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.
Up Switch [Fw6 A EL, Fw6 Ax EL]
Purpose/Function
The up switch detects the shift up operation of the selector lever.
The up switch signal is sent to the TCM via CAN and is used for manual shift
control and engine-transaxle integration control.
Construction
The up switch is installed to the selector l ...
Shift Point Control (Automatic Shift Control) [Fw6 A EL, Fw6 Ax EL]
Outline
The TCM implements auto shift control according to the vehicle speed and
accelerator pedal depression amount while in D position.
When the vehicle is stopped with the selector lever is in the D position
and the brake pedal depressed, the neutral idle control is performed ...
Thermostat
Purpose, Function
When the engine coolant temperature is low, the thermostat blocks the engine
coolant passage between the radiator and engine. As a result, because engine
coolant cycles without passing through the radiator, warming is promoted.
Construction
The thermostat ...