Abstract: A park lock mechanism for a steering column of a vehicle has a key cylinder rotatable about an axis between off and on positions. A shift lever is movable between a park position and a non-park position and an inhibitor free from any mechanical cable attachment has a locked and unlocked position operably communicating with the key cylinder. When the key cylinder is in the off position, the inhibitor is operably maintained in the locked position to prevent movement of the shift lever from the park position. When the key cylinder is rotated to the on position, the inhibitor is moveable to the unlocked position in response to movement of the shift lever from the park position to the non-park position.

Abstract: A transmission steering column mounted shift arrangement has an actuator lever pivotally mounted on the steering column. The actuator lever has a cam track which cooperates with the manual shift control lever to pivot the actuating lever. The actuating lever also has an output arm to which a transmission shift cable is secured. The shift cable moves substantially linearly when the actuator lever is pivoted.

Abstract: A steering column mounted vehicle ignition lock mechanism and a floor-mounted transmission shifter have an interconnecting mechanism which prevents the steering column from being locked unless the transmission shifter is in the "Park" position. This mechanism also prevents the transmission shifter from being moved from the "Park" position when the ignition lock mechanism is in the "Lock" position. The interconnecting mechanism is generally comprised of a pair of slidable pins each cooperating with a housing to form recesses. The pins are moved in response to movement of the vehicle ignition lock and transmission shifter, respectively, so that the recesses will be properly aligned for movement of a latching member upon predetermined positioning of the slidable pins.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column having a compact head is selectively tiltable with respect to an axis transverse of the column to suit the vehicle operator's requirements. The tilt head houses a manual lever movable in a first direction with respect to the head in any tilt position to actuate a vehicle turn signal switch mechanism within the head. The lever is further manually movable in a second direction with respect to the head in any tilt position or turn signal condition, to actuate a headlamp dimmer switch on the column remote from the head.

Abstract: A steering column lock inhibitor for fixed and adjustable steering columns preferably without a shifting function. In one position, the inhibitor limits linear movement of an actuator rod in a first direction to prevent locking of the steering wheel while allowing linear movement in an opposite direction for actuation of the ignition and starter switch. In a second position the inhibitor allows linear movement of the rod in the first direction for steering wheel locking while limiting movement in an opposite direction so that the ignition and starter switch cannot be actuated.