The steering wheel and column has 4 primary functions:
Vehicle Steering
The steering wheel is the first link between the driver and the vehicle.
The steering wheel is fastened to a steering shaft within the steering column.
At the lower end of the column, the steering shaft coupling connects the
column shaft to the steering gear pinion shaft.
Vehicle Security
Theft deterrent components are on the steering column. The following
components allow the column to be locked in order to minimize theft:
| • | The ignition lock cylinder case |
| • | The ignition lock cylinder |
Driver Convenience
Some models have a rake type of tilt function in order to increase driver
comfort and convenience.
Important: The tilt springs DO NOT lift the column to the top tilt position with
the tilt lever in the down position. The tilt springs compensate for the weight
of the steering wheel, the steering column, and the SIR module.
Lower the tilt lever in order to adjust the position of the steering
wheel and column. Raise the tilt lever in order to lock the position of
the column.
The tilt components are not individually replaceable. The steering
column and the tilt controls may be serviced as a unit.
Some models have cruise control in order to increase driver convenience.
The cruise control switch is fastened to the steering wheel. The cruise control
switch is individually replaceable.
The steering column mounted turn signal and headlamp and windshield
washer switch with levers and inflatable restraint coil assembly can be serviced
as a unit. The assembly consists of the following components:
| • | The headlamp dimmer switch |
| • | The windshield wiper switch |
| • | The windshield washer switch |
| • | The steering wheel inflatable restraint module coil |
| • | The turn signal switch base |
The following components may be serviced as sub-assemblies:
| • | The turn signal and headlamp and headlamp dimmer switch (5) |
| • | The windshield wiper and washer switch (1) |
| • | The steering wheel inflatable restraint module coil (2) |
Driver Safety
The energy-absorbing steering column compresses in the event of a front-end
collision, which reduces the chance of injury to the driver. The mounting
capsules break away from the mounting bracket in the event of an accident.
Ignition Lock System Description
The park lock system prevents ignition lock cylinder movement to the
LOCK position when the automatic transmission shift lever is in any position
other than Park. A solenoid in the steering column impedes the ignition
lock cylinder travel. A switch in the automatic transmission shift lever
controls the operation of the solenoid when the vehicle is in Park. When
the vehicle is shifted out of Park , the switch closes, and the solenoid
is energized. This prevents ignition lock cylinder travel to the LOCK
position. When the ignition key is inserted, the solenoid receives a
constant power supply.
