I haven't read all of the threads on this yet; but wanted to say how I got my column into the down position without taking the motor off.
1. I took off the column covering. Then
2. Used a screw driver and stuck it on the tilt motor gear on the inside, and forced it counterclockwise a fractional turn until it stopped. Then
3. I used the tilt button and it actually grabbed the gear and dropped the column to where I had forced the gear. Prior to forcing the gear counterclockwise
the motor would not engage the gear downward. Not sure if it is partially stripped or just worn out.
4. Repeat step 3 over and over about 7 - 10 times until the column is in the desired position...for me it was at the bottom. Then
5. On the left side of the column I disconnected the tilt motor. You will see the connector right on the outside of the motor.
6. Put the column covering back on.
That's all I did. It only took 10 minutes total and the steering column is permanently in the down position where I want it; and the telescoping still works.
