Removal & Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mercury Villager. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Position front wheels in straight-ahead position. Remove driver-side air bag module. See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL .
- Apply 2 strips of tape across clockspring hub and rotor elements to prevent accidental rotation. See Fig 1. Remove 4 screws and lower steering column shroud. Remove 4 push pins or screws from CD changer cover, if equipped, or console compartment door. See Figure. Pull out ashtray/cup holder. Depress locking tabs and remove ashtray/cup holder assembly.
- Remove 2 center instrument panel finish panel retaining screws located in ashtray/cup holder opening. Pull out to release retaining clips and remove center instrument panel finish panel. Pull out on headlight switch and finish panel to release retaining clips. Disconnect headlight switch connector and remove finish panel with headlight switch.
- Remove 3 screws (one in headlight switch opening, 2 over instrument cluster) and position instrument cluster finish panel out of way. Remove fuse panel cover and remove one lower steering column opening finish panel retaining screw. Remove 2 push pins and one screw from lower steering column opening finish panel.
- Remove 2 screws, disconnect cigarette lighter and cruise control switch. Remove lower steering column opening finish panel. Remove 4 screws and lower steering column opening finish panel reinforcement. Disconnect 2 lower clockspring connectors. Open wire harness retainer and remove wire harness. Remove 3 clockspring retaining screws and remove clockspring.
- To install, reverse removal procedure. If clockspring rotor has moved or if unsure of clockspring rotor position, center clockspring. See CLOCKSPRING CENTERING under ADJUSTMENTS. Maintain clockspring centered position. Activate air bag system.