Description & Operation

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Use extreme caution when servicing steering column. Air bag could deploy. Before any repairs are performed, disconnect and shield battery negative cable. Wait 20 minutes to allow system to electrically discharge before attempting any repairs.

Steering column is designed to be an energy-absorbing unit. A flexible joint and "U" joint connect steering column to steering gear. Tiptronic (automatic) transmission equipped vehicles are equipped with a selector lever lock (shiftlock) system. This system allows the ignition key to be removed only if selector lever has been placed in Park. In addition, the selector lever can only be moved with ignition switch in ON position and the brakes applied.