Steering Column: Description and Operation

STEERING COLUMN
This double tube type steering column has following three important features in addition to the steering function:
^ The column is energy absorbing type, designed to contract in a front-end collision.
^ The ignition switch and lock are mounted conveniently on this column.
^ With the column mounted lock, the ignition and steering operations can be locked to inhibit theft of the vehicle.
When the column assembly is removed from the vehicle, special care must be taken in handling it.

STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVER AIR BAG (INFLATOR) MODULE
The driver air bag (inflator) module is one of the supplemental inflatable restraint air bag system components and is mounted to the center of the steering wheel.
During certain frontal crashes, the air bag system supplements the restraint of the driver's and/or passenger's seat belts by deploying the air bag in each air bag (inflator) module.
The air bag (inflator) module should be handled with care to prevent accidental deployment.
When servicing, be sure to observe all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS.