Steering Column Switches

Steering Column Switches

The steering column switches consist of the following components:

- Multifunction switch- controls the turn signals, low/high beam and flash-to-pass headlamp functions. The multifunction switch can be serviced separately from the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM). For additional information on exterior lighting, refer to Lighting and Horns.

- Wiper/washer switch- controls the front windshield wipers/washers, also controls the rear window wiper/washer if equipped. The wiper/washer switch can be serviced separately from the SCCM (Steering Column Control Module). For additional information on the wiper/washer system, refer to Wiper and Washer Systems.

- Ignition switch- used in conjunction with the ignition key and lock cylinder to achieve the various ignition modes.

- SCCM (Steering Column Control Module)- controls several systems and/or features and provides a pass-through circuit path for various components and/or features.

- Start/stop switch- available only on vehicles equipped with a push button start system. Located in the instrument panel 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 4 ignition modes:

- OFF

- ACC

- RUN

- START

The start/stop switch is used in conjunction with the Intelligent Access (IA) key and brake pedal to achieve the different ignition modes as indicated in the table below. For additional information on the IA (Intelligent Access) key, refer to Antitheft and Alarm Systems.

Push Button Start Ignition Modes






Accessory (ACC) Mode

When the vehicle enters ACC mode, the message center in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) briefly displays PRESS BRAKE TO START, then displays ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE. When the vehicle is in ACC mode, electrical accessories such as the audio system and power windows operate upon request.

If the ignition remains in ACC mode for more than 45 minutes, the Body Control Module (BCM) changes the ignition mode to OFF to avoid draining the battery.

RUN (ON) Mode

When the vehicle enters RUN mode, multiple indicators in the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) prove out (the same as vehicles equipped with an ignition key cylinder) and the indicator in the start/stop switch illuminates. All circuits powered in ACC mode are also powered in RUN mode.

If the ignition remains in the RUN mode with the engine off for more than 30 minutes, the BCM (Body Control Module) changes the ignition mode to OFF to avoid draining the battery. The ignition does not turn OFF if a battery charger or scan tool is connected to the vehicle.