Just J

As reported elsewhere, the day after GM replaced my column lock hardware (and removed my C5 Solutions bypass -- both with asking me ahead of time), the car locked and had to be flat-bedded to the dealer for repair.

With dramatic proof that the new hardware is no better than the old hardware, I need to either find a way to bypass the new hardware, or consider replacing the C5 (it's my daily driver, and I won't tolerate being at such a high level of risk of getting stranded and missing commitments). So, does anyone know of a bypass? (C5 Solutions confirmed to me in an e-mail that his bypass isn't compatible with the new hardware, and at present he has no plans to produce a compatible version.)

TIA...

0vetteshop

A locked column on an M6 after the recall would more than likely be related to an incorrect install.I would have the dealer double check thier work.You cant bypass the recall,but you could un-install it.This would simply require putting the old relay in and swapping the wires to the relay back to the original position.

Evil-Twin

C-5 Tech Correct me if I am wrong... in order for the dealer to get payed they have to submit theold relay or they could just apply for payment for every vett they sold... So if this is true.. and I think it is.. once you have the new fix in place.. you are stuck with it.. and the c-5 solutions by-pass will not work..

0vetteshop

You can still purchase the original relay for about $8.00...

Flyboy

C-5 Tech... Can you post the GM Relay part number.. I have been away and have not been able to look at my parts illustrations to see it. I think it may be helpful to keep one on hand to change back if needed.

Thank you for all your help and assistance.. :flag

mikeyc6

Could C5-Tech or someone elaborate as to why the CLB will no longer work after the recall fix? I doubt they changed anything at the computer so if you plugged the CLB in, the computer would obviously still think that the column lock is working even though it's disconnected.

If it doesn't work, what you are saying then is that there is no way to disengage the column lock and have it stay that way any more... because with the CLB in place, that's all you'd have to do, right?

What if you just disconnect the wiring harness to the column lock while the key is on. Sure, you'd get an error on the DIC but wouldn't that leave the column lock in the unlock position? Then, all you'd have to do is turn the key off, disconnect the battery, and install the CLB and from then on, it would think everything is OK.

Unless of course they *did* change something in the PCM so that the CLB is no longer recognized.

Mike

Evil-Twin

THank you C5 Tech.. I have been pushing people into the C5 solutions bypass.. I have seen three or four post about the New fix failing... Have you seen this?

C5 Solutions

Two reasons the bypass is incompatible with the recall:

The harness that the bypass plugs into gets rewired which prevents the bypass module from connecting to the BCM like it needs to.

Also, having the GM bypass relay and my bypass module together may conflict with each other at some time. I haven't bought one of theirs to really analyze that.

If someone ACTUALLY HAS been able to use my bypass module after the recall, I'd really like to know about it.

Also, have any '02 owners installed my bypass module? I haven't been able to determine if the recall was applied at the factory during production.

ncvetteman

They did it without asking, not to your knowledge? I had to sign a form to authorized them to do the recall.

Dave68

How about late 01s? Could it be possible that very late 01s (Mine was born mid May) have the fix?

mikeyc6

Sounds to me like all you have to do is go back far enough to get the new stuff out of the way. Did they snip the wires and replace the connector or is the old connector just back farther? Seems to me like the same old wires ought to be in there somewhere. If you could connect them to the CLB, it should work.

Mike

0vetteshop

To answer a few questions,and I assume we are all refering to the M6 recall...
When the recall is performend,the original circuitry is altered because a different relay is installed (1 more terminal)...This terminal is for the jumper wire that is piggybacked from the relay to the BCM.Also,2 wires to the relay swap positions.This is why the bypass would not be compatible...Maybe someone would like to experiment to let us know for sure ;)

As far as failures,out of the 50 recalls that I have done,only 5 were M6's,so the verdict is still out as far as I am concerned...I would tend to think that any faults after the recall on the M6 would be related to the install...If one is not experienced in wiring repairs,I see problems on the horizon...

Now the recall for the A4 is a different story...I have seen 3 failed relays after performing the recall (different relay than applied to M6) Those that have had the recall performend on the A4 will notice that the column lock actuator still works,it just doesnt engadge into anything,which is what disables it,not bypassed as some have posted...This leaves one with a "service column lock" message and a stall condition when attempting to move foward...In other words,even after the recall is performend and the column lock disabled,there is still the potential for problems (only,your column will not be locked of course)...GM is aware of this problem...Matter of fact,a discharged battery can still cause a "service column lock" message,even after the recall is performend,in that the actuator is not getting proper voltage...Nice,ehh???


[Modified by C-5 TECH, 10:36 PM 9/19/2001]

CliffB-99

I have a M6. I also have the C5 solutions Column Lock Bypass. The last time I took my vehicle into the dealer, they said they HAD to do the column lock recall.

They SAID they put the new parts in and left my bypass in place. I'm not sure what they did, but my column still does not lock. Since the existing bypass is incompatible with the new relay, they probably just threw the new relay in the trash (or back in the parts bin), left my existing bypass in place, and collected the recall $$ from GM.