Steering Column

Principles of Operation

Power Adjustable Tilt/Telescope Steering Column

The power adjustable tilt/telescope steering column is controlled by the steering column control switch and 2 electric motors that are powered by the SCCM . The steering column control switch is mounted directly to the SCCM on the LH side of the steering column just below the multifunction switch, but is serviceable separately. The steering column control switch is a 4-position, momentary contact switch. When the steering column control switch is moved to any of the 4 positions, it sends a signal to the SCCM to tilt the steering column up or down or telescope the steering column forward or rearward.

The SCCM continuously monitors the steering column tilt and telescoping motors and circuits for faults. If a fault is detected, the SCCM is capable of setting DTCs.

Tilt/Telescoping Motor Sensors

The SCCM receives digital signals from Hall-effect type rotation sensors that are integral to the tilt and telescoping motors. The SCCM uses these signals to calculate the location of the steering column in relation to the full forward/rearward and full up/down positions. The SCCM also uses these signals to store and recall memory positions, carry out the easy entry/exit operations and to make sure the tilt and telescoping motors do not stall against the steering column end of travel in the forward/rearward or up/down directions. The tilt motor is serviced separately from the steering column. The telescoping motor is not serviceable. If a new telescoping motor is needed, a new steering column must be installed.

Jog Mode

If the SCCM loses the signal from either of the motor sensors, the affected steering column motor operates in jog mode. Jog mode allows limited operation of the affected steering column motor using only the steering column control switch. When the steering column control switch is operated in jog mode, the steering column moves in the desired direction for one second, then stops. The steering column control switch must be released, then pressed again in order to move the steering column for an additional second. Jog mode is an indication that there is a tilt or telescoping motor sensor fault. If the adjustable steering column is operating in jog mode, a DTC may set in the SCCM .

Memory Position Programming and Recall

The SCCM monitors steering column position using Hall-effect sensors that are integral to the tilt and telescoping motors. When a memory position is recalled through either the memory SET switch or the RKE transmitter, the SCCM monitors the Hall-effect sensors and stops sending voltage to the steering column motors once the commanded memory position is reached. If the SCCM receives a steering column switch input during a memory position recall function, the module stops the memory recall and responds to the new steering column switch position input.

When the RKE transmitter is activated, a message is sent over the MS-CAN to the DSM . When the memory SET switch is pressed, the DSM senses continuity to ground on the switch circuit. When the DSM receives either the MS-CAN message or the ground input through the switch circuit, it sends a message over the MS-CAN to the BCM . The BCM acts as a gateway module, relaying the MS-CAN message that was received from the DSM to the SCCM over the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN). The SCCM then sends voltage over the appropriate circuit to the steering column tilt or telescoping motor to adjust the steering column position.

For additional information on setting and recalling a memory position, refer to the Owner's Literature or Memory Position Programming in Section 501-10 .

Easy Entry/Exit

The easy entry/exit function moves the steering column to the full inward and upward position when the selector lever is in the PARK position and the ignition is selected off (if equipped with a push button start system) or if the ignition switch indicates the ignition key has been removed from the ignition lock cylinder (if equipped with an ignition switch). The SCCM receives an ignition status message over the HS-CAN . When the ignition status message indicates the ignition key has been removed from the lock cylinder (vehicles with an ignition switch), the SCCM commands the steering column to the full upward/forward position. For vehicles equipped with a push button start system, this occurs when the ignition status message indicates the ignition has transitioned to off. The SCCM cancels this operation if a valid input is received from the steering column control switch or memory position switch.

The SCCM records the current steering column position before powering the steering column for an easy exit operation. This recorded position returns the steering column to this position on the next easy entry operation. During easy entry operation, the steering column is returned to the position previous to the easy exit operation.

The easy entry/exit feature can be activated or deactivated using the message center. Refer to driver controls in the Owner's Literature for additional instructions for using the message center.

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern.

2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

3. Visually inspect for obstructions preventing column movement.

  Visual Inspection Chart

4. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

5. NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.

   If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the DLC .

6. NOTE: The VCM LED prove-out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM .

   If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM :
   • check the VCM connection to the vehicle.
   • check the scan tool connection to the VCM .
   • refer to Section 418-00 , No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no power to the scan tool.

7. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
   • verify the ignition is ON.
     • For vehicles with IA , the air bag warning indicator prove-out (other indicators may NOT prove ignition is ON) confirms ignition ON. If ignition does not turn ON, refer to Section 211-05 to diagnose no power in RUN.
   • verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
   • refer to Section 418-00 , The PCM Does Not Respond To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no response from the PCM.

8. Carry out the network test.
   • If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to Section 418-00 .
   • If the network test passes, retrieve and record CMDTCs .

9. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self test diagnostics for the SCCM .

10. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) DTC Chart. For all other SCCM DTCs, refer to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) DTC Chart in Section 211-05 .

11. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart .

DTC Chart

NOTE: Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to Diagnostic Methods in Section 100-00 for information about these practices.

 Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) DTC Chart

Symptom Chart

NOTE: Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to Diagnostic Methods in Section 100-00 for information about these practices.

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test A: The Adjustable Steering Column is Inoperative in One or More Directions — Using the Steering Column Control Switch

Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 128 , Adjustable Steering Column for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation

When the steering column control switch (mounted directly to the SCCM ) is activated, the SCCM supplies voltage and ground to the applicable steering column tilt or telescoping motor to move the steering column to the desired position.

Possible Sources:
• Fuse
• Wiring, terminals or connectors
• Steering column control switch
• Adjustable steering column tilt motor
• Steering column assembly
• SCCM

PINPOINT TEST A: THE ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN IS INOPERATIVE IN ONE OR MORE DIRECTIONS — USING THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL SWITCH

NOTICE: Use the Flex Probe Kit for all test connections to prevent damage to the wiring terminals. Do not use standard multi-meter probes.

NOTE: If the adjustable steering column only operates in one second intervals when activating the steering column control switch, GO to Pinpoint Test C .

Pinpoint Test B: The Adjustable Steering Column is Inoperative in One or More Directions — Using the Memory SET Switch Buttons/Using an RKE Transmitter/Using the Easy Entry/Exit Feature

Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 128 , Adjustable Steering Column for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation

When the desired memory position is selected using the memory SET switch or an RKE transmitter, the DSM communicates the desired steering column position in a message on the MS-CAN to the BCM . The BCM acts as a gateway module, relaying the message to the SCCM over the HS-CAN . The SCCM monitors the position of the adjustable steering column using Hall-effect type rotation sensors that are integral to the tilt and telescoping motors. The sensors provide a digital signal used by the SCCM to calculate the position of the steering column in relation to the full forward/rearward and full up/down positions. The SCCM uses these signals to store and recall memory positions, carry out easy entry/exit operations and to make sure the tilt and telescope motors do not stall against the steering column end of travel. If a tilt or telescope motor sensor DTC sets, the SCCM does not recall a programmed memory position or automatically position the steering column during the easy entry/exit operation. If a DTC sets for either sensor, the affected adjustable steering column motor operates in jog mode. Jog mode allows limited operation of the affected steering column motor using only the steering column control switch. When the steering column control switch is operated in jog mode, the steering column moves in the desired direction for one second, then stops. The steering column control switch must be released, then pressed again in order to move the steering column for an additional second.

Possible Sources:
• Entry/exit feature is disabled in the message center
• Wiring, terminals or connectors
• Memory SET switch
• RKE transmitter
• DSM
• BCM
• SCCM

PINPOINT TEST B: THE ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN IS INOPERATIVE IN ONE OR MORE DIRECTIONS — USING THE MEMORY SET SWITCH BUTTONS/USING AN RKE TRANSMITTER/USING THE EASY ENTRY/EXIT FEATURE

NOTICE: Use the Flex Probe Kit for all test connections to prevent damage to the wiring terminals. Do not use standard multi-meter probes.

Pinpoint Test C: The Adjustable Steering Column Operates in One Second Intervals When Using the Steering Column Control Switch (Jog Mode)

Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 128 , Adjustable Steering Column for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation

The SCCM monitors the position of the adjustable steering column using of Hall-effect type rotation sensors that are integral to the tilt and telescoping motors. The adjustable steering column tilt motor is serviced separately from the steering column. The adjustable steering column telescope motor is not serviceable. If a new adjustable steering column telescope motor sensor is needed, install a new steering column assembly.

The SCCM sends a reference voltage along the sensor feed circuit through the Hall-effect sensor and back to the SCCM through a shared signal return circuit. The sensors provide a digital signal used by the SCCM to calculate the position of the steering column in relation to the full forward/rearward and full up/down positions. The SCCM uses this signal to store and recall memory positions, to carry out the easy entry/exit operations and to make sure the adjustable steering column tilt and telescope motors do not stall against the steering column end of travel.

If an adjustable steering column tilt or telescope motor sensor DTC sets (or if either of the sensor circuits become open), the SCCM does not recall a programmed memory position or automatically position the steering column during the easy entry/exit operations. The affected steering column motor operates in jog mode. Jog mode allows limited operation of the affected steering column motor using only the steering column control switch. When the steering column control switch is operated in jog mode, the steering column moves in the desired direction for one second, then stops regardless of the length of time the switch is actually activated. The steering column control switch must be released, then activated again in order to move the steering column for an additional second.

Possible Sources:
• Wiring, terminals or connectors
• Adjustable steering column tilt motor
• Steering column assembly
• SCCM

PINPOINT TEST C: THE ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN OPERATES IN ONE SECOND INTERVALS WHEN USING THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL SWITCH (JOG MODE)

NOTICE: Use the Flex Probe Kit for all test connections to prevent damage to the wiring terminals. Do not use standard multi-meter probes.