C5 Steering Column Lock Recall
Discussion
www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=4327971
After 8 years of production they've finally admitted that there is a potential problem with the steering lock on the C5. Can't wait to see how they try to handle this recall over here. Think I might see if I can get a temporary contract as a low loader recovery vehicle driver and use the M6 Toll around Brum a few times !!
Turboman, you might like to comment on this if you see it.
After 8 years of production they've finally admitted that there is a potential problem with the steering lock on the C5. Can't wait to see how they try to handle this recall over here. Think I might see if I can get a temporary contract as a low loader recovery vehicle driver and use the M6 Toll around Brum a few times !!
Turboman, you might like to comment on this if you see it.
Well I guess that anwers JT's recent question re "sharp right turns".
A bit late but nevertheless at least GM have done the decent thing. I just hope I'm on their mailing list as my car is a German import. Tristram, you should get notification so no doubt you will let us know. Do you think it will have to go to BM rather than the more local dealers (e.g. Frosts)
A bit late but nevertheless at least GM have done the decent thing. I just hope I'm on their mailing list as my car is a German import. Tristram, you should get notification so no doubt you will let us know. Do you think it will have to go to BM rather than the more local dealers (e.g. Frosts)
I suspect that a trip to BM would be required. I also suspect the "fix" is just to disable the column lock device. Similar to the way Citroen fixed the Xantia handbrake problem !
From Petrol Ted's copy of the official GM statement, "GM has not confirmed any occurrences of this condition in the field. There are no confirmed crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to the condition."
Maybe they should have read the Corvetteforum.com stories for the last 3 years or so ? No major accidents maybe, but definitely a lot of soiled underwear !
From Petrol Ted's copy of the official GM statement, "GM has not confirmed any occurrences of this condition in the field. There are no confirmed crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to the condition."
Maybe they should have read the Corvetteforum.com stories for the last 3 years or so ? No major accidents maybe, but definitely a lot of soiled underwear !
Steve,
Tristram seems to be the guru on matters technical and in Janury he said the following which I hope sheds more light on the matter:
"I've never had the problem and haven't heard of it in any european cars so far. The Column Lock Bypass kit is available for about $50 if not less nowadays if you want complete peace of mind. I think GM resolved the problem for the 2002MY onwards automatics by removing the locking pin in the column lock device (!) but left it in for the manual cars.
I can hear the little motor driving the pin into place every time I switch off and it has worked fine so far [author touches wood quietly]. From what I've read the good old fashioned technique of jiggling key and wheel until it frees up works just as well on the new cars as with the manual column locks of the seventies."
Tristram seems to be the guru on matters technical and in Janury he said the following which I hope sheds more light on the matter:
"I've never had the problem and haven't heard of it in any european cars so far. The Column Lock Bypass kit is available for about $50 if not less nowadays if you want complete peace of mind. I think GM resolved the problem for the 2002MY onwards automatics by removing the locking pin in the column lock device (!) but left it in for the manual cars.
I can hear the little motor driving the pin into place every time I switch off and it has worked fine so far [author touches wood quietly]. From what I've read the good old fashioned technique of jiggling key and wheel until it frees up works just as well on the new cars as with the manual column locks of the seventies."
Holy thread resurrection!
A quick check with my vin on GM website flags up no outstanding recalls but i can hear my column lock motor whir every time i turn the key. Is there any way to check im not at risk of the failure?
If the lock does fail, does the car fail to start or will it lock the steering whilst the car is already rolling?
Ps, 2002 Z06.
A quick check with my vin on GM website flags up no outstanding recalls but i can hear my column lock motor whir every time i turn the key. Is there any way to check im not at risk of the failure?
If the lock does fail, does the car fail to start or will it lock the steering whilst the car is already rolling?
Ps, 2002 Z06.
Benbay001 said:
Holy thread resurrection!
A quick check with my vin on GM website flags up no outstanding recalls but i can hear my column lock motor whir every time i turn the key. Is there any way to check im not at risk of the failure?
If the lock does fail, does the car fail to start or will it lock the steering whilst the car is already rolling?
Ps, 2002 Z06.
Not if, only when, it's one of those they all do that problems with the C5 & C6, ask me how I know. For the C6 GM has no replacement column locks and they can be bypassed by the dealer, GM TSB #18-NA-346A quick check with my vin on GM website flags up no outstanding recalls but i can hear my column lock motor whir every time i turn the key. Is there any way to check im not at risk of the failure?
If the lock does fail, does the car fail to start or will it lock the steering whilst the car is already rolling?
Ps, 2002 Z06.
C6NL said:
Not if, only when, it's one of those they all do that problems with the C5 & C6, ask me how I know. For the C6 GM has no replacement column locks and they can be bypassed by the dealer, GM TSB #18-NA-346
I was more wondering whether the lack of recall information on my car means its been done at some point? It came to the UK in 2004.If the recall has been done, will i still be able to turn the wheel after i hear the lock engage? I dont know what the recall involved.
Benbay001 said:
I was more wondering whether the lack of recall information on my car means its been done at some point? It came to the UK in 2004.
If the recall has been done, will i still be able to turn the wheel after i hear the lock engage? I dont know what the recall involved.
The column lock works by utilizing a small electric actuator that moves the lock pawl in and out when the ignition is switched on and off. Unfortunately that actuator has a nasty habit of failing with the pawl in the locked position - particularly if it's been left for a lengthy period of time - rendering the vehicle un-drivable, without totally dismantling the steering column.If the recall has been done, will i still be able to turn the wheel after i hear the lock engage? I dont know what the recall involved.
The fix is a column lock bypass (Google Corvette C5 CLB) - which isolates the actuator in the "out" position, so that it cannot disable the car. The trade-off is that you don't have a column lock anymore.
Benbay001 said:
Is it electrically driven in both directions or sprung in one direction? I.e. is it likely it will lock whilst driving?
No - the issue is the actuator failing with the pawl in the locked position. It is designed so that the pawl cannot engage when the ignition is in the 'acc' or 'run' positions.Gassing Station | Corvettes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff