Express 3500 V8-6.0L (2010)
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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Heated Steering Wheel
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Vehicle steering
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Vehicle security
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Driver convenience
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Driver safety
Heated Steering Wheel
The heated steering wheel control module controls the heated steering wheel and the heated steering wheel ON indicator based on an input from the
heated steering wheel switch. When the heated steering wheel switch is pressed, the switch signal circuit is pulled to ground. This indicates to the heating
steering wheel control module that steering wheel heat is requested. When the request is seen, the heated steering wheel control module supplies ground
to the indicator lamp and supplies voltage to the heating elements, which are internal to the steering wheel. The heated steering wheel temperature is
monitored through an internal temperature sensor. When the steering wheel reaches operating temperature the module will cycle the voltage on and off to
maintain the operating temperature.
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: Steering Column/Testing and Inspection/Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview).
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
