When I put the key in the ignition, and the steering wheel moves to is preset position, it howls and grinds a little. Is there a DIY fix for that or is the steering column going out?

 

It makes a noise when coming out and back in, that is different when going up or down. Do you have a video of the noise?

 

The motors can be replaced separately I think. You can also switch the adjustment knob from "auto" to "off" and disable the auto entry movement.

 

It may also be the drive cable failing, which is a known issue, but which can be replaced cheaply.

There are a few threads and technical bulletins out there with detailed instructions.

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Turn it off, it is not a really useful a feature anyway and prone to failure like yours has done.
Vector

 

+1 I turned mine off. Positioned the wheel to where I wanted it and turned the function off.

After reading up on replacing the drive cable (Bob Goff had a great thread); I decided it was to much effort. But some folks are purists . . .

 

To be fair, the XJ6/XJ8 interior is pretty snug fit for many of us Americans, myself included at 265lbs.... and although I initially tried to live with entry/exit and the automatic steering wheel adjustment disabled, I soon found I really couldn't get in or out without a lot of uncomfortable gymnastics and catching my belt or phone on the wheel.

So for me it has been an exceedingly helpful feature.

I do dread the day when I'll have to repair the drive cable, but hang my hopes on regular use keeping it working.

To each their own though

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