Suzuki XL7 2007 Service Manual page 1764

6B-1 Steering Wheel and Column:
Steering Wheel and Column
Steering Wheel and Column Description
and Operation
The steering wheel and column has 4 primary functions:
• Vehicle steering
• Vehicle security
• Driver convenience
• Driver safety
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-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:
• The ignition switch
• The steering column lock
• The ignition cylinder
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.
• The turn signal switch
• The hazard switch
• The headlamp dimmer switch
• The wiper/washer switch
• The horn pad/cruise control switch
• The tilt or tilt/telescoping functions
General Description
Driver Safety
The energy-absorbing steering column compresses in
the event of a front-end collision, which reduces the
chance of injury to the driver. The mounting capsules
break away from the mounting bracket in the event of an
accident.
Ignition Lock Cylinder Control Actuator
If the vehicle is equipped with a floor mounted console
gear shifter, it has a ignition lock cylinder control actuator
system in the steering column. The ignition lock cylinder
control actuator's purpose is to prevent the ignition key
from being turned to the OFF position when the
transmission is in gear and the vehicle may still be
moving. The column ignition lock system consists of a
ignition lock cylinder control actuator, and a Park position
switch that is located in the automatic transmission (A/T)
shift lock control switch. The ignition lock cylinder control
actuator contains a pin that is spring loaded out to
mechanically prevent the ignition key cylinder from being
turned to the Lock position when vehicle transmission is
not in the Park position. If vehicle power is lost, and/or
the transmission is not in the Park position the operator
will not be able to turn the ignition key to the Lock
position and will not be able to remove the ignition key
from the column.
Electronic Park Lock Description and
Operation
If the vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission
and a floor mounted console gear shift, it has an
electronic park lock system (EPL). The EPL system
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 EPL system consists of an ignition lock
cylinder solenoid, and a park position switch that is
located in the A/T shift lock control switch. The ignition
lock cylinder solenoid contains a pin that is spring loaded
to mechanically prevent the ignition key cylinder from
being turned to the lock position when the vehicle
transmission is not in the PARK position. If vehicle power
is lost, and/or the transmission is not in the Park position
the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the
lock position and will not be able to remove the ignition
key from the column.