Purpose/Function
The steering input force, generated when the driver operates the steering wheel, is transmitted to the steering gear.
Construction
The steering column and shaft consists of the steering column with a built-in EPS mechanism and the intermediate shaft.
As a result of impact absorbing mechanisms on the steering column and intermediate shaft, when a collision occurs, the steering shaft effectively absorbs the impact energy that would be transmitted to the driver, thereby reducing injury.
Due to the adoption of a tilt/telescope mechanism for the steering shaft on all vehicles, operability has been improved.

Operation
Based on the steering torque signal from the torque sensor and the vehicle speed and engine speed signals from the PCM, the EPS CM drives the EPS motor and transmits the assist torque to the intermediate shaft via the deceleration mechanism.
At the moment of a collision, when impact energy (first stage impact) is input from the vehicle front due to the rearward collapse of the steering gear, the intermediate shaft contracts to absorb the impact from the driver. (Section X in the figure)
When the body of the driver contacts the steering wheel (second stage impact), the fixing bracket comes off the dashboard member, and the upper shaft and the outer column slide forward. At this time, the impact absorption plate (one part secured to instrument panel member, another part to fixing bracket) deforms (area A shown in figure cracks) to absorb the impact to the driver. (Section Y in the figure)

The steering wheel can be moved in the up/down and forward/backward direction when the adjusting lever is pressed towards the front of the vehicle to release the lock of the tilt/telescope system.
The tilt/telescope mechanism has a movement range of 45 mm {1.8 in}
(tilt)/ 50 mm {2.0 in}
(telescope) and can be adjusted, without steps, to anywhere in this range.

Fail-safe
Function not equipped.
Wheel, Column
Steering Shaft InspectionRemote Transmitter Battery Voltage Inspection
NOTE:
Because the remote transmitter battery power cannot be determined using the
battery itself, determine by the remote transmitter battery low warning operation
conditions.
Operation procedure for remote transmitter battery low warning
1. Place the remote transmitter inside t ...
Sae Standards
In accordance with new regulations, SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers)
standard names and abbreviations are now used in this manual. The table below
lists the names and abbreviations that have been used in Mazda manuals up to
now and their SAE equivalents.
...
Horn
Purpose, Function
The horn sounds according to the horn switch operation.
Construction
Installed to the inside of the front grille.
The diaphragm is vibrated to apply vibration to the air and produce sound.
Operation
1. When the horn switch turns on (1), the ho ...