I posted this to the forum with no response, so I'd like to share for others who ran into the same problem.

My wife apparently pulled back on the tilt steering lever without holding on to the steering wheel; and the spring load caused the tilt steering to become wedged in the uppermost position.

I used many of threads for the steering column lock as guide and I did not have the time to set up for pictures, so I will describe the process and you can hunt for some images to get you started.

This was the site I referenced:
http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_08...air/index.html

The problem is caused by two metal tangs that are spring loaded and can wedge against the steering column. The tilt lever works, but the steering wheel remains in the upper position.

First, remove the knee panel underneath the console on the drivers compartment. You will need to pry out the headlamp switch and the ignition light and locate some torx retainers; as well as a pair of torx retainers on the lower surface. I found that fully disassembling the ignition light -- wiring, plate and bulb holder made the removal easier. Pay attention as you will need to wiggle the knee panel from around the ignition switch and console.

The lower cover on the steering column just snaps off.

In Photo #8 the technician is tapping on the column lock. The tilt column mechanism is just behind the lock. Two tangs are sprung with a downward pressure towards the lower portion if the housing.

Using a screwdriver you will find that usually one of the two tangs swings free while the other is wedged. Use a small hammer and litghly tap the tang free; check the tilt; and reassemble.

HTH, Mike W

 

Thanks for posting and sharing your solution.

 

That's good to know.

 

Nice info.

 

Hi There:
Thanks for the good info.
robsc501

 

I just ran into this problem this evening. I felt like a bus driver driving home with the wheel in the fully-up position. I'll give this fix a try. Thanks!

 

hope i don't have to use that, but thanks for posting it. i know it's here should i need it.

 

great info thanks

 

Thanks for the post. Just used it to get my steering wheel out of Bus Dirver mode.


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I had this problem on my 02; the wheel was stuck in the "up" position. I just hit the bottom of the wheel hard with the heel of my hand while holding the tilt lever - problem solved. It has worked fine since then and I now make sure to hold the wheel when I pull the tilt lever.

 

I *finally* got around to fixing mine. Yes, I was being lazy for the last few months.

A couple notes:

1. It's much easier to remove the knee panel if you disassemble the center console first. Otherwise, it's a pain in the *** to get the temperature sensor out. It's even harder to get the sensor back in.

2. In addition to being snapped together, the top and bottom halves of the steering column cover are hooked together (at the forward-most part). To separate them, unsnap the rear-most parts simply by pulling them apart. Once those are apart, push the bottom half of the cover towards the front of the car and it should unhook from the top half. To remove the lower half of the cover, you will need to maneuver it around the steering column adjustment lever. What I did was rotate front-most part of the cover upwards. You'll see what I mean when you get there.

 

i just hit it and pull on it until it becomes unstuck when this happens... these chevies need some tough love sometimes.