Column Lock Recall - Another Question

[O Vette]

Hate to bring this up again but, I've read through posts on this topic and still didn't find anything relating to this question. I've got an '04 manual. The Feb. 06 recall called for the locking plate to be removed on vehicles up to VIN 20868. That is 20,868 out of 34,064 built in 2004. Mine was built almost at the end of the production run and was not included in the recall. My questions are, did GM stop installing the lock plate, change the programming, change the fuel shut-off parameters, or whatever on cars built after VIN 20868 so that the recall wasn't necessary? Has anyone with a car built after VIN 20868 experienced the column lock problem? And last, is it still a good move to have a CL bypass installed even though the car falls outside of those included in the recall? I apologize for bringing this old topic up again, however, I find it pretty confusing. Thanks.

 

[Red Vette]

This appears tp be a question for C4C5 specialist. It is my understanding that the only fix done from 2002 on was a reprogramming of the computer (reflashing) to add the fuel to cut off. You can check to see if the plate was removed by trying to turn the steering wheel without the ignition on. If it is locked in position, then the plate is still there. If the CLB has been installed or the plate removed, the steering wheel should move freely when the ignition is off. If the CLB has been installed, the fuel should not shut off as it won't allow the signal to the computer that there is a column lock isssue. I have installed the CLB on both of my 2002s and believe that the column lock fuel shut off will not occur. The Corvette Forum has more than 1000 posts on this subject under the C5 forum threads; I read them all - took several days. My conclusion was that if your battery is in good condition, the terminals are torqued properly, the column lock fuel shutoff will not occur. But (there is always a BUT) Corvettes of Houston advises that even with the recalls being performed, one should install the CLB. I know on my 02 coupe two recalls were performed including the installation of the K harness (I removed it) and the reflashing of the computer. I installed the CLB 5 years ago and have not had a problem. On the 02 Z06, only the reflashing was performed by GM at 16K miles. I installed the CLB after many hours of review and advice (just to be safe). The non-technical advice by the Corvette community is to install the CLB no mattter what recall was done. The GM technical folks advise that the recalls work and that you have to have a good battery because most to the column locking occurs due to a bad battery. If the CCA and battery volts are low, you will get the dreaded column lock message. Hope this helps, but I think that you will still be confused. I know I am. It is called "uncertainity" due to all of the discussions on the subject.
Barrett

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,

Your late production 04 needs nothing.

You do not have to worry about it, nor do you need the CLB.

Production changes and programming of the vehicle is already done.

As long as you have a sound and correctly tested battery, you will be just fine.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[TooFast]

To C4C5 Specialist:

Not to highjack the thread but I have tried to find out what recalls have been done on my 2004 but when I call GM all they will tell me is that all of the recalls are current. How do I actually find out what has been done by the dealer? Thanks.

 

[O Vette]

C4C5 - you're the man. I suspected that if a Corvette fell outside of the recalled VIN's, something must have been done during the build to correct the problem. Although, I bit of reassurance from someone who specializes in them kind of puts ones mind to rest. I must admit, however, it would have been helpful it GM explained somewhere what they did to fix the problem. I will certainly pay much attention to the battery and your recommendations on it. Thanks, very much.

 

[c4c5specialist]

To C4C5 Specialist:

Not to highjack the thread but I have tried to find out what recalls have been done on my 2004 but when I call GM all they will tell me is that all of the recalls are current. How do I actually find out what has been done by the dealer? Thanks.

HI there,

You can go to your dealership and ask for a VIS of your car.

This is the GM vehicle information system and they will only need your VIN>

My guess, is that you may have had one, if any.

Alllthebest, c4c5

 

[TooFast]

Thanks very much for your assistance.