Need Service Column Lock Fix Advice

[NikNak]

HELP!!! Please bare with me. This is my first time joining a forum and this is my first post. I've done some research and am looking for advice/guidance to my questions below. I've watched the videos by Paul Koerner.

I have a 2003 M6 Corvette and am having the dreaded "service column lock" problem. I did have the recall performed in 2005. According to my receipt, the service performed was "Reflash PCM per recall". The battery voltage was a little low and it was put on a charger and we still couldn't get it unlocked. The battery is to spec with the exception of: the reserve being 100 instead of 120; also the voltage drops to 10.5 which is below what is recommended, but does get back up to 12.4 when the car is running. The battery isn't old but we have had numerous VERY HOT days and the car has been in a hot garage. Since we've gotten the voltage up, I wasn't sure if I should still invest in another battery. Brute force hasn't worked thus far either.

Even if replacing the battery fixes the problem, I won't trust that it will never happen again. I just want to get the bypass installed and this thing disabled so I'll pretty much know that I won't have this problem again. I've also read that there are slight (seemingly very slight) issues encountered as a result of having the bypass installed. I feel like my odds are better with the bypass than without.

Does anyone have any suggestions for getting the steering column unlocked other than buying a battery? Any opinions about having the bypass installed? I've read that it will not affect the security system. I'm looking for a GOOD/GREAT Corvette mechanic in the DC/Maryland area who is familiar with the issue and can perform the bypass installation if I go that route.
All thoughts and opinions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks!

[LLC5]

A GOOD/GREAT tech is going to test the battery properly and replace it if needed, why are you against it? Don't cover up a possible bad battery with aftermarket fixes, you need to start with the basics and have the battery properly load tested and replace if necessary. If the problem still persists with a known good battery then you need to pull the codes and post them for further assistance. Good luck with it.

[NikNak]

Understood. I will try replacing the battery. Even if that fixes the problem for now though, I am VERY concerned about having this problem again in the future and getting stuck somewhere late and alone or during a critical time... hence my desire to do the bypass after getting it unlocked and am looking for feedback on that as well. Thus far from what I've read, it seems like my safest bet is to have it done. However, I'm still soliciting feedback... positive or negative so I'll know the risks... and searching for a mechanic in DC/MD/VA.

Ooopss, before doing that though... Is there a thread on how to pull the codes or do I need a mechanic for that?

Thanks!

[Fixvet]

Originally Posted by NikNak

Understood. I will try replacing the battery. Even if that fixes the problem for now though, I am VERY concerned about having this problem again in the future and getting stuck somewhere late and alone or during a critical time... hence my desire to do the bypass after getting it unlocked and am looking for feedback on that as well. Thus far from what I've read, it seems like my safest bet is to have it done. However, I'm still soliciting feedback... positive or negative so I'll know the risks... and searching for a mechanic in DC/MD/VA.

Ooopss, before doing that though... Is there a thread on how to pull the codes or do I need a mechanic for that?

Thanks!

fyi....there are hundreds of threads online about pulling codes and column locks. Do a google search on these topics and start reading everything you can find. I printed the codes instructions and keep it in my glove box. Different model year C5's have different column lock issues and fixes, so make sure you have info about your MY.

Good luck.

[LLC5]

Originally Posted by NikNak

Understood. I will try replacing the battery. Even if that fixes the problem for now though, I am VERY concerned about having this problem again in the future and getting stuck somewhere late and alone or during a critical time... hence my desire to do the bypass after getting it unlocked and am looking for feedback on that as well. Thus far from what I've read, it seems like my safest bet is to have it done. However, I'm still soliciting feedback... positive or negative so I'll know the risks... and searching for a mechanic in DC/MD/VA.

Ooopss, before doing that though... Is there a thread on how to pull the codes or do I need a mechanic for that?

Thanks!

Before you replace the battery, have it properly load tested to make sure that it is a problem. To pull the codes, have the key on and hold the options button down while pushing the fuel button 4 times in a row, the dic will parade through the modes and either display a code or it will just say no codes. Be sure to write down any codes present.

[sodian]

I'll pass on what I had done to mine. My dealer removed the lock plate and installed the K harness. Two days later the service column lock message appeared on the DIC and the engine shut down after I hit 1 1/2 MPH. So great, I can steer but have no engine. I had a tuner change the fuel cutoff from 1 1/2MPH to the max which I believe was 255MPH. In my case my battery voltage was low. I installed a new battery and haven't had the message appear since.
I believe that with the lock plate removed and the fuel cutoff reset I will never ever get stranded again. Even if the message should reappear due to a weak battery or any of the many other things that cause this issue I'll still be able to drive.

[NikNak]

Ok... So I got a new battery. Bought the ACDelco 78-7YR. Still no luck. "Service Column Lock", "Pull Key Wait 10 Sec". I followed the instructions and went through the codes (several times). If I understand what I've read correctly, none of them are current. Flashed through the sequence and all modules that had codes had an "H" behind them. Any more suggestions?

[vettex2]

good idea !

Originally Posted by sodian

I'll pass on what I had done to mine. My dealer removed the lock plate and installed the K harness. Two days later the service column lock message appeared on the DIC and the engine shut down after I hit 1 1/2 MPH. So great, I can steer but have no engine. I had a tuner change the fuel cutoff from 1 1/2MPH to the max which I believe was 255MPH. In my case my battery voltage was low. I installed a new battery and haven't had the message appear since.
I believe that with the lock plate removed and the fuel cutoff reset I will never ever get stranded again. Even if the message should reappear due to a weak battery or any of the many other things that cause this issue I'll still be able to drive.

[NikNak]

Thanks for the posts so far but still out of commission!

I want to ensure that nothing else is wrong with my car, but I am still trying to find someone in the Maryland area who has done CLB installs.

So does it really mean that nothing is currently showing as being an error if I find no codes with a "C" behind them? I found a 10-PCM P1518H but again it has an "H". Just confirming what I've read but some threads seem to imply otherwise and that doesn't make sense to me.

Also, what fuses can I try to pull to get the column unlocked? And with those, does the battery have to be disconnected? I've read 25 and 29.

It’s a beautiful day and going to be a beautiful weekend and I’m ticked!!! Talked to the dealership this AM and of course he said to have the car towed in. He’s telling me that the recall was to have the lock disabled for my 2003 6-spd but that is NOT what I’ve been reading anywhere for my car. Everywhere I see 2003, 6-spd it says PCM reflash… and I’ve been reading for the past week.

Signed… “frustrated and PO’d”… I miss my car!

[TRose88]

An "H" code indicates that it is "history" and not "current."

When you replaced the battery, it may not have had ample disconnected time to reset the codes, or the codes weren't cleared.

Be sure to remember (very important) that the side post terminals need to be torqued to 11ft. lbs.