I had a friend email me in late 1999. He got the column lock message and decided to install the bypass after getting the error. I asked him to clear the codes/computer and the MESSAGE WENT AWAY! No longer do you HAVE to see the dealer when the column locks! This is great news for anyone who had their C5 go out of warranty. You can attempt to use the column lock installation instructions and install the bypass, then delete the codes. One corvetteforum member tried this, but kept blowing fuses. If this is the case, the column lock is drawing too much current and must be replaced. But if you are successful in retracting the column lock, see the following details:

First of all, thanks for taking the time to put such great instructions on the internet. I got the bypass and installed it. However, my steering column was locked when I put the bypass in. I played around with the steering wheel and got it to unlock. I then installed the bypass. The only problem I have is that I get the "service steering column" message every time I start the car. Is there any way to get rid of this message without having to unplug everything and let GM have another shot at fixing the car? Thanks again for all your help. Save the Wave.

I have spent a lot of time on the CorvetteForum.com (and other forums) and have never seen anyone actually install the bypass after getting a "service column" message. But, if we can get this fixed, this information will be invaluable!

Before removing the bypass, which you already installed, I am going to suggest that you clear the code within the computer, first. Turn the key to the ON position, but don't start the engine. Clear any present messages (like Door Ajar, or Service Steering Column) by pressing the RESET button. Then hold the OPTIONS button down, while pressing the FUEL button 4 times. This will get you into the CODES section of the DIC.

The computer will automatically display all the codes your car is or has created. It will cycle through each code every 3 seconds. You can watch it display codes for every module in your car. If you want to write them down, go ahead. Any code that ends in H is a history code - something that has occured in the past but is fine now. The computer is very sensative and would throw a code if you turned the radio off while tuning it. You should have one code that should be your column code. It may be one of the following codes:

Once the computer has finished going through all of it's automatic codes, press RESET to enter Manual Configuration. It should start with a module and show "NO CODES" or "# CODES". If it shows a number of codes, press and hold RESET until it displays "NO CODES". This is how you reset your codes. Press OPTIONS to go to the next module. Repeat the steps in this paragraph until you have gone through all the computers. Then, I'd turn the car off and disconnect the negative cable to the battery. This will reset the computer. I'd leave it off for a few seconds while the computer resets. It does remember a lot of things, but I have the feeling that by clearing the codes and removing power, you might get the computer to forget that it ever had a column lock problem. Connect the battery and turn the key to ON. If it's still showing "Service Steering Column," I'm afraid that you have no choice but to get the car hooked back up and take it to the dealer.

Let me know if any of my suggestions worked. Like I said, this has never been tried before.

I used your method to erase the DIC message on the steering column and it worked. The message went away and the bypass works great. Thanks. Keep up the good work.
 

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