GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The telescoping steering column switch circuit provides an input to the LH Seat Control Module (SCM) when the switch is held closed in the in, button pressed toward the driver, or out, button pressed toward I/P, position. The SCM monitors a 12 volt signal applied to the steering column telescope forward switch signal circuit . When the steering column switch is closed in the In position, the column in 12 volt signal is grounded and pulled low within the SCM, indicating a column In request.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The steering column switch input, to the SCM, is active for more than 20 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Stores a history DTC B2857 in the SCM memory.
    • This DTC can only be set as a history code even if the malfunction is current.
    • No driver warning message will be displayed for this DTC.
    • The operation/function of the steering column switch is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The steering column switch input, to the SCM, is inactive for more than 20 seconds.
    • Using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction.
       - There is an intermittent short to ground in the steering column telescope forward switch signal circuit .
       - The steering column switch is shorted to ground internally or is sticking.
       - The steering column switch was closed for longer than 20 seconds.
    • If steering column telescope forward switch signal circuit is shorted to ground or the steering column switch is stuck closed, the steering column will remain in the full In position at all times.
    • Using a scan tool, select scan tool inputs and monitor steering column switch status. If the scan tool displays In, disconnect the steering column switch. If the display changes to Idle, replace the switch. If the display remains In check steering column telescope forward switch signal circuit for a short to ground.
    • If the DTC does not reset after the code is cleared, then the problem may be intermittent. Perform the tests shown while moving related wiring and connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • Activate the steering column switch numerous times while monitoring the status on the scan tool to see if it sticks intermittently.
    • Can be caused by holding switch down for more than 20 seconds.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. This test determines the status of the column switch using a scan tool. The scan tool will display the column switch status as In, button pressed toward driver, and Idle, button released.

  2. This test checks if the column switch is shorted to ground or stuck. If the column switch status changes from In to Idle when the column switch is disconnected, then the switch assembly must be replaced.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Steering Wheel and Column Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Steering Column Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Steering Wheel and Column

2

Using a scan tool, select SCM input display and monitor the column switch status.

Does the scan tool display column switch status as In?

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Disconnect the column switch connector.
  2. Using a scan tool, select SCM input display and monitor the column switch status.

Does the scan tool display column switch status as In?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Check for a short to ground in steering column telescope forward switch signal circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

5

Replace the telescoping column switch assembly. Refer to Telescope Actuator Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 7

--

6

Important: Perform the set up procedure for the Seat Control Module

Replace the seat control module. Refer to Memory Seat Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 7

--

7

  1. Use scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK