Removal And Installation: Clockspring: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module.

WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

NOTE: Vehicles with speed control only shown, all others are similar.

NOTE: A repair is made by replacement only. If a part is replaced and the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.

All vehicles

Depower the system. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING in this article.

NOTE: Make sure the wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

Remove the driver air bag module.
1. Remove the two steering wheel back cover plugs.
2. Remove the two driver air bag module bolts.
3. Disconnect the horn electrical connector.
4. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connector.
5. Remove the driver air bag module.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Driver Air Bag Module
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Make sure the wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

Remove the steering wheel. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN .
Apply two strips of masking tape across the clockspring to prevent accidental rotation.

Fig 2: Applying Strips Of Masking Tape Across The Clockspring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Twist the tilt wheel handle and shank and remove.

Fig 3: Twisting Tilt Wheel Handle And Shank
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the steering column opening lower finish panel.
1. Turn the retaining clips a quarter-turn counterclockwise to release.
2. Remove the steering column opening lower finish panel.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Steering Column Opening Lower Finish Panel
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the lower steering column shroud.
1. Remove the three screws.
2. Remove the steering column shroud.
  
  Fig 5: Removing Lower Steering Column Shroud
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder.
1. Position the lock cylinder to RUN.
2. Using a suitable tool, push upward on the cylinder release tab while pulling the cylinder outward.
  
  Fig 6: Removing Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the upper steering column shroud.

Fig 7: Removing Upper Steering Column Shroud
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles with a passive anti-theft system

Remove the passive anti-theft system (PATS) transmitter.
1. Remove the PATS transmitter retaining screw.
2. Remove the PATS transmitter.
  
  Fig 8: Removing Passive Anti-Theft System (Pats) Transmitter
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles

Remove the key-in-ignition warning indicator switch.

Fig 9: Removing Key-In-Ignition Warning Indicator Switch
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the clockspring electrical connectors and wire harness from the side of the steering column.
1. Remove the clockspring electrical connectors from the bracket.
  - Disconnect the remaining electrical connector.
2. Remove the wire harness from the retainers.
  
  Fig 10: Removing Wire Harness From Retainers
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the clockspring.
1. Release the retaining clips.
2. Remove the clockspring.
  
  Fig 11: Removing Clockspring
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.