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Steering wheel colum lock

5K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  Bucwheat 
#1 ·
I want to thank everyone for the help I receive form this Forum. It makes a difference because I take what you write to the dealership so I don't get as much of a run around. I wrote last week that when I went to start my 2001 manuel transmission vette, (75, 000 miles) the steering column lock is on and gives the message Steering Colun lock-pull key wait 10 seconds-etc. I did that and still no luck. I did this for an hour and banged on the steering column (found on Forum) and kept putting it in reverse and 1st gear in attempts to drive. Finally it unlocked and was fine. Previously this happened one time in February. Now it is happening every other day. It was taken in for a recall in 2004, however a Forum Memeber told me there was another recall in 2006 which I found. Chevy is telling me the lock plate was removed in the 2004 recall; however can someone tell me how it is locking up if the plate was removed? I am technically savvy as many of yoy, however it does not make sense. Even if it is a sensor giving incorrect info how could it lock up if there is nothing to lock it. The only problem I have that needs to be fixed is I need a new clutch. I will say the sensor probally needs replacing because the read outs often give me erroneous inforamtion..one in particular is Service Active Handling...So the difference is whether Chevy will accept responsibilty and payment to fix this problem. They did open a case for me. The dealship seems to be saying it has to be something unrealted since they are showing the plate was removed. Sadly, I know they do not know much about corvettes. They want me to wait until it happens again, have it towed (65.00$) run diagnostics(100$) and who knows what they will come up with.
I need any information related to this problem. Again, something must be locking up the sterring wheel.. I seriously doubt it is the power sterring which is what the dealership is saying it could be. It states steering column lock and it is locked!
If I could afford it might not be such a big deal; however if it is something that shoukd have been taken care of in the recall and was not I need to know. I am grateful you are there and am looking forward to comments and your help. Thank you-YUMME1- Corpus Christi, Texas
 
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#3 ·
I know some must be sick of hearing about this-however I brought it back in-(2001 manuel 76, 00 miles) they installed column lock bypass.. ( second fix for problem) One week later it is giving the same message, steering column lock, pull key, wait and although the column no longer locks it is still reacting with the fuel cutoff when I put it into gear. I had it towed and now the delearship said it is the actuator. 500.00 + dollars... PLEASE can someone on this forum who is knowledgable write everything in laymans terms for me to bring to the dealership -I have spent over 1000.00 and have not had my car for most of the month. I have done enough research that indicated this is all tied together as part of the sterring column anti theft system... Do I need an actuator or did they do something wrong with the installation? GM has been horrible as others have posted. How is it all tied together.. Please someone take mercy on me ASAP... Thank you -YUMME1
 
#4 ·
Not sure why your GM dealer isn't standing behind there work. I've heard the aftermarket bypass harnesses work well. I've also read if you Remove the #25 and #28 fuse for 5 minutes, the message will reset. I haven't personally had this problem (KNOCK ON WOOD). Hopefully someone with first hand experience will chime in.
 
#5 · (Edited)
As was previously mentioned, buy yourself a column lock bypass for about 50 bucks (Corvettes of Houston sells them). It's a simple install. This is not the bypass that GM installs when they attempt to fix the problem, and from everything I've read the recall eventually fails. The fuel cutoff can be tuned out with HP Tuners by setting the mph as high as it will go. Because you have already had the recall done you will need to remove the harness/relay installed by the stealership. One of the first things I did when I bought my car was install the bypass as a precautionary measure based on everything that has been written and I've never had a problem. I still haven't had the fuel cutoff tuned out but one of these days I hope to find a shop that will do it for me just for added peace of mind.
Good luck, if you do a search you should find info about removing the garbage installed by the stealer.
 
#6 ·
I have an 05 Vette. with the column lock and pull key problems. The 1st fix was a dealer recall, the 2nd was an LMC5 mod. that to this point hasn't worked. I reversed the install then reinstalled it 3 times, yet nothing. Last summer it happened and I got stranded in downtown Phoenix. Had it towed to a chevy dealer and 3 weeks and $5,500.00 later her I am living in a different state and stuck again. I'm a disabled veteran and don't have another $5,500.00 to throw at it. I haven't been able to drive it for almost 3 months. Please help...........Andy
 
#7 ·
Snakeman, This happened to me a couple of times. It turned out to be my car key was the problem. The chip in the key was no longer working, do to wear and dirt on the chip. When it happened to me I ended up disconnecting the battery for 5 mins. Then re- connecting it. This reset the security system. You could try a different key if you have 2.
 
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