General information (Opel Insignia A)

Steering wheel and steering column

The steering wheel and steering column perform 4 primary functions:

• Driving a car.
• Protecting your car from theft.
• Creating comfortable conditions for the driver.
• Ensuring driver safety.

Driving a car

The steering wheel is the first link between the driver and the car. The steering wheel is fixed to the steering column 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.

Protecting your car from theft

Anti-theft components are installed and structurally form 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).

Creating comfortable conditions

The steering wheel and column can be equipped with additional devices that increase driving convenience and comfort. The following controls are installed on the steering wheel and column:

• Steering column switches.
• Sound signal button.
• Duplicate control panel for the audio system.
• Adjustment mechanism.
• Phone control system.
• Driver Information Center Management.
• Cruise control control.
• Steering wheel paddle shifters for manual mode of automatic transmission.

Driver safety

The steering wheel and column are designed to provide safety to the driver in the event of a vehicle collision. The following components may 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 likelihood of injury to the driver. The energy-absorbing element, collapsible steering shaft and breakaway 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 a floor shift, it is also equipped with a locking drive 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 being switched off in any transmission mode except PARK, to ensure control of the vehicle while driving. The system consists of a drive controlled by the ignition lock cylinder and a parking mode sensor located on the automatic transmission selector lever. A special pin in the ignition lock mechanically prevents the ignition from being switched off and the key from being removed while the vehicle is moving and in any transmission mode except PARK.

(Original posted on the website: «www.OPELBOOK.ru»)

Steering wheel angle sensor

The steering wheel angle sensor is located on the steering shaft. The sensor detects the position of the steering wheel and its rotation speed. The signal from the sensor is sent to the vehicle stability system (VSES) in the ABS control unit, as well as to the electric power steering system (VES).

Anti-theft immobilizer unit

The immobilizer unit is installed on the steering column lock on vehicles without the Passive Entry and Start System (PEPS).