I realize that much has already been written here and elsewhere regarding the C5 Steering Column Lock problem. However, I still have a problem and have not been able to find any recent posts discussing the current situation.
I acquired a used 1998 Corvette (6 speed manual trans) just a few months ago. The previous owner had the original #4006 recall done in 2004. But, as we all know, that did nothing to solve the problem, it only causes the fuel pump to shut off when the steering column fails to unlock. I have learned that since that original recall, there have been three revisions to the recommended recall procedure (#4006A, 4006B, and 4006C), but none of these amended actions were performed on my car.
On February 8, 2006 Chevrolet announced Special Policy #05081 which, although it is not a "recall" per se, states that GM has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1997-2004 model year Corvettes. This time around the corrective action is to also disable the steering column lock for the manual transmission cars by way of a special harness and relay kit. I presume that this is equivalent to the CLB kits that have been available on the aftermarket for quite some time. This time though, GM will perform the repair "at no charge to the customer until 2/29/08 regardless of ownership".
Two weeks ago, after sitting in my garage for two days, my car developed the dreaded steering column locked problem. Repeated attempts to shake the steering wheel, remove fuse #25, disconnect the battery, etc did not help. I was preparing to have the car towed to the dealer when I found a suggestion on "www.97vette.com" that finally did help me unlock the steering wheel. I cleared all the DIC codes as instructed, and then for good measure, I also disconnected the battery for a few minutes. After that the wheel unlocked and I immediately drove the car to the dealer to have Special Policy #05081 performed.
The dealer installed the kit, but unfortunately, the very next day the problem reoccurred. This time the column didn't actually lock up, but the dreaded "Remove Key - Wait 10 Sec" message appeared and the fuel pump shut off and killed the engine. After several attempts, the message eventually cleared and I was able to drive the car back to the dealer. This time they said that the relay installed in the kit the day before was defective and so they reinstalled a new kit. They assured me that they checked and rechecked the system and that all was well now. I drove the car from the dealer to a restaurant for dinner. Two hours later the same "Remove Key - Wait 10 Sec" message again appeared and the fuel pump shut off the engine. I was stranded again for a few minutes and then later the conditioned cleared and I was able to drive home.
I'm going back to the dealer tomorrow and raise some hell. This is rediculous!
Questions:
-Has anyone else experienced anything like this?
-Can anyone tell me exactly what condition does "Remove Key - Wait 10 Sec" really indicate? (The owner's manual mentions it but doesn't describe what it really indicates. I can't seem to find it described anywhere in the voluminous service manual either.)
-If the dealer can't (or won't) fix this problem for me, what options do I have? Will an aftermarket CLB kit solve this problem AFTER the dealer has already performed the #4006C recall and Special Policy #05081?
I acquired a used 1998 Corvette (6 speed manual trans) just a few months ago. The previous owner had the original #4006 recall done in 2004. But, as we all know, that did nothing to solve the problem, it only causes the fuel pump to shut off when the steering column fails to unlock. I have learned that since that original recall, there have been three revisions to the recommended recall procedure (#4006A, 4006B, and 4006C), but none of these amended actions were performed on my car.
On February 8, 2006 Chevrolet announced Special Policy #05081 which, although it is not a "recall" per se, states that GM has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1997-2004 model year Corvettes. This time around the corrective action is to also disable the steering column lock for the manual transmission cars by way of a special harness and relay kit. I presume that this is equivalent to the CLB kits that have been available on the aftermarket for quite some time. This time though, GM will perform the repair "at no charge to the customer until 2/29/08 regardless of ownership".
Two weeks ago, after sitting in my garage for two days, my car developed the dreaded steering column locked problem. Repeated attempts to shake the steering wheel, remove fuse #25, disconnect the battery, etc did not help. I was preparing to have the car towed to the dealer when I found a suggestion on "www.97vette.com" that finally did help me unlock the steering wheel. I cleared all the DIC codes as instructed, and then for good measure, I also disconnected the battery for a few minutes. After that the wheel unlocked and I immediately drove the car to the dealer to have Special Policy #05081 performed.
The dealer installed the kit, but unfortunately, the very next day the problem reoccurred. This time the column didn't actually lock up, but the dreaded "Remove Key - Wait 10 Sec" message appeared and the fuel pump shut off and killed the engine. After several attempts, the message eventually cleared and I was able to drive the car back to the dealer. This time they said that the relay installed in the kit the day before was defective and so they reinstalled a new kit. They assured me that they checked and rechecked the system and that all was well now. I drove the car from the dealer to a restaurant for dinner. Two hours later the same "Remove Key - Wait 10 Sec" message again appeared and the fuel pump shut off the engine. I was stranded again for a few minutes and then later the conditioned cleared and I was able to drive home.
I'm going back to the dealer tomorrow and raise some hell. This is rediculous!
Questions:
-Has anyone else experienced anything like this?
-Can anyone tell me exactly what condition does "Remove Key - Wait 10 Sec" really indicate? (The owner's manual mentions it but doesn't describe what it really indicates. I can't seem to find it described anywhere in the voluminous service manual either.)
-If the dealer can't (or won't) fix this problem for me, what options do I have? Will an aftermarket CLB kit solve this problem AFTER the dealer has already performed the #4006C recall and Special Policy #05081?