Manual tilt-steering wheel swap with power adjustable -- can it be done?

**gschlarman** · 02-06-12 11:59 AM

I have a 2009 DTS with the manual tilt wheel and simply cannot find a comfortable driving position for trips much longer than 1/2 hour. So, as my title line asks, can I get the manual tilt replaced with the electric multi-adjustable? Has anyone heard of such a swap?

Thanks

**ltdltc** · 02-06-12 02:54 PM

I think you'd have to replace the entire steering column. Not only that but your car isn't wired for it so you need to wire it in and add fuses and will it work with the BCM for when you input your memory settings?

I'm thinking no.

**tedcmiller** · 02-06-12 03:12 PM

gschlarman, what makes you think that the adjustment range is greater with the electric adjustment than the manual adjustment?

**ltdltc** · 02-06-12 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by tedcmiller

gschlarman, what makes you think that the adjustment range is greater with the electric adjustment than the manual adjustment?

The manual tilt steering column has set positions while the power tilt can telescope in/out as well as setting the steering wheel in any position.

**gschlarman** · 02-06-12 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by tedcmiller

gschlarman, what makes you think that the adjustment range is greater with the electric adjustment than the manual adjustment?

good question -- I tried one in the showroom (a year after I bought mine unfortunately). the manual just tilts while the power telescopes (which is what i need).

i've got a two 1/2 year old car with just 14K miles that I bought for long trips but use only as a grocery getter.

**Superjim** · 02-06-12 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by gschlarman

good question -- I tried one in the showroom (a year after I bought mine unfortunately). the manual just tilts while the power telescopes (which is what i need).

i've got a two 1/2 year old car with just 14K miles that I bought for long trips but use only as a grocery getter.

I would think the power tilt/telescopic wheel could be retrofitted.
The wiring is probably already there but it won't be cheap to buy the steering column and have it installed.

After installation, the computers will need to be programmed to let the car know it now has the tilt/telescopic wheel... but programming would probably only be 100 bucks or so.

Jim

**gschlarman** · 02-07-12 06:18 AM

Thanks guys for the insight

**Superjim** · 02-07-12 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by gschlarman

Thanks guys for the insight

If you do decide to do that...
Please keep us updated on how it goes and what all is needed.
I would guess that there might be quite a few who have thought about doing that...

Texas Jim