Service Column Lock

[Tomrw]

Drove to do some shopping, got a great parking spot in the garage. Came out an hour later, put in the key and the engine starts. Then DIC shows "Pull Key Wait 10 sec”. Ok I’m good at following instructions. So I wait and try again now I get “Service Column Lock”. Called AAA, waited for 90 minutes for them not to show, called then back and they said “We don’t have anyone that had the right equipment to tow the car”. Call our 24 Hour Chevy Roadside Assistance. Guess what? They can’t find any one either.

Ok I feel a little better getting that off my chest.

How do you over ride the steering column lock so you can drive home? HELP

Tom

 

[TripleBlack'99]

Tom,

I just experienced this myself. Fortunately, I read about an "emergency fix" here on the forums before it ever happened to my car.

Here goes....Although it's something you probably would never consider doing to your baby under ordinary circumstances, VIGOROUSLY rock the steering wheel back-and-forth without the key in the ignition. Do this for about 4-5 seconds. Re-insert the key in the ignition, start the car, and you should be OK. If not, shut off the ignition, remove the key, and repeat the procedure.

This "fix" got me out of a jam on three separate occasions before I had the repair completed this past week....Which incidentally, I ended up paying for (even though there's a GM recall for the problem). I'll vent on that one in another post....

Good luck!

Andrew

 

[singledad_9]

Andrew is right.

I hit my steering wheel hard with my hand and it started working again. Get it fixed either at your local "friendly" GM dealer or check out Corvettes of Houston's override kit.

 

[Tomrw]

andrew & singledad:

Thanks for the advice. No way to get to the car tonight. I'll try the fix in the AM.

 

[Tomrw]

THANKS AGAIN!!!!
It worked and the car is now at the Chevy dealer.

Tom

 

[DriveIt]

So...

Which method worked? Is your car an A4? How many miles on the car? Does your Vin Fall between these numbers: 2000 - Chevrolet - Corvette - Bowling Green - Y5100001 - Y5116233??

Thanks for the info. Glad you got it unlocked.

 

[Tomrw]

Rocking the steering wheel backand forth very hard 4 or 5 times without the key in the ignition worked. Only had to do it once.

VIN is between those numbers. Why is that important?

Tom

 

[Tomrw]

Yes its an A4 with 21,000 miles.
Tom

 

[Rob]

Rocking the steering wheel backand forth very hard 4 or 5 times without the key in the ignition worked. Only had to do it once.

VIN is between those numbers. Why is that important?

Tom

See here:

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/index.php?ownertopic_id=33

Select "Recall: 1998-2000: Electronic Column Lock" and press the "Answer" button.

 

[Tomrw]

Rob:
Thanks for the link, I rechecked by VIN and I am outside the range by about 10,000. I should get the car back this afternoon; I guess on this one I might pay the bill. Well, maybe not it's still under warranty.

Tom

 

[Tomrw]

The cost of the repair was $3.00 to put gas in the loaner as they kept my car for two days. Love those warrantees.
:s
Tom

 

[Rob]

Tom,

What did they end up doing to the car?

 

[Tomrw]

Rob:
They replaced the steering column lock.
Tom

 

[DriveIt]

This why I asked about the VINs I have a 2000 A4 thats 7500 above and been wondering if I should buy the bypass from COH. Also, if I had a CL would the warranty and GM cover it. I only have 7,000 miles on my vette. Just bought it from a guy that never drove it. Shame! Thanks for the info, glad all went well.
Regards,
Driveit

 

[C5_CHICK]

for sure

i am the second owner of the 97 and they fixed mine at no cost oh yes there was a cost they gave me a 4 cly mustang as a loaner lol i really was greatfully once i got the vette back think they did that so I could see what a superior car i had it worked

 

[Vettelt193]

My Dad's Pace Car just started having trouble with the lock.... The symptoms are exactly the same as the recall, but the VIN on his car is outside the range. Common sense says it is the same problem, but they haven't fixed it yet. Anyone else with this problem with a VIN outside the range? Did you get it fixed for free eventually, or did you wind up paying for it?

 

[Tomrw]

My VIN# was outside the range, but my dealer fixed free of change.

 

[Vettelt193]

just an update.... My Dad's 'Vette was fixed for free, even though the VIN was outside the range. I hope no one has to pay for this repair!