Patent ID: 6873247
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A combined immobilizing and steering column control system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a portable device having a transponder for wirelessly transmitting an identification signal; a steering wheel having controls and a first inductor, wherein the first inductor wirelessly transmits a control signal for controlling a vehicle function in response to a corresponding steering wheel control being actuated; and a vehicle immobilizing system having a second inductor and a controller, the second inductor being operable to wirelessly sense the identification signal transmitted by the transponder and to wirelessly sense a control signal transmitted by the first inductor, wherein the controller performs a vehicle immobilizing function in response to the second inductor sensing an identification signal transmitted by the transponder, wherein the controller enables the vehicle function corresponding to an actuated steering wheel control in response to the second inductor sensing the corresponding control signal transmitted by the first inductor.