Steering column tilt not holding (2001)

[Deej101]

I need a quick answer so no time to search right now, hoping this is something obvious.

Yesterday while accessing some wires in dash, had to remove parts of dash around steering cokumn, and after putting things back, the tilt function no longer locks--so steering wheel just flops around. I had to drive it last night that way, and I need to drive today so no time to take everything apart again searching for the problem.

2001 SR5.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Deej101]

Solved

So after pulling the plastic covers off, discovered that the plastic "Tilt Lever Link" had a piece broken off, which allowed it to slip out of the hole on the "Tilt Lever" rendering the tilt lever useless (the broken link should connect the tilt lever to the "Tilt Lever Retainer" which slides back and forth engaging/releasing the gears/teeth that control the tilting function).

Since I always keep the wheel up, I just won't use the lever, and if I must use it (for access purposes) at least now I know the issue and can easily reset it after removing the covers. Maybe one day I'll replace the part.

Hope this info helps others who may find themselves in a similar situation.