Steering Column Lock

[Mike1320]

I think I have the potential for a problem. When I got my '04 I asked my local dealer to run the VIN to check for recall status. The parts lady said the column recall had been performed. The problem is that my column locks. I hear the motor when I turn off the car and the column definitely locks. So far I haven't gotten the DIC warning, but after reading all of the threads on the subject I'm a bit nervous. Should the column actually lock (not just make the noise) if the recall was performed? I read about a break at a certain point in '04 production but I couldn't find a specific number (mine is #114672). Maybe I should go ahead and order the CLB. Thoughts?

 

[warren s]

The first recall is done to provide some liability protection for General Motors. The cars computer is programmed to prevent the car from actually being driven if the column is locked. The locking pin will still engage and lock the wheel. The recall will not do anything to actually prevent the problem from happening. Additionally if you have a custom tune it will be wiped out by this process.

Only after a car is towed in with a locked column will the possible removal of the components be done. So to answer your question, yes it should still lock.

You can also purchase the column lock bypass form Corvettes of Houston, it take about 10 minutes to install. I have had one in one of my cars for 5 years now without a problem



lots of info here - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zeroforum?id=1

 

[zagger]

Can't tell You what to do especially since it's not broke. But from personal experience the CLB was the best $50 I've ever spent on the car. The truth is that the GM fix is a joke. After all their fixes I still had problems and was ready to get rid of the car. Since the CLB I quit worrying about getting stranded every time I turn the car off. Good luck with whatever you decide, Zig.

 

[bwing]

Maybe someone can give me an answer. I had my steering lock "repaired" when I brought the car in for service. It's been almost 4 yrs since and I had another "problem" so brought it to another dealer. I was told that the steering lock wasn't repaired correctly by the first dealer so they finished what the first didn't by removing the locking plate. Now I've noticed that my DIC is occasionally reading "Pull key, wait 10 sec" just after I turn the ignition on. What's causing this? It doesn't happen everytime I turn the key.

 

[zagger]

Maybe someone can give me an answer. I had my steering lock "repaired" when I brought the car in for service. It's been almost 4 yrs since and I had another "problem" so brought it to another dealer. I was told that the steering lock wasn't repaired correctly by the first dealer so they finished what the first didn't by removing the locking plate. Now I've noticed that my DIC is occasionally reading "Pull key, wait 10 sec" just after I turn the ignition on. What's causing this? It doesn't happen every time I turn the key.

How old is your battery? A week battery can cause the message (among many other things). It can have plenty of charge to start the car and still be to week for the lock motor???? It's one of the things that happened to me. I'm not preaching a CLB but it would certainly fix the problem for good. Good luck, Zig.

 

[bwing]

How old is your battery? A week battery can cause the message (among many other things). It can have plenty of charge to start the car and still be to week for the lock motor???? It's one of the things that happened to me. I'm not preaching a CLB but it would certainly fix the problem for good. Good luck, Zig.

As far as I know the battery is original so that would place it about 5 yrs old. Last month I left the ignition on all night and ran the battery down. I jumped it and so far it's been starting up. Right now, when the DIC reads to remove key and wait 10 secs I'll turn the ignition off, pull the key and I'll hear a loud click from the steering column. The DIC will be clear for a few days then it's back to the same message. Another thing, the msg popped up again today and I didn't remove the key. As I was backing down the driveway the engine shut off. I started it again (the msg still there) and it shut off again. I pulled the key, waited 10 secs and the car drove normally. I'm stumped.

 

[zagger]

The battery still could be the problem, even if it starts the car with little effort. However that is only one of several other things which could cause the message to come up. Whatever is causing it the outcome will be the same. When you see the message and the car is put in gear the computer engine management shuts off the fuel and you are stuck. Since you had the lock plate removed there is no reason not to install the CLB. I would highly recommend it before you get stuck somewhere on the road and have to flat bed the car back to the dealer for an expensive repair. I've installed the CLB in my car two years ago and it took me 15 minutes. I will not get into all my horror stories but the truth is that no GM fix in this matter is reliable.
Again I say spend the $50 and be done with it for ever. Good luck, Zig.

 

[jims427400]

zagger,
what system did you go with for $50. and could you give me an idea where the CLB is installed. I have a 2004 and think I should think about this soon before I have a problem even though its only got 3000 miles on it. a 15 minute install sounds great.. Jim

 

[zagger]

I purchased mine at West Coast Corvette. The hardest thing with the install is getting to the wires under the steering column, that is not hard but only time consuming. It will require the removal of some dash panels. If that is something you have never done it might look harder than it really is. Mine unit came with great step by step instructions. To install you will have to turn the ignition key on, pull a fuse, turn off ignition, unplug the harness and plug in the CLB unit, put the fuse in and you are done. I know some units come with cigarette lighter adapter to help with the install, that is absolutely unnecessary. I remember seeing some great write-ups with pictures on the subject when I was doing my research, I'll try to find the links and post them. Zig.

 

[warren s]

The kit with the lighter adapter is very easy to install. All you do is remove the panel under the steering wheel (requires removal of the screws from the console panel), than disconnect the plug going to the locking drvice,(was right out in the open on my 99) plug in the lighter adapter,(in to the lighter) then turn ignition key to on, and than plug in the bypass relay into where the lighter adapter was plugged into the harness under the column.

10 minutes to remove panels, 10 minutes install the CLB.

Got mine from Corvette of Houston

 

[bwing]

The battery still could be the problem, even if it starts the car with little effort. However that is only one of several other things which could cause the message to come up. Whatever is causing it the outcome will be the same. When you see the message and the car is put in gear the computer engine management shuts off the fuel and you are stuck. Since you had the lock plate removed there is no reason not to install the CLB. I would highly recommend it before you get stuck somewhere on the road and have to flat bed the car back to the dealer for an expensive repair. I've installed the CLB in my car two years ago and it took me 15 minutes. I will not get into all my horror stories but the truth is that no GM fix in this matter is reliable.
Again I say spend the $50 and be done with it for ever. Good luck, Zig.

Thanks for all the info Zig. I called the dealer today and he said the message is connected to the security system, reason for the car shutting off. I'm going to install the CLB anyway. For $50 and 30 mins it sounds worth it. Still, made an appointment to have the car looked at and the service guy I have been dealing with said that since they originall removed the locking plate and replaced the actuator to just bring it in and there will be no charge for looking at and fixing the problem. It kind of blew me away, I was expecting at least a $85 diagnostic fee plus repair. I'm going to be taking my Corvette to this dealer in the future.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Thanks for all the info Zig. I called the dealer today and he said the message is connected to the security system, reason for the car shutting off. I'm going to install the CLB anyway. For $50 and 30 mins it sounds worth it. Still, made an appointment to have the car looked at and the service guy I have been dealing with said that since they originall removed the locking plate and replaced the actuator to just bring it in and there will be no charge for looking at and fixing the problem. It kind of blew me away, I was expecting at least a $85 diagnostic fee plus repair. I'm going to be taking my Corvette to this dealer in the future.

Beware, you need a working column lock for the CLB to work. Even if you install the bypass, the PCM will continue to cut the fuel to the injectors. You need the dealer to reflash the PCM first then install the CLB.

 

[zagger]

Beware, you need a working column lock for the CLB to work. Even if you install the bypass, the PCM will continue to cut the fuel to the injectors. You need the dealer to reflash the PCM first then install the CLB.

You are correct, the column must be operating during the installation. If you are experiencing the fatal key message and all the steering shaking and checking battery does not reset it, then it is to late. A dealer trip is mandatory$$$. For that reason it makes sense to install it before one gets locked out! Once installed you do not need to re flash the PCM or do anything else for that matter. From my personal experience and all the research I've done I'll go on the limb and say that you have a better chance of wining LOTTO than ever having problem with the CLB. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to push the CLB onto anyone, it's just that after experiencing all the hustles and run around from GM and the cash I had to fork over dealing with it I'm kind of passionate about the subject. Good luck with whatever you decide, Zig.

 

[gmjunkie]

As far as I know the battery is original so that would place it about 5 yrs old. Last month I left the ignition on all night and ran the battery down. I jumped it and so far it's been starting up. Right now, when the DIC reads to remove key and wait 10 secs I'll turn the ignition off, pull the key and I'll hear a loud click from the steering column. The DIC will be clear for a few days then it's back to the same message. Another thing, the msg popped up again today and I didn't remove the key. As I was backing down the driveway the engine shut off. I started it again (the msg still there) and it shut off again. I pulled the key, waited 10 secs and the car drove normally. I'm stumped.

I had to replace my battery about a year ago,mine was doing the same thing till then!! Also you could see the Head lights kinda brighten and dim at night as the voltage regulator kicked in and out!!

 

[bwing]

Everyone, thanks for the info. I've got an app't with the dealer this Thursday to evaluate the problem since I was told to bring it in and there would be no charge. It's gonna hurt if I am. hnoes