Steering Column: Removal

All vehicles 

1. Depower the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering (See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article).
NOTE: Make sure the road wheels are in the straight ahead position.
Fig 1: Centralizing Steering
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. Centralize the steering and lock it in position.
3. Detach the instrument panel lower panel from the instrument panel.
   1. Remove the screws.
      Fig 2: Locating Screws & Releasing Fastener

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
   2. Release the fastener.
4. Detach the hood release cable and the data link connector (DLC) from the instrument panel lower panel.
   Fig 3: Detaching Hood Release Cable And Data Link Connector

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
   • Remove the instrument panel lower panel.
5. Remove the steering column upper shroud.
   • Using a thin bladed screwdriver, releases the two clips (one each side).
     Fig 4: Releasing Clips

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Remove the audio control switch (if equipped).
   1. Using a thin bladed screwdriver, release the locking tang.
      Fig 5: Releasing Locking Tang & Disconnecting Electrical Connector

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
   2. Disconnect the audio control switch electrical connector.
7. Remove the steering column lower shroud.
   1. Release the steering column locking lever (if equipped).
      Fig 6: Releasing Steering Column Locking Lever & Screws

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
   2. Remove the screws.
8. Disconnect the passive anti-theft system (PATS) transceiver, wiper/washer switch and clockspring/speed control electrical connectors.
   Fig 7: Disconnecting Passive Anti-Theft System

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Disconnect the ignition switch and turn signal/flash-to-pass switch electrical connectors.
   Fig 8: Disconnecting Ignition Switch And Turn Signal/Flash-To-Pass Switch Electrical Connectors

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

   Vehicles with stability assist 

10. Disconnect the steering wheel rotation sensor electrical connector.
    Fig 9: Disconnecting Steering Wheel Rotation Sensor Electrical Connector

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    All vehicles 

11. Detach the wiring harness from the steering column.
    1. Release the locating pin.
    2. Detach the wiring harness from the column.
       Fig 10: Detaching Wiring Harness

       Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear pinion extension.
    1. Remove the bolt.
       Fig 11: Removing Bolt & Release Pinion Shaft Extension

       Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    2. Release the pinion shaft extension from the steering column.
13. Remove the steering column.
    • Remove the three nyloc nuts.
      Fig 12: Removing Three Nyloc Nuts & Torx Bolt

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    • Remove the Torx bolt.