STeering column extension issue

[beerdog]

I have a problem on my 98 where the column only extend about 1-2 inches out from the full in position. I just rebuilt this column and know everything works very smoothly in all directions. I cleaned and relubed the potentiometer. Relubed all the slides and screw drives. The tilt works perfect. I put a meter across the motor connector. !2 V is delivered untill the columns stops extending after an inch or so. Then the power gets cut off. Anyone ever experience this problem where the column only extends a short distance?

 

[98lincmk7lsc]

Have you tried applying 12 volts directly to telescoping motor and see if it works that way. If so (and I believe it will), it's probably your potentiometer. How did you clean it? I've had very good success using an eraser...

 

[beerdog]

I first wiped it clean with a tissue to get the bulk of the grease and dirt. Then wiped it with Isopropyl alcohol. Then relubed it with conductive contact grease. An eraser sounds pretty agressive. I am wondering if I did not clean it enough. It seemed clean. I have never seen a new one to compare it to. What color are the contact pads when clean?

Good idea on the 12V. I need to figure out where get 12V from.

 

[Sapperfire]

Good idea on the 12V. I need to figure out where get 12V from.[/QUOTE]

Seriously?

 

[beerdog]

Seriously......Should I go straight from the car battery?

 

[Sapperfire]

12v is 12v, doesnt matter where you get it from

 

[beerdog]

Go easy on me....is there a way to tap into a 12V power source from inside the car?

 

[ford nut]

Fuse box, or bring a cycle batt. with you, any 12 volt source will work.

You can go straight to the batt. using a long lead with a couple alligator clips.

 

[beerdog]

Don't want to buy a cycle battery. would rather not run some long leads from the battery. I like the idea of using the fuse box. Would I just use any unused fuse location and insert 2 wires? again....I have never done this so I have no idea.

 

[ford nut]

You need a 12v constant power.
Use a simple 12v checker to find one, tap into it.
Cig lighter might be a constant, lights are.

 

[NoLimit95]

Cig lighter might be a constant, lights are.

Hook into that. It's constant and 12 volt and easy to get to.

 

[beerdog]

I got some 12V on the motor. Works fine when powered directly. Things are pointing towards the the potentiometer or the controller. Can't see how I dd not clean it enough.

 

[98lincmk7lsc]

I got some 12V on the motor. Works fine when powered directly. Things are pointing towards the the potentiometer or the controller. Can't see how I dd not clean it enough.

I see that you already figured out how to get 12V to it, but for future reference, I just use a 12V drill battery and a couple voltmeter leads....

BTW, that sounds COMPLETELY like a potentiometer issue right there...

If it were the controller, it wouldn't stop in the same spot every time.