Colorado Electric Steering Column Adjustment Dead, Fix Help

Had a similar steering issue with my 2006 Chevy Silverado, sounds a lot like what you're describing. I've got some experience working on these GM steering systems. The electronic steering column adjustment stopped working completely on mine too. After getting it diagnosed, turned out it was just a damaged wiring connection near the steering column, pretty common problem on these models. Total repair was 95 for fixing the cable connection and cleaning the plugs. Before you head to the shop, check if your fuses are good, there's one specific to the power steering adjustment. Also, try listening for any clicking sound when you press the adjustment controls, that could help narrow down if it's a switch or motor issue. What's your mileage and have you noticed any other electrical issues? Could help pinpoint if we're dealing with the same problem. The Colorados and Silverados share pretty similar electronic steering setups from that era.

Just had my latest service done last week at 15484 KM. Thanks for the detailed response about the electric steering adjustment issue. Been digging around a bit more and checked the fuses like you suggested, they're all good. I do hear a faint clicking when using the controls, but zero movement from the steering column. Interesting point about the wiring connection near the column, I'll have a closer look there. The adjustment system was working fine until it completely died one morning. No other electrical issues that I've noticed, which makes me think it might be isolated to just the steering components. If it's just a wiring fix like yours was, that would be great news compared to replacing the whole adjustment motor or column assembly. Going to check those connections before taking it in.

Yeah, the clicking sound with no movement on your Colorado steering column sounds exactly like what I dealt with on my Silverado. That clicking usually means the switch is working but the signal isn't getting through to the motor, which matches up with what I experienced with the wiring issue. Since your fuses are good and you're getting that click, I'd definitely focus on checking those wiring connections. There's a main harness connector right where the steering column meets the dash that often gets loose or corroded. In my case, the wires had gotten slightly frayed inside the protective sleeve, causing intermittent connection issues before failing completely. The fact that it died suddenly without other electrical problems really points to a wiring or connection problem rather than a full electronic steering motor failure. When my steering adjustment stopped, I was worried it would need the whole column replaced, but the wiring fix was pretty straightforward. Quick tip: while you're checking the connections, gently wiggle the wiring harness near the column while someone operates the controls. If you get any response or movement, even briefly, that's a pretty clear sign it's a wiring issue rather than a failed motor.

Thanks for confirming that about the clicking sound, definitely seems we're dealing with similar steering adjustment issues. The mechanical fault symptoms really do match up with what you experienced on your Silverado. Had my come over and we tried your suggestion about wiggling the wiring harness while testing the electric adjustment controls. Sure enough, got a tiny bit of movement when pushing on one specific spot near where the column meets the dash. Pretty sure we've found the problem area for the column adjustment. Going to try cleaning those connections first and checking for any obvious wiring damage before booking it in. The repair cost you mentioned is way better than what I was worried about paying for a complete steering column replacement. Really hoping it's just a wiring fix like yours was. Will update once I get this sorted out. The diagnosis tips you shared helped narrow things down a lot. Nice to know these electrical adjustment problems can often be fixed without major parts replacement.