Steering Column: Description and Operation

NOTE:
^ The steering column components include the steering wheel, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) inflator module, which also functions as a horn pad, the steering column, and mounting brackets. The steering column includes three important features in addition to the steering function.

1. The steering column is designed to absorb energy by compressing in a front-end collision to minimize the possibility of injury to the driver of the vehicle.
2. The steering column provides a convenient location for the ignition switch and lock and the multifunction switch.
3. With the column-mounted lock, the ignition and steering operations can be locked to inhibit theft of the vehicle.

^ The steering column may be disassembled and assembled. To ensure the energy absorbing action, it is important that the specified screws, bolts, and nuts be used only as designated and that they are tightened to the specified torque. Apply a thin coat of lithium grease to all friction points during assembly of the steering column components.


^ When the steering column is removed from the vehicle, actions such as a sharp blow on the end of the steering shaft, leaning on the column assembly, or dropping the assembly could shear or loosen the plastic fasteners that maintain steering column rigidity.

BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK (BTSI)
^ The Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system prevents the automatic transmission from being shifted out of PARK unless the brake pedal is depressed. When the brake pedal is depressed, the BTSI solenoid releases a lock pawl, enabling the shift linkage to move and the shift lever to operate.

^ When service operations are required, the BTSI system can be overridden. On vehicles equipped with a column-mounted shift lever, this is done by turning the ignition switch to the OFF position and removing battery voltage from the solenoid. For vehicles equipped with floor-mounted shift levers, an override lever is mounted on the right side of the shift lever assembly and can be accessed by removing the shift lever boot. Push the lever, which is natural in color, to the left to override the BTSI.

IGNITION LOCK SYSTEM
^ All vehicles equipped with a column-mounted shift lever contain both mechanical and electrical neutral safety start systems. These systems rely on a mechanical block as well as an electrical switch to prevent starting the engine in any gear other than PARK or NEUTRAL.The mechanical block is a wedge-shaped lock bolt added to the ignition switch actuator rod.

^ In either PARK or NEUTRAL, the wedge-shaped lock bolt passes through slots in the shift bowl and allows the lock cylinder to turn and start the engine.