PRE-RELEASE
Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation
| Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation |
| Steering Column Lock |
The Steering Column Lock Module (SCLM) controls the steering wheel theft deterrent lock function, which allows the column to be electronically locked. When a valid key is used to start the vehicle, the BCM recognizes this and will send the encrypted password to the SCLM. The SCLM will compare its own stored password to the encrypted password sent by the BCM. If the data matches, the steering column will be unlocked.
In order for the steering column to be locked the SCLM has to see 3 inputs.
| 1. |
The BCM power mode is OFF.
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| 2. |
The vehicle is stationary based on zero speed reported from all ABS wheel speed sensors.
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| 3. |
The driver or passenger door is opened reported by the PEPS module.
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When the SCLM receives these inputs, the steering column will be locked.
The SCLM 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 SCLM.
| 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: The energy-absorbing steering column compresses in the event of a front-end collision, which reduces the risk 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.
| Heated steering wheel |
The system for heating the steering wheel comprises a heated steering wheel, a steering wheel switch and a control module for steering wheel heating. The heated steering wheel has heating elements which cannot be serviced, as well as a temperature sensor. The heating elements and sensor are positioned to the left and right of the outer diameter of the steering wheel. The switch is located in the left steering wheel control. The steering wheel heating control module is located beneath the centre hub of the steering wheel.
When this switch is depressed, the contact's signal circuit is grounded and the control module enables the heating. The system is activated until the driver switches it off. Normal operating temperature is 32°C (89,6°F). It takes about 3 - 4 minutes for the system to reach normal operating temperature. It takes longer to heat the steering wheel if the temperature in the vehicle is below -21°C (-5,8°F). The built-in temperature sensor sends input data to the control unit in order to limit the temperature to normal operating temperature. The system for steering wheel heating cannot be activated if the temperature is 32°C (89,6°F) or above.
