Removal And Installation: Column: Removal

WARNING: THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY MUST BE DEPLETED BEFORE ANY AIR BAG COMPONENT REPAIR IS PERFORMED. TO DEPLETE THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY ENERGY, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE AND WAIT ONE MINUTE.

NOTE: The steering column should be in the locked position prior to removal to ensure proper alignment of steering wheel and multi-function switch during installation.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Battery Ground Cable

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301). Wait one minute for the driver side air bag module backup power supply to deplete.
Remove the screws and remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds (3530).

Fig 2: Removing Upper And Lower Steering Column Shrouds
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the hood latch control handle and cable aside.
1. Loosen the nut.
2. Remove the hood latch control handle and cable and position aside.
Fig 3: Removing Hood Latch Control Handle And Cable
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the screw and release the instrument panel steering column cover (04459).

Fig 4: Releasing Instrument Panel Steering Column Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the headlamp switch electrical connector and remove the instrument panel steering column cover.

Fig 5: Disconnecting Headlamp Switch Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the electrical connectors at the harness retainer plate.

Fig 6: Disconnecting Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Separate the connectors from the retainer plate.
Disconnect the turn signal switch electrical connectors.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Turn Signal Switch Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the retainer plate.

Fig 8: Removing Retainer Plate
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolts and lower the steering column tube (3514).

Fig 9: Removing Lower Steering Column Tube Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the steering column input shaft coupling to steering gear input shaft pinch bolt.

Fig 10: Removing Steering Column Input Shaft Coupling Pinch Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the steering column support bracket nuts and remove the steering column tube.

Fig 11: Removing Steering Column Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Inspect the steering column tube for looseness at all attaching points. If the vehicle has been involved in a collision, follow the supplemental restraint system (SRS) inspections required after an accident; refer to POST-COLLISION INSPECTION .