Steering Column Switches

Steering Column Switches

The steering column switches receive driver inputs and send signals to various components. The multifunction switch controls the windshield wipers, hazard flasher, turn signal, headlamp low/high beam, and headlamp dimmer/flash to pass. The ignition switch is used in conjunction with the lock cylinder key to start the vehicle. When the lock cylinder key is switched to different positions it moves linkages, which enable the ignition switch to send battery voltage to various components.

Principles of Operation
The steering column switches include the ignition switch (electrical) and the multifunction switch (headlamp dimmer/flash to pass, hazard, turn signal, and windshield wiper). The ignition switch is controlled by the lock cylinder key. When the lock cylinder key is turned to the selected position, mechanical linkage allows the ignition switch to send voltage to specific components. The multifunction switch controls the various components electrically. The headlamp dimmer/flash to pass switch (part of the multifunction switch) sends voltage to the headlamps. The flash to pass switch is a momentary switch used to send voltage only to the high beam headlamps. The headlamp dimmer is used to switch voltages between the low and high beam headlamps while the headlamps are on. The hazard switch (part of the multifunction switch) is on the top of the steering column. When this switch is pressed it allows voltage through the flasher causing the turn signals to flash simultaneously. The turn signal switch lever (part of the multifunction switch) operates the left and right turn signals. When the desired turn signal is pressed, voltage is allowed through the flasher and to the selected turn signal, causing the turn signals to flash. The windshield wiper switch (part of the multifunction switch) uses a ground signal to activate the various wiper modes.