Steering Column Lock Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Steering Column Lock

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

The BCM provides the steering column control function which allows the column to be electronically locked or unlocked. The BCM provides three outputs, steering column lock, steering column unlock, and the external steering column lock relay. The BCM can apply a ground or battery output on the steering column lock circuit or steering column unlock circuit depending on the desired steering column lock motor position. The BCM accomplishes steering column lock motor operation based on the following output commands:

Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation

Steering Column Unlock	Steering Column Lock	Steering Column Lock Motor Operation
GROUND	GROUND	NONE
GROUND	BATTERY	UNLOCK
BATTERY	GROUND	LOCK
BATTERY	BATTERY	NONE

The BCM controls the position of the steering column lock motor based on the following input information:

Ignition position
Key in Ignition status
Key Out of Ignition status
Steering column lock feedback switch
PASS-Key® system
PCM password information
System voltage

The external steering column lock relay is located above the BCM, in the passenger footwell area. The external steering column lock relay can be identified by 2 orange wires connected to it. There may be either 2 or 3 relays in this area, and they may not always be in the same position.