GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tilt/Telescoping Soft Stops

After replacement of the driver position module (DPM), steering column, or tilt/telescope actuators, it is necessary to setup the tilt/telescoping soft stops. Each soft stop is a programmable end of travel that is set approximately 1.3 cm (0.5 in) from the mechanical end of travel. The steering column has a soft stop set at each end of the telescoping in/out and tilt up/down 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 DPM, steering column, tilt actuator, or telescope actuator is replaced, as described in the following procedure. If the soft stops are not learned, noise and wear could result.

Tilt/Telescoping Soft Stop Setup Procedure

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Select Body and Accessories with a scan tool.
  3. Select Seats.
  4. Select Special Functions.
  5. Select Driver Position Module.
  6. Select Clear Soft Stops.
  7. Press the ON soft key. The scan tool should display Telescope Soft Stops Learned No and Tilt Soft Stops Learned No.
  8. Exit from the Clear Soft Stops Special Function.
  9. View the Column Soft Stops data list.
  10. Tilt the column all the way down. Hold the switch in the down position for 2 seconds after the column reaches the end of its travel.
  11. Telescope the column all the way forward. Hold the switch in the forward position for 2 seconds after the column reaches the end of its travel.
  12. Telescope the column all the way rearward. Hold the switch in the rearward position for 2 seconds after the column reaches the end of its travel. The scan tool should display Telescope Soft Stops Learned Yes.
  13. Tilt the column all the way up. Hold the switch in the up position for 2 seconds after the column reaches the end of its travel. The scan tool should display Tilt Soft Stops Learned Yes.