Earlier this year (Feb/March), I received a preliminary notice from GM, that certain C5’s were being recalled for column lock bypass. The recall notice advised that both A4 and MN6 vehicles were included up through the 2001 model year (I forget the first year of the campaign).

When I contacted my dealer in April, May and June … I was told that my car was not affected by the recall (their computer did not have an active campaign listed based upon my VIN). My car was actually entered into the recall system by GM on 7/26/04, as part of a way to merge cars into the system, when parts are available.

Yesterday, I received the physical documents. Here are a few bits and pieces from the materials received:

REASON FOR THIS RECALL: 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 system. Two conditions can prevent steering while the vehicle is moving:

1)Your vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when you start your vehicle, the fuel supply will be shut off if you try to move your vehicle. If voltage at the powertain control module (PCM) 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 vehicle 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 racheting when the steering wheel is turned or, if there is insufficient clearance, the steering wheel cannot be turned.

WHAT WILL BE DONE (A4): On vehicle with A4, your dealer will remove the column lock. After this service, the steering column will no longer lock when the key is removed.

WHAT WILL BE DONE (MN6) On MN6, your dealer will; a) reprogram the PCM and; 2) verify that there is adequate lock plate clearance and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. After this service, the steering column will continue to lock when the key is removed.

Additional reference is made to www.MyGMLink.com (to enter 17 digit VIN).

In addition, there is also a Product Recall Customer Reimbursement Procedure for those who have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to receiving the notification (questions for reimbursement are directed to 800-204-0261).

hELLO STEVEN, THERE ARE A few places on the web where you can read the entire service recall Bulletin.
I have had the fix, and I would remind all with a *custom tune* that you will be put back to factory PCM settings and loose your custom tune.

Depending on your mods, when you are set back to stock on your PCM, you may find your car will not run worth a darn. Be prepared to get your car re-tuned. I did.

If you are locked out of your custom tune...you may want to discuss this with your tuner before getting the recall FIX.
Karen