Telescopic Steering Failure

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Feb 11, 2007 | 11:01 PM

bouellet

Thread Starter

Rookie

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 54

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From: Boston

Telescopic Steering Failure

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.

Feb 12, 2007 | 02:15 PM

Lzam

Pit Crew

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 190

Likes: 41

From: NC

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!

Feb 12, 2007 | 02:47 PM

Kansas

Lead Lap

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 3,595

Likes: 271

From: Kansas

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".

Feb 16, 2007 | 01:45 AM

bouellet

Thread Starter

Rookie

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 54

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From: Boston

Telescopic Steering

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.

Last edited by bouellet; Mar 31, 2007 at 02:11 AM. Reason: Clarification of problem

Feb 16, 2007 | 07:20 AM

omarg

Lead Lap

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 754

Likes: 2

From: ga

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.

Feb 19, 2007 | 11:22 AM

lorenzo816

Pole Position

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 211

Likes: 2

From: North Carolina

this may help

may or may not help:

CLICK ME

different generations, I believe.

Aug 7, 2008 | 03:01 PM

Michaelbex

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 14

Likes: 1

From: CA

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