Steering Column Switches

Steering Column Switches

The steering column switches consist of the following components:

- LH multifunction switch - controls the turn signals, headlamp low/high beam, headlamp flash-to-pass and the trip computer display (if equipped). The LH multifunction switch can be serviced separately. For additional information on exterior lighting, refer to Exterior Lighting Exterior Lighting. For additional information on the trip computer, refer to Instrumentation, Message Center, and Warning Chimes Description and Operation.
- RH multifunction switch - controls the front windshield wipers and the rear window wiper (if equipped). The RH multifunction switch can be serviced separately. For additional information on the wiper/washer system, refer to Wipers and Washers Description and Operation.
- Ignition switch - used in conjunction with the ignition lock cylinder and ignition key to achieve the various ignition modes.
- Start/stop switch - available only on vehicles equipped with a push button start system. Located in the instrument panel just to the right of the steering column, the start/stop switch is used instead of a conventional ignition switch to achieve the various ignition modes.

Push Button Start System Ignition Modes

The push button start system has 3 ignition modes:

- OFF
- ON (engine off)
- START

The start/stop button is used in conjunction Intelligent Access (IA) key and the brake pedal (automatic transaxle) or clutch pedal (manual transaxle) to achieve the different ignition modes as indicated in the table below. For additional information on the IA key, refer to Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS).

Push Button Start Ignition Modes





OFF Mode

If the vehicle is in motion, a momentary press of the start/stop switch will not shut the engine off. If the vehicle is moving, the start/stop switch must be pressed and held for longer than one second to achieve OFF mode.

ON Mode

When the vehicle enters ON mode, multiple indicators in the IPC will prove out (just like a vehicle equipped with an ignition key cylinder), the indicator in the start/stop switch will illuminate and the IPC will display the vehicle mileage and current transmission gear selection.