COLUMN DESCRIPTION
The tilt and standard column has been designed to be serviced as an assembly; less wiring (1), switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering column components can be serviced without removing the steering column from the vehicle.
To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS and follow all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS .
Note. When servicing the steering wheel after removing the old bolt a new bolt must be used when installing.
Scheme 1
Note. When servicing the steering coupler a new bolt must be used when installing.
| WARNING | THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS. |
| CAUTION | Do not hammer on steering column shaft. This may, cause damage to the shaft or bearing. |
| CAUTION | Do not attempt to remove or modify the park lock slider or link. |
| CAUTION | Do not attempt to remove the pivot bolts to disassemble the tilting mechanism, Do not remove shaft lock plate or plate retainer. This will damage the column. |
If the vehicle is involved in a front end collision/the air bag has deployed the column must be inspected. This inspection will determine if the Column has collapsed. Inspect the column mounting capsules visually and manually push and pull them to check for separation or fractures. If capsules are fractured or have moved the column MUST be replaced.
DESCRIPTION
The ignition switch (1) is located on the steering column. It is used as the main on/off switching device for most electrical components. The mechanical key cylinder is used to engage/disengage the electrical ignition switch.
Scheme 2
OPERATION
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a steering column mounted shifter: an interlock device is located within the shift cable. This interlock device is used to lock the transmission shifter in the PARK position when the key cylinder is in any position and the brake pedal is not depressed.
The key-in ignition switch is integral to the ignition switch, which is mounted on the left side of the steering column. It closes a path to ground for the Central Timer Module (CTM) when the ignition key is inserted in the ignition key cylinder and the driver door ajar switch is closed (driver door is open). The key-in ignition switch opens the ground path when the key is removed from the ignition key cylinder. The ground path is also opened when the driver door ajar switch is open (driver door is closed).
The key-in ignition switch cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the entire ignition switch must be replaced, (Refer to REMOVAL ).