Hi folks. My telescoping steering was making a noise for about a couple of weeks - sounded like gear teeth grinding, and has now packed up. Put the key in/out and the wheel raises but won't come out unless I use the switch and even then it only comes out a bit at a time. Keep tapping the switch and I can just about get it fully extended but obvioulsy when I take out the key, it goes back in again. Because it goes back in, I guess it can't be the motor, rather, the worm shaft that's worn?

I searched on the forum and found this is quite a common problem with the LS (I think) but don't see it happening with the RX?. Having read that it's a pain to get this fixed and will be very expensive, (apparently the up/down motor can be fixed more easily with washers) I wondered if I was to use the switch to extend it out to maximum and then pull out the power plug from the motor and just accept that I don't have this feature any more. My question is though, by pulling out the power plug, would this create a problem with the ECU or something else when it tries to go into auto mode (when inserting/removing the key)

I know I can get the auto feature turned off at the main dealer but I like the fact that the steering wheel lifts up when getting in/out of the car. Sorry for the long "story" but would be good to know if anyone else has either tried this or had a similar issue or has any suggestions. The car is a RX350 has done 62K miles and is 7 years old. Many thanks.

 

Try unhooking the battery to reset everything. Worth a try if you have not done it. Good luck.

In my case most recently, in random when I pull the key, the steering wheel will not go to its home position. I would put the key back and pull it again and it would go home. Not exactly the same as your issue but the motors are not sensing a signal and prevents the steering wheel to stop before the home.

 

The Ignition switch contacts are probably just dirty hence you can jiggle it and it works.

 

Many thanks for your help Mandyfig. I'll try to jiggle to key and see if this will help? I know if I take off the battery I'll need to re-set everything else but again, it's worth a go. Will let you know how it goes.

 

If that doesn't work check the vehicle for any Diagnostic Trouble (DTC) Codes. The Lexus Service Manual lists a number of these codes to troubleshoot the steering column. For example DTC B2611 - Telescopic Position Sensor or Telescopic Motor Circuit Malfunction.

 

Thanks once again Mandyfig. I had a good look at the car earlier and the steering column goes back all the way when I take the key out, but won't come out when the key goes in. What I can do is gently pull the wheel out when I put the key in and although it makes gear cog grinding noise, it will at least come out. Think that maybe your idea of the position sensor might be a good place to start prodding around with!

 

Firstly - apologies to Rainbird for thinking you were Mandyfig! Having thought long and hard about the steering wheel issue, I've decided to have the auto retract feature disabled at the dealer. I'll still then have manual adjustment and will hopefully get the problem sorted out at a later date,

Thanks for all your help and will keep you posted if I get the problem sorted out.

 

Try this, its a easy fix.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...pic-wheel.html

 

Excellent - many thanks WBMX1981. Looks to be fairly easy to do, in a not too easy to do sort of a way! Think I'll manage as it's got to be worth a go. Thanks again and thanks too for the great forum - friendly folk around here and very quick to lend a helping hand.

 

Strange thing happened - the steering started working normally again - up/down/in/out - all OK?
Could it have been an electrical glitch maybe?
To be on the safe side (in case it happened again) I got the dealer to turn off the auto feature but obvioulsy still have full working manual control of all adjustments.

Still might have a go at cleaning the motor though? Thanks again folks.

 

I turned off my auto telescope feature with an ebay Techstream. My wheel no longer goes in and out with the key.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINI-VCI-J2534-Compatible-FOR-OEM-TOYOTA-TIS-Techstream-OBD2-Scanner-W-Software-/370851008240?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item5658714ef0&vxp=mtr

 

What version software did you get in the package?

 

Sure that's always an option. I actually like the feature of it automatically adjusting by the key. Plus, it's a very easy DIY fix. All it cost was $3.00 for the lube.

 

I put it on an old XP laptop at home so I am not sure. It was either 7 or 8. I think 8 was harder to get it to work so I just went with 7. It worked fine for my 2006. It is a trial version that only allows 30 loads before it requires re-installing or re-imaging.