remove it, so... he got the smaller locking plate, those used for the A4 fix and installed it. It will NOT allow the column lock to engage, it will preload the bearing and for a couple of pennies (after the steering column was apart) I have the A4 fix in the car with no electronic changes , i.e. no K harness, no PCM flash and no opportunity of a future coluimn lock event.


There are good Chevy service centers, you just have to find them!
Good Luck with yours. :w
 
Recall Completed but Still Get Message

I just had my 98 done. I still get Service Column Lock showing up on the display. Dealer says it shouldn't but they had not resolved the problem by the time I picked the car up on Friday. Need to get this gone. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Bill
 
It is my opinion from reading through the thread in the above link that the dealer's can deal with the fix for the automatic transmissions and it usually takes care of the problem. The 6-speed guys are of a different fix......and it doesn't work. It seems to go away for a while and then surface again with more problems then before. The general consensus for the 6-speed is to get the column lock bypass kit installed and have worry free driving. Thunder Racing and Corvettes of Houston sell the modules (kits or column lock simulators) with instructions for between $50 and $55. Not bad for piece of mind. I have mine on order from Thuder Racing, but their last shipment was somewhere between them in Baton Rouge and New Orleans when Katrina hit, so I haven't got mine yet. I just keep my fingers crossed everytime I have to pull and reinsert my ignition key.
 
I spent a fair amount of time reviewing the threads on this matter. I have an 01 M6. Apparently the actuator wears out after a while and that is what causes the binding. I concluded that going to the dealer would not help. So I bought the CLB from Corvettes of Houston and had it installed because I was reluctant to pull on the plastic. It is not a difficult install but I would recommend reading up on the topic first.
 

Corvette Forums

Not a member of the Corvette Action Center?  Join now!  It's free!

Help support the Corvette Action Center!

Supporting Vendors

Dealers:

MacMulkin Chevrolet - The Second Largest Corvette Dealer in the Country!

Advertise with the Corvette Action Center!

Double Your Chances!

Our Partners

Back
Top Bottom