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.
Expansion Valve
Purpose
The expansion valve atomizes liquid refrigerant to facilitate cooling of
the evaporator.
Function
The expansion valve reduces the pressure of liquid refrigerant rapidly to
facilitate vaporization of the atomized refrigerant at the evaporator, and adjusts
the refr ...
Fuel Pump Relay
Purpose, Function
Controls the fuel pump on/off according to control signals from the PCM.
The fuel pump is operated only at engine start or when the engine is running
to improve safety.
Construction
The fuel pump relay is installed in the relay and fuse block.
...
Front Suspension
Outline
A strut type front suspension has been adopted.
The connection area of the front crossmember and body is a 6-point rigid
mount type.
The cross-section on the center member of the front crossmember has been
expanded and the longitudinal offset of the ...