Greetings! When the steering wheel retracts a loud rumbling noise comes from the column. The telescoping functions do work, but I'm afraid it gets stuck one day. Is that a valid fear or can the toggle on the side of the steering column still move the column back and forth even if the automatic retraction gives up a ghost?
I did read this thread about defeating this function, and it would appear that I need an OBDII scanner with a Toyota Techstream software or have the Lexus dealer do it. This is something I might explore, but in the meantime, should I be concerned about the steering column rumble when retracting?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ned-off-2.html
Thanks!

 

There is a fuse you can pull to disable the tilt and telescope function. If you do that (or disable in Techstream), you can pretty much be certain that if you put it back and attempt these functions in the future they will not work. If I were you I would investigate it more closely and perhaps all you need to do is lubricate the telescope mechanism.

 

The automatic retraction and the toggle on the side of the column trigger both the same motors. There are two, one for tilt and one for telescope. Those motors are well known to die in these cars because they get prompted to move twice every time you start the car. Once when you put the key in and again when you take the key out. If you go to work and come home that's four times, stop at the grocery store and/or pick up the kids on the way home that's six or eight times. For years and years.

Whether you disable it by pulling the fuse, or by using Techstream and the adapter like I did, or try to lubricate the track and cable, I would advise to do it soon before it gives up the ghost. After it dies your only options are to replace the motor, which is expensive, or to manually turn the adjustment mechanism in the steering column (which is difficult) to get the steering wheel where where you want it and leave it fixed there forever. I disabled mine but I miss the feature so I plan to replace both motors myself with new OEM ones in the future and re-enable it with Techstream.

 

I replaced mine several years back.( Myself) O.E.M part came from somewhere in the middle east. $400 C.D.N
New one still rumbles from time to time but works fine for the last 4 years. Has nothing to do with lucubration.
(Not a stepper motor). But you must find the start and stop points before install.