Steering Column Switches

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The steering column switches receive driver inputs and send signals to various components. The steering column switches system consists of the following components:

Multifunction switch
Ignition switch
Key-in-ignition switch (part of the ignition switch)
Key release inhibit solenoid (part of the ignition switch)
Ignition lock cylinder
Steering column lock module
Key release button (manual transmission only)

The multifunction switch is mounted on the LH side of the steering column and can be serviced separately from the column. The multifunction switch controls the windshield wiper/washer, turn signals and headlamp dimmer/flash-to-pass. For information concerning the windshield wiper/washer system, refer to WIPERS AND WASHERS . For information concerning the turn signals and headlamp dimmer/flash-to-pass, refer to EXTERIOR LIGHTING .

The ignition switch is mounted on the LH side of the steering column and is attached to the steering column lock module. The ignition switch can be serviced separately from the lock module and steering column.

The key-in-ignition switch is part of the ignition switch and can only be serviced with the ignition switch. The key-in-ignition switch is an input used by the Smart Junction Box (SJB) to control other systems.

The key release inhibit solenoid is part of the ignition switch and can only be serviced with the ignition switch. The inhibit solenoid prevents the ignition key from being removed from the ignition lock cylinder unless the transmission shift lever is in the PARK position.

The ignition lock cylinder is part of the steering column lock module but can be serviced separately from the module. The ignition lock cylinder prevents the ignition switch from being turned unless the ignition key is used. For information concerning the ignition lock cylinder, refer to HANDLES, LOCKS, LATCHES AND ENTRY SYSTEMS .

The steering column lock module is mounted on the steering column behind the clockspring and is serviced separately from the column. The lock module prevents the steering column from being turned when the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.

The key release button is only equipped on vehicles with a manual transmission and is used in place of the key release inhibit solenoid.