Removal (Windstar)
- Place front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Wait one minute to deplete air bag backup power supply.
- Remove driver air bag module. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG . If contact assembly is to be reused, put tape across contact assembly to prevent rotation of contact assembly. See Figure. If clockspring is rotated, it could be damaged internally.
- On 2000 models, remove 2 retaining screws, and remove steering column opening finish panel. Remove 3 retaining bolts and steering column opening finish panel reinforcement. On all models, loosen but do not remove steering column mounting nuts, and position it down.
- Remove finish panels. Disconnect headlight switch electrical connector. On 2001 models, disconnect dimmer and low tire warning system reset switch electrical connector. On all models, remove lower steering column shroud.
- Remove ignition switch lock cylinder. Position transmission column shifter to its lowest position. Remove retaining screws. Remove instrument cluster finish panel. Remove upper steering column shroud. Remove passive anti-theft system (PATS) transmitter.
- Remove ignition key warning switch. Remove contact assembly electrical connectors. Release contact assembly retaining clips. Remove contact assembly.