1999 A4, How can you tell for sure if CLB fix has been performed?

99Red&White · 12-25-04, 06:13 PM

Hi Everyone, I have read and searched just about everything on this site and I am still somewhat confused. I bought my 99 A4 used and the dealer ran the VIN and said all recalls had been done including the CLB recall. I also confirmed this with GM customer service. I read somewhere on here that if the CLB plate was installed, once the key was pulled from the ignition, you should still be able to "move" the steering wheel back and forth ever so slightly. I still here that zzzzzzzz noise and the steering wheel definitely locks. So, from that explanation, DID the dealer do the CLB recall or not?

Thanks so much!

Jason

DDLS1 · 12-25-04, 07:23 PM

Jason,

You did not mention if your 99 was an automatic or 6 speed. If it is an auto then the steering colume should not lock, if it is a 6 speed then it will still lock as before.

99Red&White · 12-25-04, 07:39 PM

Dale thanks for the response, in the message header I said it was an A4, but anyways, the dealer and GM customer service says the recall has been done. When I pull the key, I hear the zzzzz sound and right after that, if I move the steering wheel to the left or right, it then locks into place. So am I safe to assume they are bull****ting me?

Jason

ROCKnROLL · 01-02-05, 12:47 AM

Something's not right.
If the recall has been done you should be able to turn the steering wheel with the key out.
Either GM didn't do it right (Installing Harness & Dummy Plate) or the previous owner(s) didn't do it but told GM it had been done.
You need to call GM and ask them to check their records to see if it was done by them or the owner of the car.

bob kissinger · 01-02-05, 09:34 AM

I agree with R&R. In an A4, the fix to the column lock is to replace the locking mechanism with a NON-FUNCTIONING ring. If it was done properly, you would be able to turn the steering wheel completely when the car is off (i.e. - the column will never lock). My 99 A4 has had the recall completed and the wheel DOESN'T lock ever.
If you can lock your wheel, then the recal was either not done or done incorrectly.
PS - this IS a different fix than for an M6.