Ford Explorer: Steering Wheel and Column Electrical Components / Description and Operation - Steering Wheel and Column Electrical Components - Overview

Steering Column Switches Overview

The steering column switches are located on and around the steering column. They enable the driver to control various vehicle functions while remaining focused on driving. The steering column switches consist of:

• Left multifunction switch - mounted on the left side of the SCCM and is used:
  • to control the turn signals, low/high beam selection and the flash-to-pass feature (vehicles without police package). Refer to the appropriate section in Group 417 for the procedure.
  • to control the windshield wipers, rear window wiper and washers (vehicles with police package).
    Refer to: Wipers and Washers - System Operation and Component Description (501-16 Wipers and Washers, Description and Operation).
    The left multifunction switch can be serviced separately from the SCCM.
• Right multifunction switch (vehicles without the police package) - mounted on the right side of the SCCM and is used to control the front windshield wipers/washers, and the rear window wiper/washer. The right multifunction switch can be serviced separately from the SCCM.
• Steering wheel switches - mounted on the front of the steering wheel and can be serviced separately from the steering wheel. These are used to access settings and controls displayed in the message center or for control of the cruise control system, the audio system and the SYNC® system.
  • For the message center (left upper switch),
    Refer to: Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) - Overview (413-01 Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes, Description and Operation).
    
  • For the cruise control system (left lower switch), Refer to the appropriate section in Group 419 for the procedure.
  • For the audio system (right upper switch), Refer to the appropriate section in Group 415 for the procedure.
  • For the SYNC® system (right lower switch), Refer to the appropriate section in Group 415 for the procedure.
• Steering column control switch - mounted on the left side of the SCCM and is used to control the up/down tilt and fore/aft telescopic movement of the power adjustable steering column.
  Refer to: Steering Column - System Operation and Component Description (211-04 Steering Column, Description and Operation).
  

The steering column and steering wheel switches interface with other modules and components on the vehicle through the SCCM, which communicates on the CAN.

Conventional Ignition Switch Overview

The conventional ignition switch is controlled by the ignition lock cylinder and key. The ignition lock cylinder and ignition switch are connected mechanically. Turning the ignition lock cylinder places the ignition switch into the desired position. The available ignition switch positions are:

• OFF
• ACC
• ON
• START

When placed in ACC or ON, the ignition switch provides voltage inputs to the BCM.

When placed in START, the ignition switch provides voltage inputs to the BCM and PCM.

Push Button Start Ignition System Overview

The push button start ignition system is used to place the ignition in the ON or OFF mode and to start or shut off the vehicle powertrain. The push button ignition switch is located to the right of the steering wheel in the instrument panel.

Heated Steering Wheel Overview

The heated steering wheel system consists of the following components:

• Steering wheel heater elements (part of steering wheel)
• Steering wheel temperature sensor (part of steering wheel)
• SCCM
• FCIM