Steering column not adjusting. Help!

dougal · #1 11-01-2016, 11:48 AM

A few days ago the rear right electric window regulator failed and the window was unable to go up. I took it to a mechanic and he removed the regulator along with motor etc and put the window back up manually and held it with wood till the part order arrives. Now I noticed when I switch off the engine and on again the steering column isn't going up or down, not even using the stalk. Forward and back works but not up or down. Is it relevant to the fact the rear right regulator is removed ?

Joshdub · #2 11-01-2016, 12:15 PM

I don't know if having the window motor disconnected will cause problems. I don't think so but I wouldn't be surprised.

On the other hand, the steering column failing is pretty typical and is usually the driver side seat control module. The first sign of that module failing is when the steering wheel fails to adjust properly. It'll eventually stop adjusting completely, and your seat will follow.

You can swap in a used one, no coding is needed.

dougal · #3 11-02-2016, 02:55 AM

There is a video on youtube saying it could be the motor. There are two of them, one for vertical adjusting and the other for horizontal. Doesn't seem to hard to replace.

I guess I could also try and connect it and try and reset with INPA ? Or disconnect the battery ?

When you say seat control module, is that where the buttons to adjust the seat and memory are ?

X53Jay4.8is · #4 11-02-2016, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougal

There is a video on youtube saying it could be the motor. There are two of them, one for vertical adjusting and the other for horizontal. Doesn't seem to hard to replace.

I guess I could also try and connect it and try and reset with INPA ? Or disconnect the battery ?

When you say seat control module, is that where the buttons to adjust the seat and memory are ?

highly unlikely that two motors are failing at the same time on the steering column. You need to analyze the control circuit to see why no power/signal is making it to the column motors. Oh by the way did you check the simple stuff first like see if the two fuses assigned to the steering column i any good? Pull the cover under the glove box and check the two fuses.

Joshdub · #5 11-02-2016, 09:00 AM

Yes, this one.

dougal · #6 11-02-2016, 03:28 PM

Today I tried it again and I noticed that when trying to do the up/down it made very slight sounds like a tiny knock. So I kept trying the adjustment switch and eventually it started moving again in small increments.

After trying the switch some more and then it started working properly again. Even switching the engine on and off etc is now adjusting the steering column like its supposed to once again.

luvmy03E53 · #7 11-02-2016, 04:39 PM

This is a well-known issue with the seat switch module, which also controls the movement of the steering column. The relays on the circuit board go bad, and the circuitry will no longer drive the motors for adjustment of the steering column. Replace the seat switch module, and your issue with the steering column will be fixed. I had the same issue with mine earlier this year.