Where to get aftermarket column lock fix?

[C598LS1]

I dont know if i read it here, maybe a different board, but apparently, the dealership fix for the recall for the column lock problem on C5's isnt as great as its cracked up to be. From what i heard/read, the dealership fix may or may not solve the problem...and i heard that there were some aftermarket kits out there that can be installed that will do the job right. Anyone have any more info on this?

 

[Rain]

I dont know if i read it here, maybe a different board, but apparently, the dealership fix for the recall for the column lock problem on C5's isnt as great as its cracked up to be. From what i heard/read, the dealership fix may or may not solve the problem...and i heard that there were some aftermarket kits out there that can be installed that will do the job right. Anyone have any more info on this?

Hope this helps:

(dont think any of the links are any good, but will give you GOOGLE search terms to use)
good luck:

[font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]This kit was purchased from Tom Zavada, of C5Solutions. I received word that he is not longer available via email and no longer manufactures the kit. Corvettes Of Houston now manufactures and sells the kits. Their link is below. The Column Lock Bypass kit includes the column lock bypass box, harness and connector. He also includes a 12 Volt adapter, which is necessary to disable the lock before installing the bypass box. Step-by-step instructions are also included. The folks on Corvetteforum.com are purchasing the bypass from Corvettes of Houston. You can also check out these vendors who may sell the bypass. Also, C5HowTo.com is selling an alternative for certain year C5's for under $40.[/size][/font]

[font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]If you have any questions or comments on my instructions, feel free to email me at pat@97vette.com or catch me on the C5 tech section of CorvetteForum.com as Pat97Vette.


Found it here:

[/size][/font] http://97vette.com/howto/columnlock/

Rain

 

[Rain]

Here ya go -

http://www.zip-products.com/Corvett...alse&mscssid=03AB79A2135214957BA4818496BCF5B8

 

[C598LS1]

Awesome info.....thanks guys I will be checking those out soon.

 

[Vettevrooom]

I've searched the posts and have not found a definite answer as to which bypass is the best. 3 dealer attempts later and I still have the problem. They not only didn't fix the problem with the recall but caused damage to other things, i.e. cracked the dashboard. Even though I told them what needed to be done (they didn't know) they said they are not allowed to do anything GM has not authorized them to do. GM has been no help "we can't authorize it fixed and we are not allowed to call or give out number for the regional manager (the only one who can authorize it).

I finally got someone just over customer service to agree to call someone to maybe approve the payment for installing a bypass, but they want to know what where who and how much. I keep hearing the factory kit is not a permanent solution but there seems to be more than one after market kit.

Does anyone have directions or know what skill level is involved in installing whatever is the best kit? My son does a lot of my work but there are things he either does not want to tackle or does not have the specialized tools/lifts necessary even though he knows how. I would like him to look at some directions to decide before I give GM the vette shop name/number. I know my son won't damage something else in the process.

Thanks for the help. This is the one place where one can get answers without sarcastic, unwelcoming responses. Others seem limited to experienced owners. Your enthusiasm for helping actually makes others want to go out and buy a Corvette because I've referred several here to research before buying and they can't wait to get some of that same feeling.

 

[MsSchroder]

I finally took mine in weekend before last to "fix" the column lock issue. Since the fix on manuals does not ensure that the column won't lock up, I went ahead and had a column lock bypass installed. The service manager had an extra one that he had purchased from C5Solutions. I paid him $60 for it, and had them install it.
They charged me $39 for the installation.

Automatics are a different story, and that story has evolved over time. I am honestly not sure what the dealership does for automatics with a column lock problem. Poodle, is yours an automatic or manual?

here is the link to the service bulletin: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/question.php?qstId=516

Tammy

 

[Vettevrooom]

Mine is an automatic, but I've heard the kit fix is permanent with them. I'm not sure which one to order though. There used to be one and now several and I've heard pros & cons about all of them. My vette shop has never done one but said he needs to know from someone who installed one how long it took, in order to determine the cost. I'm supposed to hear from GM tomorrow when they will want to know total cost of part, install & tow, to possibly approve covering it since I've gone along with them long enough with their dealers.

The first dealer only reprogrammed the computer, admitted it, but GM found they turned in the recall paperwork as though they had done it. GM was not pleased. Next one took one part out and cracked the dash, next one took another part out & damaged the auto rearview mirror/compass connection. Until they start to moniter themselves nothing will change as far as dealers having a bad rep. They either don't care or maybe have not worked on many vettes, but they will never get that experience as long as owners are afraid to let them touch their babies.

 

[motorman]

Mine is an automatic, but I've heard the kit fix is permanent with them. I'm not sure which one to order though. There used to be one and now several and I've heard pros & cons about all of them. My vette shop has never done one but said he needs to know from someone who installed one how long it took, in order to determine the cost. I'm supposed to hear from GM tomorrow when they will want to know total cost of part, install & tow, to possibly approve covering it since I've gone along with them long enough with their dealers.

The first dealer only reprogrammed the computer, admitted it, but GM found they turned in the recall paperwork as though they had done it. GM was not pleased. Next one took one part out and cracked the dash, next one took another part out & damaged the auto rearview mirror/compass connection. Until they start to moniter themselves nothing will change as far as dealers having a bad rep. They either don't care or maybe have not worked on many vettes, but they will never get that experience as long as owners are afraid to let them touch their babies.

the fix for the auto trans C-5s is they change the locking plate on the steering column to one without the locking holes so it can never lock again. if you want to build your own bypass i have the instructions but a auto trans C-5 does not need the bypass

 

[Vettevrooom]

Thank you for the advice, I would appreciate any instructions you have on replacing the plate. It sounds less complicated to accomplish also. I just got a call back from GM and they are waiting for a call from region but need to know what it would cost them to have it fixed elsewhere. Where do you get a plate without holes? There's a place near here that made a particular bolt replacement for my son, that may be an option. Is there no way to fix the problem and retain the anti theft protection?

 

[Vettevrooom]

I think I'm back to square one. The plate had already been changed to one without holes. Dealer paid to tow & check again & call GM Service and they said to remove the relay put on in the recall because they were defective and didn't solve the problem. So I'm right back to where I was when it first happened last year because I never did have the steering wheel lock up, just the fuel cut off.

I have an automatic so the bypass will not solve the problem. GM told them they are working on designing a fix that will retain the anti theft device. In the meantime they cannot guarantee it won't happen again. The problem is elusive, some never happen again with just resetting the computer, others would not have happened again with or without the recall or bypass. The ones like mine prove nothing really prevents reoccurance. I know this subject is tiresome but until someone finds a fix it won't disappear.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

In case you haven't seen the installation instructions before.
http://www.97vette.com/howto/columnlock/interiorremoval.html

 

[Vettevrooom]

I have seen the directions. Not only have I never had the steering lock up, but many people have said the bypass is only for manuals and the dealers and vette shop have seen them come in with the bypass and still have the fuel cut out and strand their owners. That is why GM said they no longer will pay for the aftermarket bypass as they used to, it doesn't work. The ones that appear to be fixed just haven't had it happen again, yet.