Car is a '99 with 120k miles. This has happened before and it was NOT the switch.

It was at the dealer for something else years ago and they found a broken wire somewhere that fixed it.

Anyone have this happen and have an idea what I might try? I'm sure the dealer will fix it for a few hundred bucks....

The switch on the column will let it go in - but not out...

Thanks

 

Hi There,
This may help.
Can't guarantee this will fix it but try re-programming your soft stops...

Reprogramming seat and column sensors

With key out:
Move your seat all the way down. Once down, tap the up/down button down 6 times.

After replacing a memory seat module or adjuster components, it may be necessary to reset the adjuster motor soft stop locations. When the repair procedure has been completed, operate the seat adjuster switch in every direction until the seat adjuster reaches its mechanical hard stop by repeatedly pressing and releasing the switch as necessary.

I finally got it to work. Here is the deal. The colum would ALWAYS retract, the problem was it would only extend about an inch. What I finally did was retract the column 8 - 12 times and then extend it and hold the button out for a while (10 seconds) until the column finally extended all the way out.


Telescoping Steering Column Calibration

Telescoping Soft Stops

After replacement of the seat control module, it is necessary to program the telescoping soft stops. Each soft stop is a programmable end of travel that is set approximately 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) from the mechanical end of travel. The steering column has a soft stop set at each end of the telescoping in/out movement. The system uses soft stops to prevent wear on the system by ensuring that the steering column movement stops before it reaches its mechanical end of travel in any direction. The soft stops are initially programmed at the factory. The stop positions may be reprogrammed, which is necessary any time the seat control module is replaced, as described in the following procedure.

Telescoping Soft Stop Programming Procedure

1] Turn ignition to ON, leaving the engine off.

2] To set the telescoping in soft stop, press the telescoping COLUMN IN switch at least eight times or until the column moves.

3] Press the telescoping COLUMN IN switch and hold the switch until the column travels all the way in, and continue to hold the switch about a second after motion stops at the mechanical end of travel. The soft stop for the column in position is now set. The seat control module automatically goes back to the normal mode of operation.

4] Repeat steps 2 and 3, using the COLUMN OUT switch, to set the column out position soft stop

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Much appreciated.

I tried it and I do think it is seat related. The dealer had my car for a few days and the seat was all out of position. I can't imagine the size of the tech that test drove it.....

But I got the seat dialed back in. Now, of course, the steering column is full forward and will NOT come back.

But I appreciate your reply.

GOZ2FST

 

Mine got stuck about a week ago, it would move away from me but not toward me. I pulled on it slightly while using the switch and it moved no problem. You've probably already tried that but thought I would mention my experience.