Jeremiah87

As you all are familiar, the steering wheel goes up when the key is taken out of the ignition and back down when the key is inserted and turned. I have a 1998 model if that matters and was wondering if the steering wheel tilt motor has a fuse? If so, I would think I would be able to just remove the fuse when the wheel is in the down position and voila! Fixed position and no worries of the motor going out with the wheel in the up position.

Basically what I want to do is keep the steering wheel in the down/lowest position. I really don't need the thing going up and down every time I insert/remove the key and its one less thing to worry about conking out. (It would suck if the steering wheel was stuck in the up position, especially when driving)

Input is appreciated, thanks in advance!

Yamae

The stored setting data in the memory has to be changed and many dealers can do that using a scan tool called S2000 or similar tools. It used be free here in Japan to do it, but I don't know the situation there in US.

Removing a fuse causes many other functions to stop. Power windows, power seats, room lights and the clusters are disabled together with the steering control.

The most simple and easy way is to remove connectors to two motors.

Kansas

Or just don't worry that about it. If it ever stops working there are often simple and inexpensive fixes which have been documented on this forum.

deanshark

This would be my suggestion, just disconnect the motors.
When I first got my LS I enjoyed the electric tilt, now I dont. Sometimes when I pull my key out the wheel stays down. Idk if the ignition isn't turning off all the way or what b/c if I just touch the ignition with anything metal, the wheel will go up.

BammBamm

This. I've disconnected the tilt motor, but have yet to locate the telescopic connector. Great post, Yamae.

TominPT

Keep in mind that If you remove the connector to the tilt motor, but later connect it because you want this to function (or a later owner wants it) it may no longer work due to non-use, lack of lube etc.

Losiracer2

I would just leave it alone, it won't break down. I've had a 97 LS with 300k, even drove the million mile 96' LS400 with at the time 930k back in Sept 2015 and it was still functioning fine.

The ultrasonic motors on the 99-00 are better quality I think, much smoother in operation and very quiet compared to the noisy one in my old 97'

BammBamm

The tilt wheel was stuck in the "short bus" position when I bought the car. As a result, I figured-in the cost to repair it, knowing full well Lexus would likely charge upwards of $700. Luckily, one of our esteemed posters here provided detailed instructions on a low-cost repair, which I performed myself. It didn't even qualify as a "six-pack" job; more like a cold Colt 45 40oz endeavor. 😉 🍺