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-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 |
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 headlamp dimmer switch |
• | The wiper/washer switch |
• | The horn pad/cruise control switch |
• | The tilt or tilt/telescoping functions |
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 Cylinder Control Actuator
If the vehicle is equipped with a floor mounted console gear shifter, it has
a ignition lock cylinder control actuator system in the steering column. The ignition
lock cylinder control actuator's purpose is to prevent the ignition key from being
turned to the OFF position when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle
may still be moving. The column ignition lock system consists of a ignition lock
cylinder control actuator , and a park position switch that is located in the A/T
shift lock control switch. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator contains a
pin that is spring loaded out to mechanically prevent the ignition key cylinder from
being turned to the lock position when 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.