GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B2897: Steering Column Lock Solenoid/Motor Lock Circuit

Circuit/System Description

The steering column lock control module (SCLCM) controls the column lock motor using an internal lock relay, an internal unlock relay, and an internal lock enable relay. The lock and unlock relays provide a low input to the column lock motor. When the column needs to be locked the lock enable relay will energize the lock relay, which provides a high input to the lock side of the motor, energizing the motor to lock the steering column. When the SCLCM receives the low input from the body control module (BCM) the internal lock enable relay is energized and provides a high input to the lock side of the column lock motor. The unlock side of the column lock motor is grounded through the internal unlock relay within the SCLCM. The SCLCM monitors the steering column lock relay circuit for circuit faults. If the SCLCM detects a circuit fault on the steering column lock relay circuit, DTC B2897 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • DTCs B1327 or B1328 are not set as current.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    •  The steering column lock relay circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to voltage.
    • The condition is present for 300 ms.

Actions Taken When DTC Sets

    • DTC B2897 is stored in the SCLCM memory.
    • The SCLCM will command the driver information center (DIC) to display the Service Column Lock Now message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The SCLCM no longer detects a malfunction in the steering column lock relay circuit.
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Column Lock Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Circuit Testing

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 connector at the SCLCM.
  2. Measure voltage on the steering column lock relay circuit terminal D.
  3. If greater than 2 volts, repair the short to voltage on the steering column unlock relay circuit.
  4. Test for 50-300 ohms of resistance between the steering column unlock relay circuit terminal C and the steering column lock relay circuit terminal D.
  5. If not the specified value, replace the steering wheel theft deterrent lock.
  6. Test for infinite resistance between the steering column lock relay circuit terminal D and ground.
  7. If less than the specified range, replace the steering wheel theft deterrent lock.
  8. If all circuits test normal, replace the SCLCM.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 connector at the SCLCM.
  2. Test for 50-300 ohms of resistance between the steering column unlock relay circuit terminal C and the steering column lock relay circuit terminal D.
  3. If not the specified value, replace the steering wheel theft deterrent lock.
  4. Test for infinite resistance between the steering column lock relay circuit terminal D and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range, replace the steering wheel theft deterrent lock.
  6. Test for infinite resistance between the steering column lock relay circuit terminal D and the signal circuit terminal A.
  7. If less than the specified range, replace the steering wheel theft deterrent lock.
  8. Test for infinite resistance between the steering column lock relay circuit terminal D and the ground circuit terminal B.
  9. If less than the specified range, replace the steering wheel theft deterrent lock.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Steering Column Electronic Lock Replacement
    •  Control Module References for SCLCM replacement, setup and programming