94legaleagle

I've got a 2001 Coupe w/ the memory seat package.

I needed to replace my telescopic steering ACTUATOR (not the motor). Prior to replacing the actuator, I disconnected the drive cable that goes from the telescopic steering motor to the actuator, and at this time the motor worked fine, because I used it to make sure my NEW actuator worked - my new actuator worked and so did the telescopic steering motor at that time. This was done w/ BOTH seats IN the vehicle.

I then tore the interior apart (other projects and other mods) and I replaced the telescopic steering ACTUATOR - the new actuator is bolted in place and the wire is connected - BOTH seats are NOW REMOVED from the car, and neither seat is wired in place.

Problem is, now NOTHING happens when I use the switch on the steering column (in / out switch) to activate the telescopic steering motor! I've tried clicking the switch billions of times in each direction, I've tapped/hit the telescopic steering motor to see if it was stuck and could be jarred loose, and nothing happens.

I'm wondering, first what fuse number is for the telescopic steering column motor, and is that fuse in the engine compartment or pass footwell? I'll check that first.

SECOND question - for the telescopic steering column motor to work/function, do I have to have the seats wired into the car in order to complete some circuit or something? I'm wondering if maybe the steering wheel telescopic motor quit working due to the seats being removed and something to do w/ the memory package?

Anything else I should check before I admit defeat and ATTEMPT to replace the motor?

I've got a new telescopic steering wheel MOTOR on hand, but I DON'T want to replace it - the actuator was slightly difficult to replace w/ the steering column in the car, and the steering wheel MOTOR looks like an absolute Beeoutch to replace with the column in the car, if it is even possible to do so.

Your thoughts and help are GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks, Bill.

GUSTO14

Bill,
Put the Driver's seat in the car and plug it in... I think you'll find that everything works. The memory function does require the seat to be connected to work, it works throught the module under the seat.

Good luck... GUSTO

mrC5er

Did the same thing myself. Connect the seat back in, and the column will work again.

94legaleagle

Whew!!! FYI, I PM'd Bill Curlee and he said the same thing - put the seat back in, try it, and it should work - I'll do that, and I will post the results

I thought that might be the problem, but I wasn't sure - and I want to make sure everything IS working BEFORE I put the lower dash back together.

Thanks, I'll post results.

Bill.

94legaleagle

FYI update - I put the drivers seat back in and connected its electrical connections - the steering wheel telescopic motor works good as new, and my steering wheel now retracts in and out. COOL.

Thanks, Bill Curlee, for the assistance.

dabsplaza

I have a 98, roadster, 6spd with memory. My telescopic steering column does not work (ie doesn't retract when I take the key out of the ignition). Any ideas???? Should I check fuses, if so which ones???
Thanks.....

94legaleagle

I'm not sure - PM Bill Curlee - he is the electrical guru of the board - if it's electrical related, he's the expert and he's your man!