Recall Column Lock Question

[jorge33265]

I have a 1997 A4 and am having the steering wheel lockup problems described in the Bulletin below. For 97 it was for all vins. My question is does the dealer fix this for free? and is there an expiration date for these recalls or can i still take it in? Thanks


Source: Chevrolet Dealer Service Bulletin
Number: 01-02-35-008
Subject: Electronic Steering Column Lock May Refuse to Operate - DIC Service Message Displayed (Update Column Lock Wiring, Install Revised Relay and/or Replace Electronic Column Lock)
Model Year: 1997-1998, 2000 Chevrolet Corvette Built Between the Following VIN Breakpoints:

 

[jorge33265]

also how can i unlock it so i can drive it to the dealer. I saw you can rock the steering wheel from left to right while cycling the igniton are there other things i can try as well?

 

[vettenuts]

Don't know if this will be free, but you may want to just consider a column lock bypass from Corvettes of Houston. It will rid the problem once and for all.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

jorge33265,

The letter I received from Chevrolet for this repair (a "Satisfaction Campaign") stated that the offer expired on July 1, 2003. The repair was done at no charge at my Chevrolet dealer.

You may want to speak with your dealer and/or Chevrolet Customer Service to see if they will approve your car for the repair.

I speak from experience - my 1999 C5 coupe was immobilized and my wife and I stranded while out-of-state. Although it was initially repaired under the new car warranty, the potential for a recurrence was very high. Don't wait for your car to malfunction.

 

[RED C-5 OF Jax]

I have a 98 and it locked July 15, 2003. Released the column lock by rocking the wheel and turning the ign on/off. GM would not repair under their warranty. I think I paid around $300.00 for the repair at the dealer.

 

[atmmac]

I tried everything mine happened in the middle of July i called GM and was so angry i began to swear at the man when he said they wouldn't fix it. Turns out the problem was something to do with the PCM and it was a little over 100 bucks to fix. Good luck but i doubt youll get it.

 

[schmaltzr]

Column lock recall

I received a letter recently that told me that Chevrolet was going to repair this at no charge. My understanding is that recalls are required to be fixed at the manufacturers expense. You probably won't get your money back for the fixes you already paid for, but oh well. Mine is in the shop now getting the fix in along with fixing an oil pan leak. I hope to have it back by the weekend. Sunday is supposed to be cloudy and dry and my club has a trip planned that I wanted to go on. - Ron

 

[SleepieAce]

I got the same letter. I believe it's an official recall now, so it should be at no charge. They flash the PCM to do it, though, so if you have a custom tune it'll be trashed. That's why I haven't bothered.

 

[Dellboy]

Got mine repaired also under recall. 2 weeks later the same thing happened service column lock !!!!Left it in to have it repaired again 3 hours later dealer called me and said the column lock actuator is faulty and this part is not covered under the recall and I would have to pay to fix it.I told him not to touch the car and I would be right there to pick it up. By the time I got there the part was replaced and I was told no charge (I did tell him he would be speaking to my attorney so he had a change of heart)

 

[Patrick]

Part of the recall notice I got just this past July for a column lock recall on my '03 Z06 included a form you could fill out for re-imbursement if you were charged for repairs. I don't know if that came with the recall from July '03, but it's worth exploring.

-Patrick

 

[jrose7004]

My 98 Coupe locked up 2 days after I got the recall letter and everything was covered including the tow!