DIY: Replace dreaded steering-lock on 2009s and early 2010s.

kenchan · 04-09-2012, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zero

Most micro switches are internally mechanical with contact point. The contact point can get sticky from contaminant. The switch nipples are riding on the flat profile surface of the spur gear. I saw someone posting photo by-passing those switches and get the car to start so I think you can permanently short out those switches if you know the switch circuitry.

cool. that was the part i wanted to see in more detail.

so you think the oil contaminated the microswitches on the initial GTR recall? could be, huh?

Quote:

Originally Posted by zero

This part does not look like 500+ dollars part. The motor got powered, then turn and drive the spur gear, spur gear turned the lock column shaft up or down. The 2 micro switches detected spur gear position and then send signal to BCM.

yah, it's probably no more than $35 to make this thing even if it was assembled in the US. service parts have huge margins for the distributor and retailer (dealers).

ChrisSlicks · 04-09-2012, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

cool. that was the part i wanted to see in more detail.

so you think the oil contaminated the microswitches on the initial GTR recall? could be, huh?

Should be able to solder bridge the appropriate switch on the backside of the circuit board creating a permanent setting of "unlocked".

kenchan · 04-09-2012, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks

Should be able to solder bridge the appropriate switch on the backside of the circuit board creating a permanent setting of "unlocked".

i wonder if the "locked" condition is needed for correct shut-down? we dont want the intelligent key icon to show up in the cluster.

ChrisSlicks · 04-09-2012, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

i wonder if the "locked" condition is needed for correct shut-down? we dont want the intelligent key icon to show up in the cluster.

Yes the ideal would be to trigger whichever condition it desires based on the pin input signal. The problem is that this would require additional circuitry and always on power (microscopic power drain) to store the current state using a transistor pair. Definitely can be done, and for a lot cheaper than the price of a new lock. If the logic state storage isn't required it will be even simpler, but I haven't had a chance to experiment yet. I guess I will have to buy someone's dead unit since I don't feel like taking apart my working one yet

As a quick fix I think setting it to the always unlocked state would work, but give you the key icon.

kenchan · 04-09-2012, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks

Yes the ideal would be to trigger whichever condition it desires based on the pin input signal. The problem is that this would require additional circuitry and always on power (microscopic power drain) to store the current state using a transistor pair. Definitely can be done, and for a lot cheaper than the price of a new lock. If the logic state storage isn't required it will be even simpler, but I haven't had a chance to experiment yet. I guess I will have to buy someone's dead unit since I don't feel like taking apart my working one yet

As a quick fix I think setting it to the always unlocked state would work, but give you the key icon.

Sounds good. But I suppose this is something one must risk doing prior to failure...otherwise same issue with dealing with towing and dealer. Now how many users would risk taking the thing apart while it is still functional is yet another question to consider I suppose.

zero · 04-09-2012, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

Sounds good. But I suppose this is something one must risk doing prior to failure...otherwise same issue with dealing with towing and dealer. Now how many users would risk taking the thing apart while it is still functional is yet another question to consider I suppose.

I just looked at photos of the lock unit internal mechanism. It looks like the 2 switches activated by the column shaft. So the 2 switches will determine if you can start the car or not.

KORRUPT · 04-09-2012, 06:53 PM

Hope this helps.

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