Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Manual page 1445

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Steering Column
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, Found on 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--location varies
• The steering column lock--content varies
• The ignition cylinder--location varies
• The theft deterrent module--location varies
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 redundant radio/entertainment system controls
• The manual/power tilt or tilt/telescoping functions
• The power pedal adjustment control switch
• The navigation
• The HVAC controls
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 chance 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. In addition to these features, the following driver safety features may be on the steering
column:
Electronic Park Lock (EPL)/Ignition Lock Cylinder Control Actuator: If the vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission and a
floor mounted console gear shift, it has an ignition lock cylinder control actuator system in the steering column. The ignition lock cylinder
control actuator 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 column ignition lock system consists of an ignition lock cylinder control actuator, and a
park position switch that is located in the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator
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.
SIR Coil and Module: For additional information on the operation of the SIR coil and module, refer to
Operation.
Steering Wheel Angle Sensor or Steering Wheel Position Sensor: The steering wheel position sensor is located somewhere along the
steering shaft assembly. The sensor measures the position of the steering wheel and the speed at which it is rotated. A signal representing
this measurement is provided to the vehicle stability enhancement system (VSES) module. The VSES module uses this signal, along with
several others representing different vehicle conditions, to monitor the driving behavior of the vehicle and ensure that it stays in control. If
the VSES module determines that the vehicle is out of control it provides signals to the powertrain control module (PCM) and the ABS
module. These output signals are used to modulate the transmission torque and brake pressure of each of the vehicles wheels in order to
regain control of the vehicle.
STEERING
CHEVROLET CRUZE BODY REPAIR MANUAL 2010
S e c tion 09
SIR System Description and
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