Removal & Installation (Cougar, Mustang, Tempo, Thunderbird & Topaz)

Disconnect battery ground cable. On models with air bag, disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD . See Figure -Figure .
On Cougar, Thunderbird, Tempo and Topaz with tilt wheel, remove column end shroud by unsnapping shroud from retaining clip at 9 o'clock position of shroud. See Figure -8.
CAUTION: Before removing contact assembly (clockspring), see CONTACT ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING) under SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
On models with air bag, remove contact assembly. On all models, remove upper and lower shrouds. Disconnect key warning switch electrical connector.
Using a 1/8" (3.17 mm) drill bit, drill out retaining pin located below lock cylinder on housing. DO NOT drill deeper than 1/2" (12.7 mm).
Using a hammer and chisel, break end cap away from lock cylinder (end cap is key entry portion of lock cylinder with turning tabs on radius).
Using a 3/8" (9.5 mm) drill bit, drill down middle of lock cylinder key slot about 1 3/4" (44 mm) until lock cylinder breaks loose from housing. Remove retainer, washer and lock cylinder gear from housing. See LOCK CYLINDER GEAR . Remove metal shavings from lock cylinder bore in housing.
Replace housing if damaged. See LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING . To install, reverse removal procedure. Check AIR BAG light for system faults.