Wow...
I feel for you whiteC5 ..My GF and i were saying the same thing last night..The column could have chosen to lock up anywere.. I guess i should count myself lucky..Needless to say i was pretty ****ed that my column locked up on me..
I highly reccomend any C5's owners do not delay , take your car to the dealer before this happens..And it will happen ..The question is just when and were .
I read a posting on another C5 board that mentions the fix for the automatics disables the security feature and column lock..But on the Manual C5's they are able to enable the security feature.
Here is the FIX :
1997–2000 Corvette Column Lock Bypass Module from C5 Solutions !
The Column Lock Bypass is designed to defeat the factory Steering Column Lock while mimicking its operation to the car’s computer. Installing the Column Lock Bypass DOES eliminate the steering lock mechanism, which is a factory theft prevention feature. However, ALL other factory theft prevention features remain intact and function normally.
Installation of the Column Lock Bypass is simple using the factory connector to plug right in with no cutting! Expect approximately 45 minutes for installation. You will need a T15-Torx screwdriver and a small flat blade screwdriver.
Before beginning, be sure the car is turned off and the key is out of the ignition.
DO NOT turn the ignition switch on until instructed to do so!
1. From the left side of the steering column, pull/pry the Fog Lamp/Trunk Release switch plate out of the dashboard. Unplug the harness connected to this switch plate by lifting the connector retaining tab and pulling the connector off simultaneously. Remove the Torx screw behind this location.
2. From the underside of the dashboard knee pad, remove the two (2) Torx screws.
3. From the right side of the steering column, pull/pry the vented cover plate off the Interior Air Temperature Sensor located next to the ignition switch. Remove the Torx screw behind this location.
4. Gently work the dashboard knee pad away from the steering column being careful not to damage adjoining panels. The left side of this panel may need to be pulled slightly harder to unfasten a retaining clip next to the switch plate opening. The right side will require careful prying to get from under the overlapping panel.
5. Unplug the harness connected to the Interior Air Temperature Sensor by lifting the connector retaining tab and pulling the connector off simultaneously.
6. Continue gently working the dashboard knee pad away from the steering column until it is completely removed.
7. On the upper-left side of the steering column, locate the 4-wires routed together that go to the steering column lock assembly. The wires are Black, Green, Orange, and Purple in color. Follow them down to the black connector under the dashboard.
8. Disconnect here by prying up on the connector retaining tab of the larger connector portion while simultaneously pulling the smaller portion of the connector out. The larger portion of the connector will remain attached to the support panel.
9. You must now release the steering column lock using the supplied Lighter Plug Adapter. Strip approximately ¼” of insulation from each wire of the Adapter. Identify the HOT wire as the one with the stripe. Being careful not to short the stripped wires together, plug the adapter into a 12V outlet on the car. Hold the female black connector of the actuator in one hand. Touch the HOT (striped) wire of the adapter to the PURPLE wire female pin of the connector while simultaneously touching the GROUND (no stripe) wire of the adapter to the ORANGE wire female pin. You should hear the actuator motor move. Remove both wires from the connector and unplug it from the lighter socket. The steering wheel should be free to move at this point. If not, you MUST somehow get the actuator unlocked or replaced before proceeding.
10. The column lock assembly harness will no longer be used, so position it aside by tucking it into a nearby harness.
11. Plug the Column Lock Bypass module into the open male connector you worked with in Step #8.
12. Secure the module to the dash support panel or other object with the supplied adhesive tape.
TESTING
With the module installed and the steering column unlocked, you can verify your installation.
1. Start the ignition. The DIC should not display any abnormal messages. The steering wheel should turn freely.
2. Turn off the ignition and completely remove the key. Turn the steering wheel, it should not be locked in place.
Reinstall the dashboard knee pad in reverse order of disassembly. Be sure to reconnect the Interior Air Temperature Sensor and Fog Lamp/Trunk Release harnesses.
NOTE: The metal clip-nuts used to help secure the knee pad to the bottom metal rail may be loose in some cars. Before installing the knee pad, be sure these two clip-nuts at the bottom of the knee pad support are aligned correctly over the holes. You may need to squeeze them tight with pliers.
