The tilt/telescoping function of this column consists of the tilt/telescoping drive motors, the tilt/telescoping motor position sensors and the tilt/telescoping switch. The tilt/telescoping motor position sensors are an internal part of the tilt/telescoping steering motor. The tilt/telescoping switch operates the inward, outward, upward, or downward movement of the steering wheel.

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 motor and sensor, 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.

The tilt/telescoping steering column in/out/up/down switch is an input to the driver position module (DPM). The tilt/telescoping drive motor is an output function of the DPM.

Steering column memory settings are stored in the DPM. The steering column position sensor is an internal part of the tilt/telescoping motor assemblies, and is an input to the DPM. The DPM uses the position sensor input when storing and recalling memory settings.

Memory steering column, and the easy enter/exit operations are performed by the DPM. Commands for memory operations are sent to the DPM as class 2 messages by the driver door switch module (DDS).

The steering column lock control module (SCLCM) controls the steering wheel theft deterrent lock function, which allows the column to be electronically locked. The SCLCM controls the column lock motor using an internal lock relay, an internal unlock relay, and an internal lock enable relay. The lock and unlock relays provide a low input to the column lock motor. When the column needs to be locked the lock enable relay will energize the lock relay, which provides a high input to the lock side of the motor, energizing the motor to lock the steering column.

In order for the steering column to be locked the SCLCM has to see 3 inputs. The first input the module needs to see is the vehicle in the park position (automatic transmission shift lever). When the shift lever is in the park position, the switch internal to the automatic transmission shift lever closes sending a high input to the SCLCM and the body control module (BCM). When this occurs the lock relay (internal to the SCLCM) is energized closing the lock relay switch.

The second input to the SCLCM is the ignition state. The remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) and the BCM look at the power mode. When the ignition 1 input is in the off state or RAP mode, the RCDLR sends a class 2 message to the SCLCM indicating this state which will lock the column.

The third input the SCLCM receives comes from the BCM enable relay. When the BCM goes to the off power mode then the low input is sent to the SCLCM.

When the SCLCM receives this low input from the BCM the internal lock enable relay is energized and provides a high input to the lock side of the column lock motor. The unlock side of the column lock motor is grounded through the internal unlock relay within the SCLCM. The column lock motor will send an input back to the SCLCM indicating the motor is energized for the locked position. This results in the locking of the steering column.

The SCLCM will unlock the steering column if the power mode is on and the SCLCM and RCDLR passwords match.

The SCLCM monitors the column lock system and will set DTC codes when the module detects malfunctions within the system. When a malfunction occurs the driver information center (DIC) will display the Service Column Lock Now message indicating DTC codes are set within the SCLCM.