Steering column

[ssms5411]

Anyone know if I can use a 00'-02' Steering column in my 96'. The 00'-02' column comes with the BCM and key, also both are M5 columns. Need much help needed mine is all messed up, thanks for any help

[pace2006]

Re: Steering column

I've been wondering if it's possible to retrofit an 00-02 column into a 99- car myself. Would like to know this too. It would make my steering and radio control swap easier.

[ssms5411]

Re: Steering column

Well I ordered the column/w key & bcm for $85 shipped, so will see what happens, I'm going to break down the rest of the colunm and bypass the Vats just to get the car running again.

[pace2006]

Re: Steering column

Well I ordered the column/w key & bcm for $85 shipped, so will see what happens, I'm going to break down the rest of the colunm and bypass the Vats just to get the car running again.

I saw a couple sets like that from a salvage yard on ebay. For the $80 they're asking for that I'm just considering buying it and seeing if it fits.

[bigbrian442]

Re: Steering column

It should work. They really didn't make any major changes from year to year.

[ssms5411]

Re: Steering column

I'm just worried about my BCM. Pace Clevland auto parts had 8 of the 00'-02' colunms with BCM and key, mine shipped was $85. If I have to do some extra wiring so be it. Plus they come in black, mine is graphite, so it should look alot better. Looking at the pics it looks like the colunm will wire up fine since I got a M5 one since mine was a M5 and I swapped to a A4 but the wiring is diffferent to hook up to the Ign. switch if I got a A4 colunm. Will see, if it comes to it I'll take the colums out and take them to the dealer 2 miles away. I think I can get mine running bypassing the VATS( I got what resistor I need) and ign. switch and putting in a new key/lock since mine won't move right now.

[pace2006]

Re: Steering column

It should work. They really didn't make any major changes from year to year.

Good to hear. I figure the differences should be small enough that it's worth a try.

I'm just worried about my BCM. Pace Clevland auto parts had 8 of the 00'-02' colunms with BCM and key, mine shipped was $85. If I have to do some extra wiring so be it. Plus they come in black, mine is graphite, so it should look alot better. Looking at the pics it looks like the colunm will wire up fine since I got a M5 one since mine was a M5 and I swapped to a A4 but the wiring is diffferent to hook up to the Ign. switch if I got a A4 colunm. Will see, if it comes to it I'll take the colums out and take them to the dealer 2 miles away. I think I can get mine running bypassing the VATS( I got what resistor I need) and ign. switch and putting in a new key/lock since mine won't move right now.

Cleveland's auction was exactly what I've been watching. Let us know how it goes, seeing as you'll probably be swapping before I do.

[bigbrian442]

Re: Steering column

I know the BCM's from 98 up interchange. My 98 car didn't come with key less entry or the factory alarm. I bought a BCM off ebay out of a 2001 SS Camaro that was equipped with those, plugged it in, found the correct VATS ohm value the BCM wanted, had new keys cut, Added the shock sensor in the back for the alarm, 1 relay near the BCM to make the lights flash when the alarm was armed or avtivated and then some remotes. All the wiring and plugs for everything was already there. I think i had less then $100 in all of it. I would imagian the 97 older are also the same. Small changes cost GM tons of money on a car already in production, so it pays for them to keep systems the same year after year.

If you need to keep your BCM, just have the new key cut with the resistor value of your old key.

[pace2006]

Re: Steering column

If you need to keep your BCM, just have the new key cut with the resistor value of your old key.

He probably won't do this because of problems with his old ignition system, but if he kept the original BCM, would it be possible to switch over the original key cylinder to the newer column, to match it?

[bigbrian442]

Re: Steering column

Yes, if the lock cylinder is not causing your problem. FYI if you know the ohm value/number of your VATS keys you can buy the key blank off ebay for around $8. Then the local hardware store only charges about $2 to cut it for you. That's a hell of a lot cheaper then buying keys at the dealer!

[pace2006]

Re: Steering column

Wow. I'll have to remember that. A lot better than getting swindled by the dealer.

[ssms5411]

Re: Steering column

I measured my Vats # and have what resistor # I need to bypass it. My current lock is so messed up it will not move with the key in it or anything. I used vise grips to turn it and get the key out. I got it down almost where I can put a regular key in it with no chip. But I want to use the 00' colunm because I have cracked mine and I would like to use the black column. I'm just glad the new one comes with the key. I'll post how it comes out.

[bigbrian442]

Re: Steering column

Then if you want to you can just buy the right number key blank(s) off ebay and have them cut from the key in the new column, Then you can use your current BCM and not have to keep it bypassed.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1989-2002-CAMARO...3A1%7C294%3A50


This is for both ING and door blanks.

[ssms5411]

Re: Steering column

I called the parts dept. and the guy said all manual steering coulms are the same and the BCMs are the same, and with HPtuners I can relink the vats to the BCM, just like a TECH II, so I will be pulling this F'up colunm out and wait for the newer one. Also see if I can find my BCM, is it in brhinf the glove box or on the pass. side kick panel? Thanks for your help. I was thinking when they send me the colunm & key whats it would be cool if I got the same resistor on the key, 1 in 15 chance.LOL It will be nice to drive the car again , going through withdraw, plus need to get other stuff done to it. Thanks for the link for the keys.

[bigbrian442]

Re: Steering column

BCM is behind the glove box. Just pull the glove box out and it is a 5 X 7 black box with a bunch of wires going into it. I didn't have to relink VATS when I changed my BCM. Everything worked plug and play.