The park lock solenoid is energized within the automatic transaxle
control when the ignition is turned to one of the following positions:
The energized park lock solenoid pulls the mechanical lock that is connected
to the park lock solenoid away from the shifter. The Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock (BTSI) solenoid is de-energized when the brake pedal is depressed.
The de-energized BTSI solenoid pulls away the mechanical lock that is connected
to the BTSI solenoid away from the shifter. You can move the shifter out of
the PARK position at this point. The park position switch opens and de-energizes
the steering column electric park lock when the vehicle is taken out of the
PARK position. The mechanical lock within the ignition lock cylinder disables
the ignition key from moving so the key cannot be taken out of the cylinder.
The park position switch within the automatic transaxle control closes when
the shifter is placed in the PARK position. The closed park position switch
within the automatic transaxle control supplies voltage to the steering electric
park lock. The energized electric park lock pulls the mechanical lock in the
ignition key cylinder away from the cylinder. The ignition key can then be
turned to the LOCK position. The key can then be taken out of the cylinder.
The steering column components perform functions other than steering.
The following components on the steering column perform the described functions:
| | The column absorbs energy. The column will compress in a front end collision
in order to lessen the chance of injury to the driver. |
| • | The ignition switch and the lock mount on the column |
| | The ignition and the steering operations will lock in order to inhibit
the theft of the vehicle with the column mounted lock. |
| • | The multifunction lever |
| | The multifunction lever provides control of the following components: |
| - | The headlamp high-beams |
| - | The windshield wiper and the washer |
The column is easily disassembled and reassembled. Use the specified
screws, bolts and nuts in order to ensure that the energy absorbing action
occurs. Take special care in handling the column when the column is removed
from the vehicle.
The plastic fasteners that maintain the column rigidity may shear or
loosen if the following conditions exist:
- Use of a steering wheel puller other than the recommended puller
- A sharp striking on the end of the steering shaft or the shift
lever
- Something is leaning on the column
- A dropped column
