My 2003 tilt steering is stuck in full up position. The unlock lever appears to have come disconnected from the unlock mechanism as it is in the unlock position and has no resistance moving it fore and aft. I've removed 2 screws from the bottom 1/2 of the plastic clamshell around the steering column to try to access the unlock mechanism, but can't get the upper and lower clamshell peices off due to the plastic ring in the back (forward on the car) holding them together. Can anyone give me any detailed instructions on how to fix my problem? Note, this is not related to steering lock. the steering and telescoping work, just not the tilt.

Thanks,

Terry

I have the same thing that just happened to mine. I think the plastic ring toward the front of the vehicle is rubber and flexible. Can't you just pull the plastic out of it? Anyway, please post what you found/or what it took to fix this problem.

I gave up. Please let me know if you figure it out!

Terry

Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=73107&RefDoc=824624&evc=sm) in SIR. Remove the steering wheel from the steering column. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=58813&RefDoc=824624&evc=sm) .
Remove the tilt lever from the steering column. Refer to Tilt Lever Replacement (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=70059&RefDoc=824624&evc=sm) .Remove the driver knee bolster trim panel. Refer to Trim Panel Replacement - Knee Bolster (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=50657&RefDoc=824624&evc=sm) in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
Remove the 2 TORX® head screws from the lower trim cover. Separate the lower trim cover tabs from the slots in the steering column close out trim cover. Remove the switch wires from the telescope motor assembly, which are routed in clips along the bottom of the lower trim cover. From the inside of the lower trim cover, push out the telescope motor assembly switch. Disconnect the assembly switch connector from the instrument panel wiring harness. Remove the telescope motor assembly switch and wires from the trim cover.
Remove the lower trim cover.
Remove the 2 TORX® head screws (2) from the upper trim cover (1). Separate the upper trim cover tabs from the slots in the steering column close out trim cover.
Remove the upper trim cover (1).Sounds like an authorized repair facility job to me, unless you have a steering wheel puller that'll fit.

Remove the steering wheel inflator module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=57810&RefDoc=824660&evc=sm) in SIR.
Remove the horn electrical connector. Install J 42640 (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=261779) to the steering column. Remove the steering wheel set nut. Discard the steering wheel set nut.
Install J 42120 (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=70144) and J 1859-A (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=802) to the steering wheel. Tighten the puller center screw against steering column shaft until the steering wheel slides off the steering column shaft.
Remove J 42120 (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=70144) and J 1859-A (http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=802) from the steering wheel.

Thanks for the reply, but I'm unable to open any of these links. Can you try pasting the information under "Tilt Lever Replacement".

Thanks,

Terry