The energy absorbing and locking steering column includes three important features in addition to the steering function.

1. The steering column is energy absorbing and is designed to compress in a front-end collision which will lessen the chance of injury to the driver.
2. The steering column has a tilt/telescoping control system that consists of an electronic control module capable of Class 2 serial data communication, a steering column power assembly with positioning motors and sensors, and a steering column control switch.
3. The multi-function lever provides for the control of the headlamp high beams, and the windshield washer and wiper.

The steering column may be removed, disassembled and reassembled with relative ease. It is important to use only the specified screws, bolts and nuts and to tighten them to the specified torque in order to ensure the proper energy absorbing functions. When the steering column assembly is removed from the vehicle, special care must be taken in handling it. Avoid the use of a steering wheel puller other than the special one recommended in this manual. Sharply striking the end of the steering shaft, leaning on the assembly or dropping the assembly could shear off or loosen the plastic fasteners which maintain the steering column rigidity.