The chevrolet corvette was started in the courthouse parking lot moving in reverse with the steering wheel locked in place narrowing avoiding pedestrians. The vehicle could be moved in either direction, but the steering wheel could not be unlocked and subsequently transported to princeton chevrolet [formerly known as superior chevrolet] in lawrenceville, new jersey for repair. During previous service, the vehicle was inspected for recalls including the steering defect with the manager stating that all recalls were complete. The june 26, 2013 dealer steering repair invoice makes no mention of the service recall, the manager explaining the june 25, 2013 incident was unrelated to the steering defect and safety recall. The dealership has refused to acknowledge or respond to our inquiries referencing the "electronic column lock system" product safety recall [04006c] which states;" general motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 1997-2004 model year chevrolet corvette vehicles.when the vehicle is started, it unlocks the steering. Two conditions can prevent steering while the vehicle is moving: ... If one of these conditions occurs, a crash could occur without warning." [pg 1 recall bulletin no.: 04006c] the recall specifically warns dealers; "whenever a vehicle subject to a recall ... Is in your dealership for service ... You must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before ... Releasing the vehicle." [pg 28 recall no.: 04006c] we request the federal safety agency investigate the failure of general motors to promptly alert owners with the locking steering defect, why the vehicle was released by the dealer without verifying the recall steering status, and whether the repair performed at princeton chevrolet on june 26, 2013 was the repair procedure outlined in gm service bulletin no. 04006c.
1997 Chevrolet Corvette: steering wheel locks up
23 of the 153 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette describe steering wheel locks up.
- owner complaints
- 23
- of this car's complaints
- 15%
- typical mileage
- 42,400
- recalls
- 1
Steering wheel locks up by model year
What owners say
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that the vehicle steering lock box was not operating properly and the vehicle stalled. The contact mentioned that the control steering lock warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer previously for repairs under recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v060000 (steering:column locking:anti-theft device). The failure recurred. The dealer was contacted who explained that the manufacturer was only required to pay for recall repairs once. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 268,000.
Dt*: the contact stated the steering wheel locked with the key in the ignition. A the federal safety agency recall, # 04v060000 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the steering however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer a second repair without charge under the recall. The mechanic determined a new column lock plate was needed. Updated 5/10/2006 - the steering wheel lock failed to unlock the steering column when the vehicle was started. The only remedy was to replaced the steering column lock assembly. The manufacturer is aware of the problem but refuses to correct the problem. The manufacturer provided a relay that did not work.
On 12/21/04 I brought my 1997 corvette to the dealership to get serviced for the "#4006 electronic column lock system" recall. Last thursday (8/11/05) my vehicle's steering lockup up while moving out of my parking spot. It was towed in to byers dublin chevrolet dealership (614‑793‑4800) the next day. I was told that this was not covered by this recall and that I needed to purchase another steering lock actuator for $475. I have read on various newsgroups that this type of lockup can happen over and over again if the lock plate is still in place. I have requested to the dealership to just remove this lock pin and I would be happy to pay for their labor to do so, but they refuse to do it. I've talked to chevrolet corporate (ticket # 1-355691956) and they still refuse to put in a bypass or to remove this lock altogether. Can you give me some advise on how to resolve this so that I am not driving around in a car that could have the steering column lock up at any given time? It is a hazard for me and a liability to chevrolet. Thanks, -kevin.
When backing out of the drive way, the steering wheel locked up. The consumer had the vehicle, towed to the dealer for inspection. The consumer stated," that this is the second time the steering wheel had locked up".please provide any further details.
While parking steering wheel locked up. Dealership was notified, but did resolve the problem.
After starting the vehicle the steering locked up recall (#04v060000). The dealership was notified, but did not repair the vehicle because the VIN was not included in the recall. Please provide any additional information. *nm the consumer did have the repairs done, but had to pay out of pocket.
While driving to work on a 55 MPH road consumer got onto another road going about 35 MPH. Turned right into work parking lot and steering wheel locked up. After trying unsuccessfully to straighten out the wheels he applied pressure to the brakes and stopped the vehicle. Disc displayed a message. Did not hit anything, because nothing was in vehicle's path. Shut off and restarted vehicle to try to get wheels to unlock. Also tried to turn wheel back and forth, but it would not move. Towed vehicle to dealer. Dealer said he fixed the problem. Consumer sold vehicle so he did not know if problem has recurred.
While driving at 65 MPH vehicle went onto an exit ramp, slowed down to about 35 MPH, and it turned right. Then, went to straighten out vehicle and steering locked up. Ran vehicle off the road into emergengy lane; did not hit anything, but hurt shoulder, popped it, trying to turn steering. Could not get steering unlocked. Gmc sent investigator out to check out car, and they fixed everything. Replaced steering column e7680/ part 267460, column lock/10424050s wheel, and sc4x 267460 (count 2). Claim type e om. Replaced n4800 533wc0.60, module 1 at 9381389, sc4x 9381389. Customer to send invoice.
When attempting to park steering locked without warning.
While reversing the steering column locking device failed and steering wheel locked up, and wouldn't release. Dealership replaced unknown steering lock component.
1997 corvette steering wheel locks up periodically. Previously had been able to release it. Last week it occurred whil car was moving. Had to have car towed and repaired at dealership. Chevrolet customer service rep refused to acknowledge that there is a problem in 1997 model year, just later (supposedly a recall exists). She said that I "should keep my receipt" in case gm decides to recognize it as a problem. I'm out $550 and worried that their denying the problem in 1997s is going to cost lives. My business partner also has a '97 and has experienced the same problem.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Steering
- Special policy adjustment-electronic column lock system
- Revised steering column turn signal cancel cam and steering shaft upper bearing spring replacement (manual...
- GMP04-057 - 04006 electronic column lock system
- Electronic column lock system
- This message is announcing product safety recall number 04006
- Due to parts availability, recall 04006 electronic column lock system for the 1997 model year chevrolet...
- A condition in which the vehicle CAN operate when the electronic steering column fails to unlock
Related recalls
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with electronic column lock systems (ecl), when the ignition switch is turned to "lock," the ecl system prevents turning of the steering system. When the vehicle is started, the ecl unlocks the steering system. The vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the vehicle is started and the customer tries to drive, the fuel supply will be shut off so that the vehicle cannot move when the vehicle cannot be steered. 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 system is locked. Also when the control system shows that the ecl is unlocked and the vehicle is being driven, the lock pin location can vary. Depending on the location of the lock plate relative to the switch transition point, there could then be contact between the lock plate and pin causing the steering to lock while driving .
- Risk
- If this occurs, a crash could occur without warning.
- Remedy
- On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the dealer will disable the steering column lock by removing the column lock plate. When the ignition key is removed, the transmission shifter will lock but the steering column will not lock. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module, perform a dimensional check of the column lock and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. The steering column on these vehicles will continue to lock when the key is removed. Owner notification to owners of 1997 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions began on april 26, 2004. Owners of 1998 through 2004 vehicles (except 1997-1998 manual transmission vehicles) will be notified beginning on august 2, 2004. The remaining owners (1997-1998 manual transmission vehicles) will be notified later in 2004, when parts are available. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438.
Recall number 04V060000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette steering lock-up
Is steering wheel locks up a common problem on the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette?
23 of 153 owner complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (15%) mention steering wheel locks up. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette?
There is 1 recall and 8 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
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