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 steering column electric park lock. |
| | A mechanical lock within the ignition key cylinder prevents the key
from moving to the LOCK position when the vehicle is out of the PARK position.
This prevents the driver from removing the key when the vehicle is out of
the PARK position. Battery voltage is supplied to the Automatic Shift Lock
Control park position switch with the ignition key in OFF, RUN,
BULB TEST or START position. With the shift lever in the PARK position voltage
flows through the closed contacts of the automatic shift lock control park
position switch to the steering column electric park lock solenoid. The steering
column electric park lock solenoid is permanently grounded and therefore
energizes disabling the mechanical ignition key cylinder lock. This allows
the driver to turn the ignition key to the LOCK position and remove the key.
With the shift lever out of the PARK position the contacts in the automatic
transmission shift lock control park position switch open de-energizing the
steering column electric park lock solenoid, preventing the driver from moving
the ignition key to the LOCK position. |
| • | 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
