DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
| WARNING | Deactivate air bag system before performing any service operation involving steering column components. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT system article in RESTRAINTS. DO NOT apply electrical power to any component on steering column without first deactivating air bag system. Air bag may deploy. |
| CAUTION | When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory system may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery. |
Note. All fasteners are important in that they could affect the performance of vital parts and systems, and/or could result in major service expenses. They must be replaced with new fasteners of the same part number if replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during assembly to ensure proper functioning of these parts.
The column is of a modular construction and features easy to service electrical switches. The structural part of the steering column is made of magnesium die castings. The steering column is attached to a cross car beam assembly. The lower attachments of the steering column are through a steering column bend bracket that bends during collapse. The upper attachments are through plastic shear modules that separate from the main casting during collapse. A clip and washer are attached to the shear modules to reduce steering column tube shake and to assist in installation of the steering column to the cross car beam.
A unique steering column-mounted shifter mechanism is used. It has the transmission shift selector position insert plate located away from the shift control selector lever and interacts with the shift control selector lever through a linkage system. This system incorporates a brake-shift interlock which prevents shifting out of Park unless the brake pedal is depressed.
The tilt-design steering column incorporates an air bag module in the steering wheel. Fixed steering columns do not allow the steering wheel angle to be adjusted.
The steering column is equipped with a lock mechanism which locks the steering wheel, ignition switch, and gearshift lever when the ignition switch lock cylinder is turned to the OFF position.