Remove GM steering lock

[clnhse]

Has anyone been able to disable the electric column lock on a GM vehicle? I have removed the manual lock on several Colorados to make towing easier. This way you do not have to disconnect the battery. On these new vehicles it is an electric module and it knows if is has been removed, I know.. I will find the work around, I am not disconnecting the battery every time. Several Tahoes have been built without it due to the chip shortage.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Not sure what you mean by an "electric column lock". Most newer vehicle don't lock the steering at all. Instead, they electronically disable the ignition as the (federally mandated) anti-theft device. The steering column remains free to turn.


When newer vehicles require fuses pulled or battery disconnected, it is usually to disable some sophisticated electronics, e.g. a body control computer, electric steering assist, traction control system, etc.

[clnhse]

On new GM vehicles there is an electric lock the drops a pin into the column. If you try to remove it the computer disables the vehicle. I need to by pass it so I do not have to disconnect the battery.

[Winger2]

Originally Posted by clnhse

On new GM vehicles there is an electric lock the drops a pin into the column. If you try to remove it the computer disables the vehicle. I need to by pass it so I do not have to disconnect the battery.

Sometimes its not just steering that is the reason for disconnecting the battery. I disconnect mine, put a simple switch and it takes literally 9 seconds from leaving the drivers seat until the hood is closed.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Originally Posted by clnhse

On new GM vehicles there is an electric lock the drops a pin into the column. If you try to remove it the computer disables the vehicle. I need to by pass it so I do not have to disconnect the battery.

OK, I guess my GM experience is obsolete. The last GM car I towed was a 2014 and it worked as I described.


Also, vehicles with keyless entry are often different than the key-start models.