In addition to the steering function, the steering column
has the following characteristics:
| • | The column is energy absorbing. |
| • | The column is designed to compress in a front-end collision in
order to lessen the chance of injury to the driver. |
| • | The ignition switch and lock are mounted on the column |
| • | With the column-mounted lock, you may lock the following operations
in order to prevent the theft of the vehicle: |
The column is easily disassembled. The column is easily reassembled.
In order to ensure the energy-absorbing action, use only the following specified
components:
Tighten the components to the specified torque.
When you remove the column assembly from the vehicle, use special care
in handling the assembly. The following actions may shear or loosen the plastic
fasteners that maintain the column rigidity:
| • | Using a steering wheel puller other than the one recommended in
this manual |
| • | Striking sharply on the end of the steering shaft or the shift
lever |
| • | Leaning on the assembly |
