I was in my steering column to fix my turn signals, and I put it all back together and realized I had this extra piece. Does anyone know what it's for or if it's important?

 

I don't recognize that as a steering column part, or at least not from the series of column (tilt or not) used in a ThirdGen.



Is this column equipped with an air bag?

 

No, at least I'm pretty sure it is not. I do not have the original steering wheel, but there is nothing to indicate that it was airbag equipped. Is it possible that it could be a piece of a different system located in the steering column? Like the turn signals/ high beams/horn?
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I asked about an air bag because it resembles an early contact from one of those, but nothing within the column below the steering wheel.

 

Well, thank you. The car seems to steer fine without it so I won't worry too much about it.

 

I recently rebuilt my steering column and I can assure you nothing in there resembles that part.

 

It would be nice to know exactly what year thirdgen we are working on here?

Vader makes a good point about it possibly being a contact for an airbag, but beyond that I can assure you that the non airbag column has no such part in it.

Here is a great tutorial I have used to rebuild several (non airbag) columns, scroll down to the group pic of all the parts and you'll see no such part in the photo.......

https://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/...ck_Rebuild.pdf