Swap out factory manual telescoping steering column for a powered steering column

Tiny
THOMASD2
  • MEMBER
  • 2018 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • 17,520 MILES
I would like to swap-out my factory manual telescoping steering column for a new powered-type telescoping column. Does the Jeep's original factory wiring harness in the old steering column have a plug-in for the new powered telescoping steering column to hook-up to? My Jeep is a 2018 Grand Cherokee Sterling Edition.
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 10:48 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,571 POSTS
This won't be a bolt in item. First you would need the complete replacement column with steering column module, steering wheel and the wiring harness that goes from it to the power seat memory module located under the drivers seat. Next you will need to use a dealer scan tool and access code to enable the motorized column option if the memory module you have can have it enabled by them and not the factory FCA has been removing a lot of the option changing ability from dealers so it may not even be possible. Next the body control module needs to have an update so it can control the column when a different key fob is detected. Before you buy any parts I would call and talk to the part and service crew in a dealership to see if it's an option they can enable in the system or if it is factory only.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
THOMASD2
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Thanks for the solution to swap-out of the steering column from manual to powered type.
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Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 AT 8:22 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,571 POSTS
Sorry it isn't easier. The newer vehicles make it very difficult to add items because of the way everything is integrated into the overall vehicle. Even on my wife's car adding daytime running lights or fog lights into the factory system cannot be done as the company has removed the ability for a dealer to activate the pieces required by removing the ability to write the option codes into the VIN listing.
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Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
THOMASD2
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Looks like we will trade our Jeep in for a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the power telescoping steering column option already on it.
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Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,571 POSTS
That is an option. If you go that route be sure the replacement has all of the OEM options you want from the start, so you don't have a similar issue with it. This is especially true with any of the FCA vehicle from 2018 and newer as they use a secure gateway in the electronics. That means you cannot use a scan tool other than one that is factory authorized to access them to do repairs.
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Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 AT 6:02 PM

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