Steering Column Tilt/Telescoping Malfunction

Steering Column Tilt/Telescoping Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions)provides an overview of each diagnostic category

Circuit Description

The memory seat module (MSM) receives voltage inputs from the tilt/telescope switch based on the position of the switch. The MSM then supplies battery voltage and a ground to the tilt or telescope motor control circuits depending on which direction of movement is requested.

The MSM determines the position of the steering column based on inputs received from the telescope position sensor, built into the telescoping actuator. The MSM supplies a 5-volt reference and a low reference to the sensor and monitors the column position via the steering column telescope sensor signal circuit.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation

Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing For Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Tilt Up Switch, Tilt Down Switch, Telescope Forward Switch and Telescope Rearward Switch parameters while cycling the tilt/telescope switch between the TILT UP, TILT DOWN, TELESCOPE IN, and TELESCOPE OUT positions. The parameters should cycle between Inactive and Active.

• If any of the parameters do not cycle between the specified values, refer to Tilt/Telescope Switch Circuit Malfunction.

2. Observe the scan tool Tilt Sensor and Telescope Sensor parameter. The readings should be between 0.2 and 4.8 volts.

• If not within the specified range, refer to Tilt/Telescope Sensor Circuit Malfunction.

3. Command the column to tilt up and down and telescope in and out using the tilt/telescope switch. The column should move in the commanded direction.

• If the column does not operate as specified, refer to Tilt/Telescope Actuator Circuit Malfunction.

Circuit/System Testing

Tilt/Telescope Switch Circuit Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the tilt/telescope switch.
2. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 1 and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

3. Verify the scan tool tilt switch and telescope switch parameters are Inactive.

• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit listed below for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.

* Tilt Up Switch terminal 2
* Tilt Down Switch terminal 6
* Telescope Forward Switch terminal 3
* Telescope Rearward Switch terminal 5

4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit listed below and the B+ circuit terminal 1. Verify the scan tool tilt switch and telescope switch parameters are Active.

* Tilt Up Switch terminal 2
* Tilt Down Switch terminal 6
* Telescope Forward Switch terminal 3
* Telescope Rearward Switch terminal 5

• If not the specified value, test the appropriate signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.

5. If all circuit test normal, test or replace the tilt/telescope switch.

Tilt/Telescope Sensor Circuit Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the steering wheel tilt/telescope position sensor.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 2.0 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.

3. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal C and ground.

• If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.
• If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.

4. Verify the scan tool tilt sensor and telescope sensor parameter is less than 0.2 volts.

• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit listed below for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.

* Tilt Sensor terminal A
* Telescope Sensor terminal D

5. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit listed below and the 5-volt reference circuit terminal C. Verify the scan tool tilt sensor and telescope sensor parameter is greater than 4.8 volts.

* Tilt Sensor terminal A
* Telescope Sensor terminal D

• If less than the specified range, test the appropriate signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the MSM.

6. If all circuits test normal, replace the steering column.

Tilt/Telescope Actuator Circuit Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the tilt/telescope actuator.
2. Install a test lamp between the control circuit terminals listed below of the tilt/telescope motor.

* Tilt Up/Tilt Down terminals 1 and 2
* Telescope Forward/Telescope Rearward terminals 1 and 2

3. Command the column to tilt up and down or telescope in and out using the tilt/telescope switch. The test lamp should illuminate with each command.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the appropriate tilt/telescope control circuits for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the MSM.

4. If all circuits test normal, replace the steering column.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Steering Column Replacement (Steering Column Replacement)
* Steering Column Tilt Wheel and Telescope Switch Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for MSM replacement, setup, and programming