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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1647 (Steering Column) >> Removal And Installation >> Steering Column >> Removal and Installation

Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to CLOCKSPRING .
  1. Depower the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to DEPOWERING PROCEDURE .
  2. Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position and remove the ignition key.
  3. Remove the steering column cover.
  4. Remove the instrument cluster finish panel and steering column upper shroud as an assembly.
    • Remove the 2 instrument cluster finish panel screws.
    • Press the sides of the upper steering column shroud inward to release it from the lower steering column shroud.
  5. Remove the 3 screws and the lower steering column shroud.
  6. Remove the intermediate shaft-to-steering column bolt.
    • To install, tighten to 25 N.m (18 lb-ft).
  7. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering column.
  8. CAUTION: The steering column is equipped with a safety device located at the bottom side of the column support. Make sure that the electrical connector and wiring retainer are disconnected prior to removing the column support-to-instrument panel nuts or damage to the safety device or wiring can occur.
    NOTE: If the deploy able steering column electrical connector becomes damaged or the deployable steering column has deployed, a new overlay wiring harness must be installed. Make sure to follow the installation instructions that are included in the service kit.
    Fig 1: Identifying Steering Column Adaptive Load Safety Device Electrical Connector
    G04655552Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Using a suitable tool, squeeze the connector at the sides and disconnect the steering column adaptive load safety device electrical connector.
    • Detach the wiring retainer.
  10. Disconnect the 3 multifunction switch electrical connectors.
    • Disconnect the passive anti-theft system (PATS) transceiver electrical connector.
    Fig 2: Identifying Multifunction Switch Electrical Connectors
    G04655553Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
    Fig 3: Disconnecting Ignition Switch Electrical Connector
    G04655554Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Disconnect the wiring harness from the steering column.
    • Release the 2 pin-type retainers.
    Fig 4: Identifying Pin-Type Retainers
    G04655555Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Remove the 4 steering column nuts.
    • To install, tighten to 18 N.m (13 lb-ft).
  14. Remove the steering column.
  15. CAUTION:
    1. Make sure the end tabs of the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp do not contact the boot after installation.
    2. Make sure the intermediate shaft boot bearing is properly seated in the retention groove. The outer bearing race must not be seen protruding from the groove.
  16. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
    • Repower the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to REPOWERING PROCEDURE .