Removal (Econoline E350)

Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Wait one minute to deplete air bag back-up power supply. Remove air bag module. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG .
Twist tilt wheel handle and shank counter-clockwise and remove (if equipped). Remove lower steering column shroud. Remove ignition switch lock cylinder. Carefully pry to release clips and remove steering column opening cover. Remove upper steering column shroud.
NOTE: Air bag sliding contact has a service lock that prevents accidental rotation when steering wheel is removed.
Ensure service lock is in place. If service lock is missing, place two strips of tape across air bag sliding contact. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Installing Sliding Contact Service Lock Or Tape Placement (E350)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove ignition key warning switch. Disconnect air bag sliding contact electrical connector and separate connector from bracket. Pry retaining clips loose and separate wire from two retaining clips holding wire to column. Remove air bag sliding contact.