I have 97 LS400 134k on it . Just recently wheel has suddenly stopped telescoping. Tilt still works fine. When I insert key wheel tilts to memory and I can also adjust with button up or down. However telescopic feature does nothing, either in or out. with key or button. No noise at all. Wheel is all the way in. I love this car! Since I am getting on in age it will probably last me the rest of my driving life. I am wondering if it could be something simple such as The telescopic ECU or the telescopic sensor or just a fuse. Although since nothing else is inoperative I have a feeling its not a fuse. Just afraid it might be a the telescopic motor. Because one site (Park Place) lists it at over a $1000.

 

You can try pulling out on the steering wheel while inserting the key. I had the same problem with mine and I just tugged on it and the motor reset itself. Hey you have nothing to lose if your thinking about replacing the motor!

 

There was a TSIB in January, 2004 about the telescoping feature on 98-00 LS400s and 01-04 LS430s. The TSIB was to correct noisy operation but the work required looks very extensive and involves replacing the telescoping steering column cable with a universal joint -- looks more complex than replacing the tilt and telescope motors. Perhaps the same problem was on the 97 LS but by Jan, 04, no 97's would have been covered by warranty and thus would not have been listed in the TSIB.

The TSIB is at http://www.bedlib.org
Click on the ARRC logo, and find the "steering column noise" TSIB under "1998 Lexus LS400; Steering, Suspension".

 

Still no Telescopic movement. I do have complete tilt movement. This is a 97 LS400 Anyone have this problem ? What was solution? How to get to motor without removing steering wheel. Thank you.

 

i have the same problem in my 94. Except the motor gets "tired" after a little extension/retraction and has to "rest" before it will move again. As far as i know there is no DIY fix. Sorry dude.

 

may or may not help:


CLICK ME

different generations, I believe.

 

my 96ls400 sometimes will not telescope out after I turn the car off, but it only does this when I leave it out in the hot sun. When I drive the car and it cools off, it works fine. Hmmmmm

 

Mine will now go towrds the dash & back but no more upsies & downsies.

Sounds like a plastic gear wheel has stripped. Really annoying!! Info in above link does indeed sound promnising!!

 

is there a way to disable the auto tilt/retract? It's always seemed pointless to me