Removal (Econoline, Expedition, Navigator, Pickup & Villager)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 20 other vehicles, including the 2001 Mercury Villager, 2001 Mercury Mountaineer, 2001 Lincoln Navigator, 2001 Ford Windstar, and 2001 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Disconnect both battery cables. Wait one minute (3 minutes for Villager) to deplete air bag backup power supply. Remove instrument panel steering column cover. On Escape, remove upper and lower steering column shrouds. On all models, disconnect ignition switch electrical connector. Turn lock cylinder to OFF position. Using key, remove ignition switch from steering column.