9.0
really awful- Typical Repair Cost:
- $900
- Average Mileage:
- 13,000 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 2 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace lock module (2 reports)
service column lock problem, leaving us stranded Hundreds and hundreds of 2005 C6 manual transmission owners are finding their column locks failing after 8-12 years, leaving them stranded in the middle of scary areas or at a far-away gas station or parking lot, unable to start the car. This is from a VERY cheaply made nylon gear that drives the column lock pin. When hot, or with age, it binds, and doesn't unlock the steering column. The computer senses this, and the car won't start...requiring a tow to a Chevrolet dealer. NOT GOOD.
The previous model C5 Corvette was notorious for service column lock problems, and recalled. But no.... the engineers continued this in the C6 model, which had the same cheaply made column lock mechanism, and LOTS of early failures, leaving loyal Corvette owners stranded and annoyed and unwilling to feel confident to drive their cars anymore.
There is a bypass made, but it requires one to install it BEFORE the column lock fails, and in the long run, the bypass may fry the lock module, which is an expensive part behind the dash.
CHEVROLET... please allow COURTESY REPAIRS on the Service Column Lock issue for your loyal Corvette owners and enthusiasts! Live up to your part by admitting poor engineering and fix this problem once and for all!
Sincerely,
Dr. RIngs, MD Corvette Forum member
- Matthew R., Cumming, GA, US
2005 M6 Z51. Intermittent problem: Steering column lock fails to deactivate preventing vehicle start. DIC shows "Service Column Lock". Gotten worse over time. Almost every attempt now.
Possibly related: Observe 4 amp continuous current drain when off/parked with lock inoperative; could possibly be due to lock motor powered but mechanically jammed. GM recall for this problem in 2018 excluded 2005 M6 Z51 for some reason.
- Art M., Nipomo, US