Steering Column Repair: Tilt stuck up, tilt wheel, ponitac

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2002 Ponitac Grand AM. The tilt wheel is stuck in the far up position. Could it have gone up to hard and went by the finel  position. The lever is has no feel to it and is back towards the driver

ANSWER: Hi Mike:

Your assumption is correct about the tilt being hyper-extended.  Here's what you need to do to release it.
Firmly, push the tilt even high than it already is.  This will release the tilt lever so it can be pulled back and overcome the last tooth it has gotten jammed on.  Then you will be able to bring the column back down and the tilt lever will work fine once again.
There is no damage done and if you release the tilt gently form now on, you shouldn't have that issue any more.
Good luck

Doug


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Doug
I can't move the wheel up any at all. Would a couple of whacks with a rubber mallet work or should I try to pry from the bottom. I have the bottom cover off the column and I can see what looks like teeth or cogs.

ANSWER: Hi Mike:
No, hitting it will not help, and you may break something else.  I know it will be hard, but you have to move it up just a little more.  Push hard!! and then try to pull the tilt lever again.

Let me know
Doug

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Will the lever fall back in the proper position while I am reefing on it.

Answer
Yes.  It's like a dislocated shoulder.  You need to hyper-extend it to get it over the 'out-of-position' spot that it's in.  Then you can pull the lever and allow it to release and come back down.
Mike, you have nothing to lose.  It's already a bad column the way it is.  This will allow you to repair it rather than replace it.

Let me know when you are back to normal
Doug