[slider35]

Does anybody know how to disable the automatic extension/retraction of the steering column when you turn the ignition on and off?

Manual says to contact Lexus dealer. Do we really have to for this? Or is there some hack to get around it?

[alexchok]

There is a cable that links up with the motor that telescopes the steering in and out, you have to disconnect it.

If you have the manual its easy to find...if not you have to remove your steering covers, which then exposes the motor and then follow the wires.

If you know where it is, you dont even have to remove the covers to disconnect the cables.

Good luck.

Mine still telescopes up and down but doesnt retract anymore. No more squeaky sounds heh!

[vcheng]

The dealer uses a factory scan tool to disable the auto-tilt feature. I would imagine that disconnecting the power supply to the tilt motor assembly should do the trick as well, but I have not personally tried it. I am sure somebody far wiser than I will chime in here. (see somebody did chime in even before I could post!) Isn't this forum great?

[TMILL]

If the dealer does it you can still manually adjust but the auto function is disabeld.

[vcheng]

I suppose one could wire in a switch to the power supply side, and flip it off to disable the auto-tilt feature, and flip it on when adjusting the wheel position.

Or pay whatever the local dealer wants to charge.

You pays your money and takes your chances as the old saying goes.

[slider35]

Thanks for the replies. Dealer says they'll do it for free, but have never tried the procedure on an '04 so they won't guarantee me anything.

The only thing I'll be out is my time sitting at the dealership while they figure it out.

[vcheng]

If the dealer will do it for free, then it is simple: Under the scantool menu, there is a menu for the C-BEST settings, and one of the screens in that sub-menu toggles auto-tilt on and off (default in ON). Change that to OFF, and you're done.