If the tilt steering mechanism on a 2002 S-10 is locked in the up position how does one take the plastic cover off to find the problem?

This should be a warranty related issue. Contact the dealer.

I asked the question and should have realized that the answer would have been to start with a dealer as it is probably a warrenty item. Problem is, the truck was purchased by my deceased Dad in Texas and I am in California. But I will call a Chevy dealer to see if it still falls under a warrenty which is active. Thanks CB