Steering Column: Description and Operation: Overview

Steering Column


The steering column consists of an intermediate shaft, the upper column and the steering wheel, which are connected together to transfer driver steering inputs to the steering gear.
The steering column incorporates rake and reach adjustment, an electric steering column lock (all except NAS (North American Specification)) and a steering column collapse actuator (NAS only). Some vehicles also incorporate a steering wheel heater. Multifunction switches are attached to the steering wheel module on the upper column and to the steering wheel, for operation of the following vehicle systems:
- Exterior lighting. For additional information, refer to Exterior Lighting Exterior Lighting
- Wipers and washers. For additional information, refer to Wipers and Washers Locations
- Speed control.
- Steering wheel heater.
- Audio/Video. For additional information, refer to Audio System Component Locations
- Vehicle information and settings menu. For additional information, refer to Information and Message Center Locations
- Telephone and voice control. Refer to 419-08.
The steering wheel also incorporates the driver air bag, with integrated horn switch. For additional information, refer to Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Locations
On automatic transmission vehicles, two paddle switches are attached to the steering wheel. For additional information, refer to External Controls Component Locations