Express 1500 RWD V8-5.3L (2008)
Steering Wheel: Description and Operation
Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation
The steering wheel and column has 4 primary functions:
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Vehicle steering
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Vehicle security
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Driver convenience
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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 column. At the lower
end of the column, the intermediate shaft connects the column to the steering gear.
Vehicle Security, Found on Some Vehicle Models
Theft deterrent components are mounted and designed into the steering column. The following components allow the column to be locked in order to
minimize theft:
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The ignition switch-location varies
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The steering column lock-content varies
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The ignition cylinder-location varies
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The theft deterrent module-location varies
Driver Convenience
The steering wheel and column may also have driver controls attached for convenience and comfort. The following controls may be mounted on or near
the steering wheel or column.
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The turn signal switch
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The hazard switch
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The headlamp dimmer switch
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The wiper/washer switch
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The horn pad/cruise control switch
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The redundant radio/entertainment system controls
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The manual/power tilt or tilt/telescoping functions
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The power pedal adjustment control switch
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The navigation/OnStar(R) features
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The HVAC controls
Driver Safety
The steering wheel and column has safety features to protect the driver. The following components may be mounted on or near the steering column:
Energy-Absorbing Steering Column
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The energy-absorbing steering column compresses in the event of a front-end collision, which reduces the chance of injury to the driver. The
energy-absorbing feature, collapsible steering shaft, and break away mounting features help reduce the injury in the event of an accident. In
addition to these features, the following driver safety features may be on the steering column. To inspect the steering column for damage, refer to
Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (See: Restraint Systems/Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision/Service and
Repair/Steering Column) .
Electronic Park Lock (EPL)/Ignition Lock Cylinder Control Actuator
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If the vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission and a floor mounted console gear shift, it has an ignition lock cylinder control actuator
system in the steering column. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator purpose is to prevent the ignition key from being turned to the OFF
position when the transmission is in any position other than PARK and the vehicle may still be moving. The column ignition lock system consists
of an ignition lock cylinder control actuator, and a park position switch that is located in the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. The
ignition lock cylinder control actuator contains a pin that is spring loaded to mechanically prevent the ignition key cylinder from being turned to
the lock position when the vehicle transmission is not in the PARK position. If vehicle power is lost, and/or the transmission is not in the PARK
position the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the lock position and will not be able to remove the ignition key from the column.
Linear Shift Assembly
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If the vehicle is equipped with a column mounted gear shift, it has a linear shift assembly on the steering column. The linear shift assembly has a
cable that runs from the linear shift assembly to the ignition lock cylinder case. The purpose of this cable is to prevent the ignition key from being
turned to the OFF position when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle may still be moving. The linear shift assembly cable contains a pin that
