On certain passenger vehicles equipped with Electronic Column Lock systems (ECL), when the ignition switch is turned to "lock," the ECL prevents turning of the steering system. When the vehicle is started, the ECL unlocks the steering system. The vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the vehicle is started and the customer tries to drive, the fuel supply will be shut off so that the vehicle cannot move when the vehicle cannot be steered. If voltage at the powertrain control module is low or interrupted, however, the fuel shut off may not occur and the vehicle can be accelerated while the steering system is locked.

If this occurs, a crash could occur without warning.

On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the dealer will disable the steering column lock by removing the column lock plate. When the ignition key is removed, the transmission shifter will lock but the steering column will not lock. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module. The steering column on these vehicles will continue to lock when the key is removed. Owner notification is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.