Steering Column Adjustment Switch

The instrument cluster supplies 2 reference voltages to the column adjustment switch.

The first reference voltage is supplied to the joystick switch. When the switch is moved to one of its 4 positions, the switch contact is completed and the reference voltage is passed through one of 4 different resistors with different values. The returned signal voltage is measured by the instrument cluster which determines the selected column adjust request. The instrument cluster outputs a supply to the steering column adjustment motor and energizes the applicable clutch solenoid to move the column to the desired position.

The second reference voltage is supplied to the auto/manual selection of the switch. When the switch is in the auto position, the reference voltage passes directly through the switch contacts and is measured by the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster outputs a message on the medium speed CAN bus to the driver seat module which responds with the recorded memory position setting. The instrument cluster then activates the column adjustment motor and clutch solenoids to move the column to the memorized position. When the switch is in the manual position the reference circuit is broken. The instrument cluster detects the broken circuit and allows manual operation of the column adjustment switch to move the column.

The column adjustment switch is located in the steering column lower shroud and held in place with a spring clip. The switch allows the adjustment of the steering column for both reach and rake angle. The switch has an auto position which allows the desired position of the column to be set by the driver using the driver's seat memory buttons. The column position is automatically reset once the applicable remote handset has been detected by the vehicle security systems.