LX 470 telescoping steering wheel questions

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Koda

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I am seriously considering buying an '01 470 to replace my previously totaled '99 LC (Thanks for the advice and condolences on this in a previous post.) The only issue we could identify with the LX is that the tele steering column is noisy and seems rough. (and the inevitable pink-pantie and country club jokes) Based on what I have read, eventual failure of the tele mechanism seems likely. My normal Toyota mechanic hasn't replaced one of these before and the local Lexus dealer said probably about $300 bucks but it depends. The rig is at 77k and out of warranty.
I found a previous post on this issue:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=24688&highlight=tele+steering
but I'm still wondering:
1. What experience do people have fixing this, either on your own - big deal? or by the mechanic - expensive?
2. The owners manual states that the automatic telescoping can be shut off but says to ask the dealer. Has anyone figured out how to do this on their own, which theoretically should make the motor last longer?
Thanks
 
Koda said:
1. What experience do people have fixing this, either on your own - big deal? or by the mechanic - expensive?
2. The owners manual states that the automatic telescoping can be shut off but says to ask the dealer. Has anyone figured out how to do this on their own, which theoretically should make the motor last longer?
Thanks
Click to expand...

Mine was squeeky when I purchased the vehicle last year. Had my dealer switch it off. I think this can only be done with the Lexus tester.

There is a service bulletin for this. If the vehicle is still under warranty, you can get the guides (?) replaced and it would solve the problem.

I'm surprised about these problems, though. LS400's have been using the same system since the 1990, and I don't know of too many reports of failures on those vehicles.
 
I had my auto retract steering wheel switched off as well. No worries anymore.

My father has an LS400 and the steering wheel "groans" everytime. Has never failed though. It doesn't bother him so I've never done anything about it.

Bonus steering wheel tip:
If you have long legs/short arms and need the steering wheel closer to you. Pull the joystick toward you 7 or 8 times and it'll extend another 1/4" or so.:rolleyes:
 
Thanks for the insights. What did the dealer charge you to turn this function off?
 
Mine worked fine when I bought it; had the dealer disable the auto-retract feature before taking delivery based on advice from this forum.
 
No charge on the disable. I told them to do it when they were doing the DRL recall.
 
My '99 LX had groan/shudder in the telescoping function, starting while still within warranty. Had it in under warranty a couple of times, stealer claimed they were changing parts but I didn't bother to get details, so not sure. Problem solved but only for a while...it came back after warranty expired.

I tried lubing things a few times, would help but the noise & shudder would return.

Finally, I just extended it to full-extend and disconnected the telescoping motor to disable it. (I don't need telescoping function anyway.) Problem solved, for my needs anyway. The auto-tilt retract function still works.

I saw where this system had several design revisions intended to fix the problem, AFTER '99. This is one item I would have rather not been part of the LX - auto-retracting system is Rube Goldberg nonsense, imo - and clearly, yet another complicated system with more things to fail, as evidenced by the problems seen in the field for the LX.
 
Mine is still OK, at 80 k km. Had the groan when retracting when new, and then it got worse until I brought it in just before expiry of the 3 year warranty; when the dealer made it work smoothly. Haven't heard of any problems with the tilt/telescope in the local forum.
 
Mine started to groan this week on the down tilt. Could have been the weather at 105 degrees. It went away, but I expect it will be something I take it in for eventually. The thing's brand frickin' new! Although, I have had things pop up that eventually fix themselves.

One thing I don't like (unless it can be programmed differently) is the fact it operates once the key is put in or taken out. So if you're just sitting there with the truck off, you have the wheel in your lap and you have to move it - yet again- just to get your legs out. I'm going in next Monday and will probably have it shut off and I will control as needed.
 
hoser said:
Bonus steering wheel tip:
If you have long legs/short arms and need the steering wheel closer to you. Pull the joystick toward you 7 or 8 times and it'll extend another 1/4" or so.:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

neat trick. this truck is full of them. thanks!
 
Bought our 100 a few months back and the dealer had to replace two motors in the steering column as they had both failed. He reckoned that it was very rare - but he reckoned this about the compressor and clutch cooler that had gone too!

(it was an Oct 02 model with less than 30k miles too!)

Sword
 
Mine failed at around 115000 km. The vertical movement still works, bur it doesn't go in and out.
I've never found the right moment to try and open it.
 
Koda said:
The owners manual states that the automatic telescoping can be shut off but says to ask the dealer. Has anyone figured out how to do this on their own, which theoretically should make the motor last longer?Thanks
Click to expand...
What about this question?
Anybody?
I would like to switch this feature off. Checked the FSM(s), found nothing.
 
uHu said:
What about this question?
Anybody?
I would like to switch this feature off. Checked the FSM(s), found nothing.
Click to expand...

I had the dealer disable the auto feature. I think you need the lexus/toyota hand tool and software to do it.
 
Yes, Toyota/Lexus handtool needed. At first my dealer said it couldn't be done. I then handed them an instruction sheet on how to use the Toyota hand tool.
 
Hoser,
Since my initial post on this topic, I purchased the LX. I'm quickly getting used to the luxury (compared to my '97 4Runner) but I'd like to turn off the telescoping steering wheel feature. Any chance you could post or email that instruction sheet so that I can bring it to the dealer like you did.
Thanks
 
hoser said:
Yes, Toyota/Lexus handtool needed. At first my dealer said it couldn't be done. I then handed them an instruction sheet on how to use the Toyota hand tool.
Click to expand...

Do you have a copy of those instructions? I'd like to be prepared for my dealers response. Thanks.
 
All those interested in the Toyota Scan Tools directions for customizing the '98-'02 LX470, see attachment. The '03+ models are probably done a different way (C-best).
Auto Retract Disable 1.jpg
Auto Retract Disable 2.jpg
 
Last edited:
A ha! I knew there would be a way! I'll be getting this done ASAP on my next visit to the friendly Lexus dealer. Thanks!
 
Glockenspiel said:
neat trick. this truck is full of them. thanks!
Click to expand...
That trick also works of you want to move the steering wheel away from you and/or tilt it down more. Push the switch 8 times and then push the switch either forward and/or down...you'll see what I mean.

Steve
 
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