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 column. At the lower end of the column, the intermediate shaft connects the column to the steering gear.
Vehicle Security, Found on Some Vehicle Models
Theft deterrent components are mounted and designed into the steering column. The following components allow the column to be locked in order to minimize theft:
| • | The steering column lock |
| • | The theft deterrent immobilizer module |
Driver Convenience
The steering wheel and column may also have driver controls attached for convenience and comfort. The following controls may be mounted on or near the steering wheel or column.
| • | The wiper/washer switch |
| • | The horn pad/cruise control switch |
| • | The tilt and telescoping functions |
Driver Safety
The steering wheel and column has safety features to protect the driver. The following components may be mounted on or near the steering column:
Energy-Absorbing Steering Column: The energy-absorbing steering column compresses in the event of a front-end collision, which reduces the chance of injury to the driver. The energy-absorbing feature, collapsible steering shaft,
and break away mounting features help reduce the injury in the event of an accident. In addition to these features, the following driver safety features may be on the steering column. To inspect the steering column for damage, refer to .
Electronic Park Lock (EPL)/Ignition Lock Cylinder Control Actuator: If the vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission and a floor mounted console gear shift, it has an ignition lock cylinder control actuator system in the steering
column. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator purpose is to prevent the ignition key from being turned to the OFF position when the transmission is in any position other than PARK and the vehicle may still be moving. The column ignition lock system consists
of an ignition lock cylinder control actuator, and a park position switch that is located in the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator contains a pin that is spring loaded to mechanically prevent the ignition
key cylinder from being turned to the lock position when the vehicle transmission is not in the PARK position. If vehicle power is lost, and/or the transmission is not in the PARK position the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the lock position
and will not be able to remove the ignition key from the column.
SIR Coil and Module: For additional information on the operation of the SIR coil and module, refer to
SIR System Description and Operation
.
