For 1990-2009 cars

The steering wheel and column has 4 primary functions:

• | Vehicle steering

• | Vehicle security

• | Driver convenience

• | Driver safety

### 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 column shaft to the steering gear pinion shaft.

### Vehicle Security

Theft deterrent components are on the steering column. The following components allow the column to be locked in order to minimize theft:

• | The ignition switch

• | The ignition lock cylinder case

• | The ignition lock cylinder

### Driver Convenience

Some models have a rake type of tilt function in order to increase driver comfort and convenience.

Important: The tilt springs DO NOT 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.

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.

Some models have cruise control in order to increase driver convenience. The cruise control switch is fastened to the steering wheel. The cruise control switch is individually replaceable.

The steering column mounted turn signal and headlamp and windshield washer switch with levers and inflatable restraint coil assembly can be serviced as a unit. The assembly consists of the following components:

• | The turn signal switch

• | The headlamp switch

• | The headlamp dimmer switch

• | The windshield wiper switch

• | The windshield washer switch

• | The steering wheel inflatable restraint module coil

• | The turn signal switch base

The following components may be serviced as sub-assemblies:

• | The turn signal and headlamp and headlamp dimmer switch (5)

• | The windshield wiper and washer switch (1)

• | The steering wheel inflatable restraint module coil (2)

### 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.

### Ignition Lock System Description

The park lock system prevents ignition lock cylinder movement to the LOCK position when the automatic transmission shift lever is in any position other than Park. A solenoid in the steering column impedes the ignition lock cylinder travel. A switch in the automatic transmission shift lever controls the operation of the solenoid when the vehicle is in Park. When the vehicle is shifted out of Park , the switch closes, and the solenoid is energized. This prevents ignition lock cylinder travel to the LOCK position. When the ignition key is inserted, the solenoid receives a constant power supply.