more column lock problems

[99hardtop]

Hey guys,
Another one bites the dust. Had to get my baby carried to the dealer today. The dreadful "service cloumn lock" and "remove key for 10 secs" message came up. I tried both methods I found here for clearing the computer, and neither worked for me. My bad luck. The only good thing was that it happened at home. The funny thing is that the column wasn't locked. But I could not here the locking sound when I turned the key off either.

The dealer said that the first recall had been performed. Evidently the lock motor burned up, or it is stuck in the unlock position. I told them if they could just disable the thing and still make the computer happy, that would be good for me.

So for you out there who have had the recall done a couple years ago, I would check to see if you need to have another done. The dealer said there is three different recalls out there. So my advise is to get it done before it bites you in the butt like mine did.

:shift:

[fatherlarry]

Thanks for the info. They also have a column bypass kit that you can buy for around $100. It will keep the problem from reacuring. It's a simple installation. The bypass keeps it unlocked permanantly without getting any service errors. If you feel uncomfortable with the column problem happening again, especially when you are actually driving the car, then the bypass kit would be the way to go.

[99hardtop]

The car is still at the dealer. They said they performed the latest recall and still didn't fix problem. When that didn't work, they felt it to be the column lock being bad. Which made since to me too.

Well now they say the BCM is not sending a signal to the lock, and the only fix is to replace the BCM. Big bucks!! We are talking 600 bucks for a new BCM installed. That seems high to me since you can get a PCM for most vehicles now for a few hundred. But I'm screwed because they have the car, and the only choice I have is to have it towed somewhere else. And that would be more towing fees and the car being down even longer.

I took it to these guys because I trust them, so I am not saying they are screwing me, but I would feel beter if anyone knows what a BCM cost where you are. The only thing the service writer said that I didn't agree with is that the automatic and the manual trans cars take a different column lock motor. ALLDATA software doesn't show any difference, or make any reference between the two being different. That is the only thing that has me wondering if they are 100% on their diagnoses. :dunno:

And yes, I will most likely get the bypass kit when I get it back, just to prevent any future problems with the lock.

[99hardtop]

Got her back today. New BCM, and $480 bucks later. But runs good, and everything seems fine. I'm still going to get the kit for the lock though.

[fatherlarry]

;bt :shift:

[Steve Woods]

99hardtop,
I bought the kit to unlock and the bypass kit aftermarket. I followed the directions in my driveway and finnaly heard the lock click. Installed the bypass, cleared the codes and no more problems. Next thing that happened (months later) the brake shift interlock failed. Had that removed. My car is now lighter, less stupid fancey parts. Now I don't have to brake to shift out of park.

[99hardtop]

hey Steve,
Wish mine had been that easy. Still haven't got my bypass yet. I need to do that before I forget about it and get bit again!

Now I guess I will have to find some more parts to take off mine to keep my stick quicker that your auto. :spin:

Where did you get your bypass from?

see ya :shift:

[Steve Woods]

http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog/?action=shop&sid=220&pcid=156

[99hardtop]

Thanks,
I will check them out. :wave:

[Steve Woods]

Here is another one. Actually I think this is the one I bought, just got it from another site. I think I got mine from Corvettes of Houston. Good luck
http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=2.3998