Auto Tilt Steering

96lxs · July 18, 2009

Hello everyone,

Does anyone know how to disable/turn off the auto tilt feature which tilts up when you remove the key from ignition and tilts down when you insert the key into ignition on 96 LS400? Mine works most of time but sometimes it get stuck in the down position because of inconsistent syncronization of this feature working all the time. After few days it starts to work properly again for a while but I would like to just set it at one setting and disable the auto feature so it will not get stuck again...

Thank you.

1990LS400 · July 19, 2009

Turning off the tilt/telescope feature on a 95-up LS requires a handheld tester with the appropriate program card. Lexus dealers and some independent repair shops have the necessary equipment which, by the way, is quite expensive.

billydpowell · July 19, 2009

I copied this from someone on the forum:

My '96 had the same problem. What I did before tearing the steering column apart is to check out the micro switch on the ignition lock cylinder. The switch is attached to the underside of the cylinder by two very small phillips screws and has a button that fits up into a slot near the opening of the cylinder. When the key is inserted into the cylinder, it pushes the button down completing the circuit and energizing the tilt/ telescope motors. After years or use, dirt accumulates around the switch button and it can become sticky. I took out the screws and carefully pulled the switch down and away from the cylinder, and by using a small brush and blowing on it, I was able to clean the dirt from around the switch button and the hole in the cylinder. Be careful not to blow dirt into the cylinder. I reinstalled the switch, inserted the key and the column worked properly.

You can access the ignition switch by removing the lower insturment under cover, then dropping the lower safety panel, this is the panel below the steering column and contains the switches for the trunk lid release and fuel door release and has an air duct, which is just below the column. These coverings are held in place by screws and clips. Then you will have to remove the lock cylinder finish plate, this is the round bezel that surrounds the cylinder, pull it straight out, it's a press fit. Then pull out the cylinder surrounding cover, the square shaped cover that fills the space between the steering column and the center console, it has the round hole for the cylinder and is held in place by retaining clips. This will give you full access to the cylinder and you can remove the switch without removing the cylinder.

Just something to check before disassembling the column. Good luck.

96lxs · July 19, 2009

Thanks for your advices billydpowell and 1990LS400.

I was hoping for a easy solution such as pulling a fuse but I guess it is more extensive.

Thank you guys!!

blake918 · July 20, 2009

Turning off the tilt/telescope feature on a 95-up LS requires a handheld tester with the appropriate program card. Lexus dealers and some independent repair shops have the necessary equipment which, by the way, is quite expensive.

Heya Jim! I thought turning it off was only an option on the 98+ CBES equipped cars, and 95-97 you are just SOL for an easy way to turn it off?

1990LS400 · July 20, 2009

Turning off the tilt/telescope feature on a 95-up LS requires a handheld tester with the appropriate program card. Lexus dealers and some independent repair shops have the necessary equipment which, by the way, is quite expensive.
Heya Jim! I thought turning it off was only an option on the 98+ CBES equipped cars, and 95-97 you are just SOL?

I could be wrong. I thought I had read that a handheld tester could be used to modify just a few settings through the predessessor of CBES -- T.I.S. (Technical Information System).