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How much does it cost for GM to unlock steering column?
I just had my car towed to GM because the steering column locked. I had the recall done but it obviously doesn't do much. I tried all the tricks in the book to unlock it myself but it didn't work. I was wondering how much should I expect to be charged to have it unlocked? Any ideas?
I just had my car towed to GM because the steering column locked. I had the recall done but it obviously doesn't do much. I tried all the tricks in the book to unlock it myself but it didn't work. I was wondering how much should I expect to be charged to have it unlocked? Any ideas?
An open discussion with the service manager will answer all these questions. Typically, the dealer will hit you for a minimum diagnostic fee, plus the number of hours to troubleshoot/repair, and parts. Labor rates vary depending on your location.
I just had my car towed to GM because the steering column locked. I had the recall done but it obviously doesn't do much. I tried all the tricks in the book to unlock it myself but it didn't work. I was wondering how much should I expect to be charged to have it unlocked? Any ideas?
I would not pay a dime for it as it's a defect in the product... and GM is responsible to make it right.
I just had my car towed to GM because the steering column locked. I had the recall done but it obviously doesn't do much. I tried all the tricks in the book to unlock it myself but it didn't work. I was wondering how much should I expect to be charged to have it unlocked? Any ideas?
I'll guess $450-500.00 for another feeble attempt by the dealer. They will prob say you need a new CL actuator or a new K-harness. Unfortunately the problem will still remain after bleeding your wallet dry. You shouldve just kept the car and yank the steering wheel to unlock it. It will work, you just needed more time to do it.
If you cannot get the pin to retract, one sure way to unlock the column is to remove the lockplate.
Once you get the steering column exposed, you can also tap directly on the column lock actuator instead of just jerking the wheel, and most likely you will be able to get the pin to retract.
Once the pin has retracted, and the lockplate has been removed, you can install a column lock bypass relay to simulate the actuator.
When this happened to me I yanked the wheel left and right hard to break it free. Once it's free I would take the car from the dealership and drive it home. Then order the CLB and be done with it.
I agree, i had a yelling match with the local chevy here, GM simply doesnt care, bottom line. Its important to them to fix it once, then after that your on your own, even if it is a safety recall. No wonder theyve crashed and burned, super piece of **** customer service.
I would not pay a dime for it as it's a defect in the product... and GM is responsible to make it right.
GM has been very successful in dodging their full responsibility on this recall. Reps are telling dealers that it's ok to charge a diagnostics fee, where in fact it's not ok. Dealers are of the opinion that if any one of the SCL recalls have been performed, GM has met their obligation and the dealership can now charge for those repairs. Wrong again. The ONLY time a dealership should charge a diagnostic fee is if the steering column lock system is functioning normally at the time of initial evaluation and after all recalls have been done. GM also states that ANY vehicle in the dealerships possession for either sales or service that has a defective column lock system should not be allowed to leave their lot until it is properly functioning (I don't recall the exact quote). This is not because they are the 'recall good guys'. It's because the steering column has been known to lock while the vehicle is in operation. This, according to GM. Simply a CYA move. The latest recall is 4006C.
It goes on and on and is a pretty good read when you see all the pieces.
If you cannot get the pin to retract, one sure way to unlock the column is to remove the lockplate.
Once you get the steering column exposed, you can also tap directly on the column lock actuator instead of just jerking the wheel, and most likely you will be able to get the pin to retract.
Once the pin has retracted, and the lockplate has been removed, you can install a column lock bypass relay to simulate the actuator.
Could you elaborate on the lockplate removal procedure, please?
The dealership was trying to charge me $975 to fix the steering column lock
Originally Posted by chrisbenoit
I just had my car towed to GM because the steering column locked. I had the recall done but it obviously doesn't do much. I tried all the tricks in the book to unlock it myself but it didn't work. I was wondering how much should I expect to be charged to have it unlocked? Any ideas?
Gm dealership said they would fix for $975 for a 19997 c5
Could you elaborate on the lockplate removal procedure, please?
This is what the "lockplate" looks like, on it's backside. The gaps in the inner circle around the ring, are the "detents" that the locking pin engages. Although I have since installed an LMC5 in my car, back when the car was fairly new, and the locking problems first appeared, I bought a second lock plate, chucked it in a lathe, and trimmed off the area between the gaps, therefore preventing the locking pin from being able to lock the steering wheel in position. Granted, the 5 MPH "speed limit", that is programmed into the car could have still kicked in, at least I could still move and/or steer the car.
If, for some reason, you were to choose this "modification", or something similar, you need either this lockplate, or something similar in thickness, to take up the "slack" that would be present in the steering column, if you tried to simply remove it, and just reinstall the steering wheel.
Local Chev dealer performed the "C" version of the recall on my car for free, after a bit of nagging. They had to get approval to do it. This would have been 2012 or thereabouts.
BTW the way I got it loose was to get the battery fully charged, then turn the charger to boost and turn the key. That "pop" of extra voltage did the trick. No problems since that C recall, as it removes the locking mechanism completely. And yes, I can turn the wheel with no key in the lock.
09-26-2009, 09:45 AM
How much does it cost for GM to unlock steering column?
