Steering wheel adjustment lever seems stuck

Tiny
JACOBHOUSE
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 FORD EDGE
  • 70,000 MILES
Hello. I am 16, and I have just gotten my Learners Permit. I am trying to drive my mom's car, but I am unable to adjust the steering wheel, and it seems the lever might be stuck. I don't want to break it!
Monday, June 20th, 2022 AT 11:38 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,420 POSTS
Can you upload a picture or short video of what you are trying to do? Maybe push down on the wheel while working the lever. Here is what the manual says about steering wheel adjustments.

Pinpoint Test C: The Adjustable Steering Column Operates in One Second Intervals When Using the Steering Column Control Switch (Jog Mode)

Refer to Wiring Diagrams Set 128, Adjustable Steering Column for schematic and connector information See: Vehicle > Electrical.

Normal Operation
The SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) monitors the position of the adjustable steering column using of Hall-effect type rotation sensors that are integral to the tilt and telescoping motors. The adjustable steering column tilt motor is serviced separately from the steering column. The adjustable steering column telescope motor is not serviceable. If a new adjustable steering column telescope motor sensor is needed, install a new steering column assembly.
The SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) sends a reference voltage along the sensor feed circuit through the Hall-effect sensor and back to the SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) through a shared signal return circuit. The sensors provide a digital signal used by the SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) to calculate the position of the steering column in relation to the full forward/rearward and full up/down positions. The SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) uses this signal to store and recall memory positions, to carry out the easy entry/exit operations and to make sure the adjustable steering column tilt and telescope motors do not stall against the steering column end of travel.
If an adjustable steering column tilt or telescope motor sensor DTC sets (or if either of the sensor circuits become open), the SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) does not recall a programmed memory position or automatically position the steering column during the easy entry/exit operations. The affected steering column motor operates in jog mode. Jog mode allows limited operation of the affected steering column motor using only the steering column control switch. When the steering column control switch is operated in jog mode, the steering column moves in the desired direction for one second, then stops regardless of the length of time the switch is actually activated. The steering column control switch must be released, then activated again in order to move the steering column for an additional second.

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 AT 8:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBHOUSE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I can't add an image or video. Sorry. But I will try to apply downward pressure on the wheel while operating the lever next time I enter the car.
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Monday, July 4th, 2022 AT 10:29 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Does the site not let you add a video or image or? If you apply downward pressure, it should work because it releases the adjustment detent.
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Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
JACOBHOUSE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It will let me; I just can't get a video of the problem. Mainly because showing you the lever won't really show the problem, and I can't take it apart. Let me head out and see if it works really quickly.
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Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBHOUSE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Oh my gosh. It worked! I feel like such an idiot! Thank you for pointing out the obvious! I've seen it for other vehicles online, but didn't think it would work for us, since the make and model are different and I didn't want to break anything on a vehicle that isn't mine. Again, thank you for the help!
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Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 AT 2:26 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,420 POSTS
We are all good, Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
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Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 AT 12:31 PM

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