It looks
like GM has abandoned the "electronic column lock" with the following
Special Policy Adjustment notice:
Subject: GMP06-029 - 05081 Special Policy Adjustment - Electronic Column
Lock System:
MODELS:
1997-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION
1997-2000 CHEVROLET CORVETTE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2001-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION – EUROPEAN
EXPORT
VEHICLES ONLY
DESCRIPTION:
PRODUCT SAFETY #04006C
DATED: FEBRUARY 8, 2006
IMPORTANT:
THIS BULLETIN CANCELS AND REPLACES BULLETIN 04006B, ISSUED NOVEMBER 2004. THE
SERVICE PROCEDURE FOR U.S. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS
BEEN REVISED. PLEASE REVIEW THIS NEW INFORMATION IMMEDIATELY.
ALL COPIES OF BULLETIN 04006B SHOULD BE DESTROYED.
General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle
safety, exists in certain 1997-2004 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles.
When you remove the ignition key, the electronic column lock (ECL) system
prevents turning of the steering wheel. When the vehicle is started, it unlocks
the steering. Two conditions can prevent steering while the vehicle is moving:
1. The vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the
vehicle is started, the fuel supply will be shut off if the driver tries to
move the vehicle. If voltage at the powertrain control module is low or
interrupted, however, the fuel shut off may not occur and the vehicle can be
accelerated while the steering is locked.
2. During quick cranks, the ECL lock pin may not withdraw fully and, in
vehicles where there is abnormally low clearance to the lock plate, there may
be contact between the pin and lock plate. This can cause a noise or ratcheting
when the steering wheel is turned or, if there is insufficient clearance, the
steering wheel cannot be turned.
If one of these conditions occurs, a crash could occur without warning.
CORRECTION:
Dealers are to remove the column lock plate on U.S. and Canadian vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission and U.S. vehicles equipped with a
manual transmission. After the service correction, the steering column will no
longer lock when the key is removed.
On Canadian and export vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, and export
vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, Dealers are to 1) reprogram
the PCM, and 2) verify there is adequate lock plate clearance and, if
necessary, replace the lock plate. After the service correction, the steering
column will continue to lock when the key is removed.
Refer to the Product Safety Bulletin #04006C for further information.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Owner mailing is scheduled to begin February 15, 2006.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Parts required to complete this recall are to be obtained from General Motors
Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles
listing" before ordering parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO –
Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered
on a CSO – Customer Special Order.
The Parts list follows:
Part Number Description Quantity/Vehicle
89023816 Harness Kit, Strg Whl Theft Dtrnt Lk Shorting (US manuals and all
automatics except export vehicles) 1
88952428 Wire Kit, Strg Whl Theft Dtrnt Lk (1998-2000 Canadian and export
manuals & export automatics) 1 (If Req'd)
26056108 Nut, Strg Whl 1 (If Req'd)
26094767 Plate, Strg Shf Lk (Canadian manuals) 1 (If Req'd)
88964588 Plate, Strg Shf Lk (Export vehicles) 1 (If Req'd)
05694191 Ring, Strg Shf Lk Plt Ret 1 (If Req'd)
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