I am trying to diagnose my inoperable steering wheel adjustment feature in my 2003 lx. Switch does nothing. I physically pulled out each motor and they make no sound completely dead even mechanically removed from the column (electrically still connected). I have read sometimes the switch is the culprit but I can’t see a way to disconnect it? Has anyone replaced the switch with success? I do not have tech stream up and running.
Steering wheel tilt/telescope switch replacement help
- Thread starter juicemode
- Start date
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It may be helpful to scan for DTC (codes). They can often point in right direction, of where to start diagnostics.
Not sure, but there may be a fuse in LH or even RH Junction box (side panel in foot well).
Typically it is the motor(s), which many have failed. One test is to swap connection, from working motor to the other non working. Which checks the circuit. But this obviously takes a known working motor.
There is also Power Tilt & telescopic ECU, that may have short.
You really need the FSM (factory Service Manual). If you don't have one, search ih8mud for a PDF.
Not sure, but there may be a fuse in LH or even RH Junction box (side panel in foot well).
Typically it is the motor(s), which many have failed. One test is to swap connection, from working motor to the other non working. Which checks the circuit. But this obviously takes a known working motor.
There is also Power Tilt & telescopic ECU, that may have short.
You really need the FSM (factory Service Manual). If you don't have one, search ih8mud for a PDF.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thank you @2001LC, I will review the FSM. I have a techstream cable but still trying to decide what is the best computer to try and run it on. It’s starting to seem like that tool is a must for this job.
Try the fuse first, located by passenger footwell.
- Thread starter
- #5
Thank you. Just checked the fuse, it’s intact. FSM has a good diag tree. Hopefully I can follow with my multimeter.
- Thread starter
- #6
I think this is a safe place to air my dirty laundry, Started down the FSM diagnostic path. Unbolted the tilt/telescope ECU, used multi-meter to look at voltage across the ECU ground and the "MSW" wire (kinda tricky with the connector still plugged into the ECU). Was reading no voltage with any action of the switch (not good). Then measured MSW to ground and got 5V (good), then went to measure resistance across the switch leads and I found the switch disconnected.
Plugged it in and now have tilt/telescope!
Ive had the area torn apart for some weeks while I was waiting for a new to me ECU to arrive in the mail. First thing I did a few weeks back was pull the ECU and one of the pins looked really bad from water dripping on it. I forgot I disconnected the switch back then.
Water damage at the ECU was the culprit and a used ebay $70 replacement was the solution.
Thanks again 200LC, the FSM was the tool to use!
Plugged it in and now have tilt/telescope!
Ive had the area torn apart for some weeks while I was waiting for a new to me ECU to arrive in the mail. First thing I did a few weeks back was pull the ECU and one of the pins looked really bad from water dripping on it. I forgot I disconnected the switch back then.
Water damage at the ECU was the culprit and a used ebay $70 replacement was the solution.
Thanks again 200LC, the FSM was the tool to use!
Glad you sorted this.
I have a similar problem. The switch moves the steering wheel up and down. BUT not fore/aft.
Haven’t pulled it apart yet to figure out the problem but are there 2 motors? Assume maybe the motor fore/aft is dead or someone pulled a cable as I suspect previous owner has had the dash apart at some point.
Car is new to me - got it yesterday - and have an ever growing list of issues to fix.
Cheers. It’s on the list to research, just been looking into the other more important stuff first. Thanks for the heads up.