Got in the car today to come to work, started it and got the message "Pull key, wait 10 sec". So I turn off the car pull the key and wait. It started right back up with no problem. Is this message always related to the Column Lock? Is there a stranding waiting to happen in my near future?

No, it is not always associated with the Column Lock. It could be dirty contacts on the key or in the ignition switch which result in a misreading of the key resistance. The security system will then display the “Wait 10 Seconds” message.

Mark

The dirty contacts theory is probably it. The grease that is used in the ignition tumbler can sometimes get the contacts dirty either on the key or inside the tumbler. I expect that cleaning one or both will keep that problem from happening again.
Unless of course you've got the dreaded CL



Chris

Well...this morning I got the dreaded "Service Column Lock" message after the "Pull Key Wait 10 Sec". I've been kinda expecting this for 2 years and I guess I'm glad the car is stranded in my garage. This really really sucks...

And I thought I was the only unlucky b@stard today. I'm driving the Jeep today for the same reason. I had the pull key, wait 10 seconds. Waited, restarted....bingo....Its been a great morning.

Looking at some of your profiles I see that some of these cars should've had the recall fix applied. Is the column lock problem still occuring after the factory fix? Sorry, I've not kept up on the status of this problem since I applied the fix. I've also seen that some of the aftermarket fixes are non-existent or difficult to find.

thanks for any update.

Ikimura,

I've read several posts wherein member's cars that have had the column lock recall work performed have seen them lock up again. Mine was fixed by the dealer over a year and 12,000 miles ago, and I'm still waiting "for the other shoe to drop."

The only ones I've heard of locking up again is where the recall work wasn't performed properly.

And for the A4s, the lock is essentially eliminated with the recall.

Bruce...

thanks for the clarification, phew..

Lenn

My car is an A4 and was not on the list for the recall. I'm a little confused about the "recall fix" and the "Service Column Lock" problem. Since my car was not on the recall list, I suppose my dealer will simply replace the column lock mechanism to fix the problem. Should I try to get my dealer to install the "recall fix" instead? Is there any chance they'll do that???

Where are the exact details of the recall criteria? Year(s) involved, serial numbers, auto or manual? My 98 A4 hasn't had a hint of this problem. I'd just like to know of this something I should address proactively.

MAC

1998-2000 Corvette Recall

GM Service Operations DCS851
Urgent - Distribute Immediately

Date: September 6, 2001
Subject: 01044A - Customer Satisfaction Campaign Corvette Electronic Column Lock
Models: 1998-2000 Corvette

To: All Chevrolet Dealers

Attn: Service Managers, Parts Managers, and Warranty Administrators

This bulletin supercedes and replaces campaign bulletin 01044 issued July, 2001. The service procedures have been revised along with the schematic for all manual transmission vehicles and export only automatic transmission vehicles. The steering wheel nut part number has been added to the part information table and the part count in the claim table has been adjusted accordingly.

This campaign is in effect through July 01, 2003.

****************************************************

CONDITION

General Motors has decided that certain 1998-2000 Corvette model vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the electronic column lock may not function as intended. The condition could result in the failure of the steering column to unlock during initial key-in and start-up. Should the column fail to unlock, the engine will stop running if the vehicle starts to move.

CORRECTION

Dealers are to install repair kit PN 88952427 for automatic transmission Corvettes in the US & Canada or repair kit PN 88952428 for all manual transmission Corvettes in the US & Canada. For Corvettes sold in all other countries, both manual and automatic, dealers are to install repair kit PN 88952428.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

Involved are certain 1998-2000 Corvette model vehicles built within these VIN breakpoints:

YEAR - DIVISION - MODEL - PLANT - FROM - THROUGH
1998 - Chevrolet - Corvette - Bowling Green - W5123355 - W5131069
1999 - Chevrolet - Corvette - Bowling Green - X5100001 - X5133283
2000 - Chevrolet - Corvette - Bowling Green - Y5100001 - Y5116233

IMPORTANT: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) or GM Access Screen (Canada only) or DCS Screen 445 (IPC only) prior to beginning campaign repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]

Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number. Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign.

MAILING INFORMATION

Dealer mailings will begin on September 6, 2001.

GMVIS INFORMATION

GMVIS information is currently available.

GM SERVICE OPERATIONS