Help! Ignition Problems and Steering Column Lock

[cndblss]

I have a 2005 Manual C6 coupe.
I cannot start my car due to no power getting to the starter from the computer in the engine. Some history on problems: I was getting the Steering column lock message on the DIC for some time, but that went away a couple weeks ago. I have an HP Tuners system and never read any DTCs when this was happening. I fixed the clamps on the battery and the volts are running around 13 now. When I turn the lights on and hit the start button there is no light dimming but the starter does not engage. I also do not hear the steering wheel lock mechanism move at all, actually it has not locked the steering wheel since the ignition problem started. A mechanic wanted to replace the whole computer module and get it re-programmed. Do to some responses to other problems posted, I am leaning to replacing the Steering Lock Mechanism 1st to see if this fixes the problem.
Please advise… Thanks in advance.

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
If your battery cannot support 500 CCA and its TESTED THAT IT HAS THAT AMOUNT OF RESERVE, your c6 will NEVER start correctly.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[JGVNER]

Fix for C6 Column Lock code

I've read several threads on this issue, but have not seen a confirmed fix for this. Does the steering lock servo/motor replacement fix this issue? Any advice would be appreciated.

2005 Corvette, replaced battery and cleaned/tightened battery terminals.

 

[c4c5specialist]

I've read several threads on this issue, but have not seen a confirmed fix for this. Does the steering lock servo/motor replacement fix this issue? Any advice would be appreciated.

2006 Corvette, replaced battery and cleaned/tightened battery terminals.

Hi there,

You have an 06 and should not even HAVE a column lock.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[JGVNER]

My mistake, this is on a 2005 corvette

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

The 2005 column lock is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM THE c5 generation of lock system.

There is an actual control module that is used, feedback switch at the transmission and others.

You will have MORE accurate diagnostic trouble codes than on the c5 and those codes can be used to diagnose the issue.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Charmr]

With all due respect....

I've read so many issues on the C5 Steering Lock thing. I too have an 05 C6 Manual. I began getting SERVICE COLUMN LOCK in the DIC about 9 months ago. Shortly thereafter the car would not start. I had all power inside the car. Everything would come on when I pushed the start button except the car would not start. Someone on another forum suggested that I pull the passenger kick floor panel up and losen and pull out the GMLAN / Crank black thing in the center of the fuseblock. It is held with a small hex nut. The replace it and the car will start. I tried it and it worked...for about a week. Then it happened again. Now that summer is here i've found that when the interior get's hot this will not work. I've left my car with the dealership for a total of 5 weeks over the past 4 months. They had it a total of 3 weeks straight at one time. All they did was replace the Steering Column Lock module...which did not fix the problem. A week later, same thing. This dealership has some of the finest Corvette mechanics in the Houston area. The last time I took it to them the service writer told me that they don't work on Corvettes! I left it anyway because they had already been paid to fix the problem. They let the battery run down and then blamed the battery. Problem is the battery was only a year old. I took the car to the place I bought the battery and they checked it and it has sufficent amps and such for the car. I took the car to a different dealership two days ago. They are scratching their heads. Here is the problem. It does not start and it is NOT THROWING ANY CODES! Nothing. I was told that there are no error codes showing when they connect. A few on another forum suggested that I get the car started and trade it in on a new one. Well, with all due respect...I don't want that great GM feeling again being stranded in the parking lot when it's 104 degrees in the shade and having to wait on the sun to go down to start the blasted car. I can't believe I traded in a perfectly good Lexus on this Corvette.

 

[leftyvette]

Listen to C4C5 -- he is THE EXPERT on this issue! If we gave him a dollar for every time he has answered this question he would be rich!! The 500 CCA is the key.

 

[Charmr]

Listen to C4C5 -- he is THE EXPERT on this issue! If we gave him a dollar for every time he has answered this question he would be rich!! The 500 CCA is the key.

OK If C4C5 has all the answers for the same type issue for the C6; I would kindly suggest that he post his solutions to this and other Corvette forums so that all GM dealerships across this great land will become more enlightened and can repair the problem so that C6 owners can drive their C6 instead of looking at it in the dealership storage lot as they drive by in their Toyotas.

Until my 05 C6 is back in my driveway and starting for one week straight without issues, with all due respect, C4C5 does not have the answers for the C6.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

Well, lets put it this way. I do NOT have the answers, I have resources that allow me to FIND the answer from GM>

Your car can be fixed and without alot of fan fare.

All you need to do is scan the system to determine WHAT is creating the condition.

YOU DO NOT NEED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES.

You need to analyze the data and see what is NOT correct.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[RC135_Tx]

OK If C4C5 has all the answers for the same type issue for the C6; I would kindly suggest that he post his solutions to this and other Corvette forums so that all GM dealerships across this great land will become more enlightened and can repair the problem so that C6 owners can drive their C6 instead of looking at it in the dealership storage lot as they drive by in their Toyotas.

Until my 05 C6 is back in my driveway and starting for one week straight without issues, with all due respect, C4C5 does not have the answers for the C6.

Wow. Post number 2 & you attack one of the most helpful Corvette expert on the internet? I'm sure you're frustrated, but you need chill a bit. :ugh

 

[catbert]

Wow. Post number 2 & you attack one of the most helpful Corvette expert on the internet? I'm sure you're frustrated, but you need chill a bit. :ugh

Great point. Thanks for making it.

 

[Movinginstereo]

More fun in the sun with column lock issues!

HI there,

Well, lets put it this way. I do NOT have the answers, I have resources that allow me to FIND the answer from GM>

Your car can be fixed and without alot of fan fare.

All you need to do is scan the system to determine WHAT is creating the condition.

YOU DO NOT NEED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES.

You need to analyze the data and see what is NOT correct.

Allthebest, c4c5

Hi there! Guess who is having the exact same issue with his 05 C6 6 speed? Me!
I didn't notice how long ago this was originally posted, but am assuming this is a bit of a common issue from the posts I have seen. My battery checks out fine, my charging system checks out fine, my connections are spotlessly clean & tight, but I am still having issues. My Service Column Lock message keeps coming up & my local dealership is just saying "Bring it in & we can tell you what's wrong for the majority of a $benjamin." Now although I am in reasonably good shape, after having to push it up hill yesterday by myself to get it to some flat ground so I could then push start it at the end of a long hot day, I am seriously considering installing a back up start button switch under the dash. But would prefer to have the car just function correctly in the mean time.
Does anyone have any recent breakthroughs on solving this issue?
Thanks,
Randy

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

Once again, first check your battery to make sure it is sound.

12.5 volts and 500 CCA.

If you turn the ignition on without starting it and your digital display reads LESS than 12.5, you have a battery issue.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[NORTY]

Interesting that the people that are having issues, are new to this forum and don't have any posts. That makes them 1 of 2 things. Lurkers or trolls. Ok, let's give them the benefit of the doubt.

Let's say both of the cars that are having the same issue are indeed, bonafide.

Here's what we know~
1. The C6 is extremely sensitive to voltage drops (or spikes, but thats a different matter.)
2. The ONLY way to check a battery is "under load."
3. The C6 manual trans uses a switch @ the clutch pedal to activate the starter.
4. The starter switch is not infallible.
5. The FOB battery lasts about 5-7 years, and if these cars are from the 2005MY... they're due.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Wow. Post number 2 & you attack one of the most helpful Corvette expert on the internet? I'm sure you're frustrated, but you need chill a bit. :ugh

"RC135_Tx" gets the Thursday afternoon "Beacon of Reality Award"



The Internet Corvette community is far better off for the efforts of "c4c5 Specialist".
My suggestion is that "Charmr"....
(Couldn't help but notice the irony in that screen name )

...consider looking at other forums for help. Try Digital Corvettes....

 

[eboch]

2005 - starting problem

Hi everyone;

I've been working on this problem for a few months. Periodically the car just doesn't start, but everything else seems fine. I've changed batteries and alternators, checked voltages, had the charging system and battery checked (under load), etc. The electrical and battery system seem perfect. When the problem started happening, I would periodically get a "service column lock" in the DIC ... but that doesn't happen anymore. On one occasion the problem occurred right in my garage and I was able to scan the car, but no codes on HPtuner. Usually the problem happens when I'm not near my laptop, so I haven't had more opportunities to scan the car.

Sometimes the starting problem fixes itself simply by re-clutching and retrying the ignition .... but usually this doesn't. What does seem to work every time is to remove the battery terminals and replace them. The car works again. I have no idea why this would fix anything (I've also seen this mentioned on another thread about this topic). Clearly this isn't a proper repair. It seems to me though that one thing this does do is reset the engine computers, etc.... which in my mind points to a root cause that isn't mechanical or electro-mechanical (i.e. a clutch switch, starter solenoid, etc).

When I park the car, I can hear the column lock motor run. It runs for a very short period ... 1 - 2 seconds ... sounds like it always did. When I press the ignition button, I can hear the column lock motor run .... if the car starts or not. So it seems to me that the column lock is working .... and hence no "service column lock" on the DIC.

The dealer tells me there is no recall or service bulletin associated with this. They couldn't offer any advice other than leaving the car and have their technician work on it .... until I hit my spend limit.

I'm considering changing the clutch switch .... and/or putting in one of the column lock bypass gizmos .... just because I'm out of ideas.

Anyone have better suggestions?

Cheers
eboch

PS: C4C5: I have received many helpful responses from you over the years. Your advice is much appreciated. Hopefully you can help here.

 

[DonB]

What does seem to work every time is to remove the battery terminals and replace them. The car works again. I have no idea why this would fix anything (I've also seen this mentioned on another thread about this topic). Clearly this isn't a proper repair. It seems to me though that one thing this does do is reset the engine computers, etc.... which in my mind points to a root cause that isn't mechanical or electro-mechanical (i.e. a clutch switch, starter solenoid, etc).


I know this probably isn't going to help because they are different generations, But I had the same problem on my '90 C4 last year after it was painted. Unknowingly; The alarm would set every time I turned it off and got out, thus the alarm was going off every time I re-entered and tried to start it...Nothing! I could NOT cancel the alarm either. I had to remove the negative battery cable, let it sit for a few minutes, then it would restart. It turned out the problem was a bad key operated switch in the door(since there was no FOB in '90.) One of the wires had broken off thus NOT de-activating the VATS(vehicle anti-theft system) when turning the key. I remember this vividly because I got caught in a torrential downpour and soaked leaving my dentists' parking lot. Talk about getting doubly f*cked.

I also have a C6 and understand that there is NO ignition key, BUT my thinking IS that maybe this could somehow be related to your VATS. Because whatever it is that is causing this, seems to reset when you disconnect the power as the VATS does.

Hope this helps.