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
upper steering shaft to the lower steering shaft. The lower steering shaft
connects to the steering gear.
Vehicle Security
Theft deterrent components are on the steering column. The steering
column lock and ignition switch cylinder is the component that locks the steering
column in order to minimize theft.
Driver Convenience
Important: The tilt springs 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.
The steering column has a rake type of tilt function in order to increase
driver comfort and convenience. 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.
The turn signal and headlamp and windshield wiper and windshield washer
switch with levers and the inflatable restraint module coil assembly can
be serviced as a unit. The switch consists of the following components:
| • | The turn signal switch (6) |
| • | The headlamp switch (6) |
| • | The headlamp dimmer switch (6) |
| • | The windshield wiper switch (3) |
| • | The windshield washer switch (3) |
| • | The cruise control switch (3), if the vehicle has cruise
control |
| • | The steering wheel inflatable restraint module coil (2) |
| • | The turn signal switch base (1) |
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.
Park Lock System
The park lock system prevents the ignition lock cylinder from moving
to the LOCK position when the automatic transmission shift lever is in any
position other than Park. A cable is attached to the automatic transmission
shift lever and to the steering column lock and ignition switch cylinder.
Moving the automatic transmission shift lever out of the Park position pulls
the cable and prevents the ignition cylinder from moving to the LOCK position.
Moving the automatic transmission shift lever to the Park position pushes
the cable and allows the ignition cylinder to move to the LOCK position.
The ignition cylinder must be in the LOCK position in order to insert or
remove the key.
