Steering wheel and steering column
The steering wheel and steering column have 4 primary functions:
- Driving.
- Vehicle theft protection.
- Creation of comfortable conditions for the driver.
- Ensuring the safety of the driver.
Driving a car
The steering wheel is the first link between the driver and the car. The steering wheel is fixed on the column steering shaft. At the bottom of the steering column, an intermediate shaft connects the column to the steering gear.
The steering column can be adjusted in vertical and longitudinal directions.
Vehicle theft protection
Anti-theft components are installed and structurally part of the steering column. The following components lock the steering column to reduce the risk of vehicle theft:
- Ignition switch.
- Steering column lock.
- Ignition cylinder.
- immobilizer module (if equipped).
Creation of comfortable conditions
The steering wheel and column can be equipped with additional devices that increase driving comfort and comfort. The following controls are installed on the steering wheel and column:
- Paddle switches.
- Horn button.
- Duplicate audio control panel.
- adjustment mechanism.
- Telephone control system.
- Driver information center management.
- Cruise control management.
- Paddles for shifting the manual mode of an automatic transmission.
Driver safety
The steering wheel and column have a safety design to protect the driver in a car collision. The following components can be mounted on or under the steering column:
Energy absorbing steering column
The energy-absorbing steering column compresses in the event of a frontal impact, reducing the chance of injury to the driver. The energy-absorbing element, folding steering shaft and detachable steering column mounts help prevent injury to the driver in the event of an accident.
Contact disc and airbag module
Information about these elements is contained in the chapter «Passive safety».
Electronic parking lock (EPL)
If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission and floor shifting, it is also equipped with an actuated locking system from the ignition lock cylinder in the steering column. The ignition lock cylinder is equipped with a protection system that prevents the ignition from turning off in any transmission mode other than PARK to ensure vehicle control while driving. The system consists of an actuator controlled by an ignition lock cylinder and a parking mode sensor located on the automatic transmission selector lever. A special pin in the ignition lock mechanically prevents turning off the ignition and removing the key while the car is moving and in any transmission mode, except for PARK.
Steering angle sensor
The steering angle sensor is located on the steering shaft. The sensor determines the position of the steering wheel and the speed of its rotation. The signal from the sensor enters the vehicle's stability control system (VSES) in the ABS control unit, as well as in the electric booster system (VES).
Anti-theft immobilizer unit
The immobilizer unit is installed on the steering column lock on vehicles without a passive entry and start system (PEPS).
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