The tilt/telescoping function of this column consists of the tilt actuator and telescoping drive motor, the tilt/telescope position sensors and the tilt/telescope switch. The tilt/telescoping motor position sensors are an internal part of the tilt actuator and telescoping drive motor. The tilt/telescope switch operates the forward, reverse, up, and down movement of the steering wheel.

The energy absorbing and locking steering column includes three important features in addition to the steering function.

1. The steering column is energy absorbing and is designed to compress in a front-end collision which will lessen the chance of injury to the driver.
2. The steering column has a tilt/telescoping control system that consists of an electronic control module capable of class 2 serial data communication, a steering column power assembly with positioning motor and sensor, and a steering column control switch.
3. The multi-function lever provides for the control of the headlamp high beams, and the windshield washer and wiper.

The steering column may be removed, disassembled and reassembled with relative ease. It is important to use only the specified screws, bolts and nuts and to tighten them to the specified torque in order to ensure the proper energy absorbing functions. When the steering column assembly is removed from the vehicle, special care must be taken in handling it. Avoid the use of a steering wheel puller other than the special one recommended in this manual. Sharply striking the end of the steering shaft, leaning on the assembly or dropping the assembly could shear off or loosen the plastic fasteners which maintain the steering column rigidity.

The tilt/telescope switch is an input to the driver position module (DPM). The tilt actuator and telescoping drive motor are output functions of the DPM.

Steering column memory settings are stored in the DPM. The steering column position sensors are an internal part of the tilt actuator and telescoping drive motor assemblies, and are inputs to the DPM. The DPM uses the position sensor inputs when storing and recalling memory settings, and also when the column reaches the end of its travel.

Memory steering column, and the easy enter/exit operations are performed by the DPM. Memory positions for driver 1, driver 2, and the exit position are selected with the memory seat switch.

The steering column lock control module (SCLCM) controls the steering wheel theft deterrent lock function, which allows the column to be electronically locked. The SCLCM controls the column lock motor using an internal lock relay, an internal unlock relay, and an internal lock enable relay. The lock and unlock relays provide a low input to the column lock motor. When the column needs to be locked the lock enable relay will energize the lock relay, which provides a high input to the lock side of the motor, energizing the motor to lock the steering column.

In order for the steering column to be locked the SCLCM has to see 3 inputs. The first input the module needs to see is the vehicle in the park position input from the automatic transmission shift lever. When the shift lever is in the park position, the switch internal to the automatic transmission shift lever closes sending a high input to the SCLCM and the body control module (BCM). When this occurs the lock relay, which is internal to the SCLCM, is energized closing the lock relay switch.

The second input to the SCLCM is the ignition state. The remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) and the BCM look at the power mode. When the ignition 1 input is in the off state or RAP mode, the RCDLR sends a class 2 message to the SCLCM indicating this state which will lock the column.

The third input the SCLCM receives comes from the BCM enable relay. When the BCM goes to the off power mode then the low input is sent to the SCLCM.

When the SCLCM receives this low input from the BCM the internal lock enable relay is energized and provides a high input to the lock side of the column lock motor. The unlock side of the column lock motor is grounded through the internal unlock relay within the SCLCM. The column lock motor will send an input back to the SCLCM indicating the motor is energized for the locked position. This results in the locking of the steering column.

The SCLCM will unlock the steering column if the power mode is on and the SCLCM and RCDLR passwords match.

The SCLCM monitors the column lock system and will set DTC codes when the module detects malfunctions within the system. When a malfunction occurs the driver information center (DIC) will display the Service Column Lock Now message indicating DTC codes are set within the SCLCM.

The heated steering wheel system consists of a heated steering wheel, a heated steering wheel switch, and a steering wheel heat module. The heated steering wheel includes a non-serviceable heating element and temperature sensor, which both are located in the rim of the steering wheel. The heated steering wheel switch is included as part of the steering wheel switch bezel. The steering wheel heat module is located on the backside of the steering wheel center hub.

When the switch is pressed, a signal is sent to the heat module to command the heated steering wheel to heat up until either the normal operating temperature reaches the limit of 32°C (89.6°F) or the customer turns it off via the heated steering wheel switch. The built-in temperature sensor provides input to the controller to limit the temperature of the heated wheel to the normal operating temperature. The heated steering wheel system will also cease to operate if the vehicle temperature is greater than 32°C (89.6°F). The heated steering wheel takes approximately 3 to 4 minutes to reach the normal operating temperature and will take longer to heat up if the vehicle temperature is less than -21°C (-5.8°F).