Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the driver side air bag module. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
Remove the passenger side air bag module. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
Close the glove compartment door.
If equipped with a floor console selector lever remove the selector lever. For additional information, refer to TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION COOLING EXTERNAL CONTROLS .
Remove the front door scuff plates.

Fig 1: Removing Front Door Scuff Plates
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the front door weather-strips aside.

NOTE: When installing the A-pillar trim panels, be sure the alignment tabs are positioned correctly.

Fig 2: Removing A-Pillar Trim Panels

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the A-pillar trim panels.

NOTE: Lift upwards on the rear edge of the defroster grille then slide rearward to remove.

Fig 3: Removing Defroster Grille

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the defroster grille.
- If equipped, disconnect the sunload/headlamp sensor electrical connector.
Remove the three instrument panel cowl top bolts.

Fig 4: Removing Instrument Panel Cowl Top Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Release the parking brake cable from the parking brake actuator.
1. Release the cable from the parking brake actuator.
2. Release the cable conduit from the parking brake actuator.
Fig 5: Releasing Parking Brake Cable From Parking Brake Actuator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the parking brake release handle.
1. Remove the retainer clip.
2. Remove the parking brake release handle.
Fig 6: Removing Parking Brake Release Handle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the generic electronic module (GEM) electrical connector.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Generic Electronic Module Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the bolts and disconnect the bulkhead electrical connectors.

Fig 8: Loosening Bolts And Disconnecting Bulkhead Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the bolt and disconnect the steering column bulkhead electrical connector.

Fig 9: Loosening Bolt And Disconnecting Steering Column Bulkhead Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Separate the intermediate shaft from the steering column.
1. Remove the pinch bolt.
2. Separate the intermediate shaft from the steering column.
Fig 10: Separating Intermediate Shaft From Steering Column
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped with a steering column selector lever, disconnect the transmission shift cable.
1. Disconnect the cable from the steering column shift tube lever.
2. Disconnect the cable from the steering column bracket.
Fig 11: Disconnecting Transmission Shift Cable
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the pin-type retainers and the passenger side instrument panel insulator.

Fig 12: Removing Pin-Type Retainers And Passenger Side Instrument Panel Insulator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the blower motor, resistor block and blend door actuator jumper harness.

Fig 13: Disconnecting Blower Motor, Resistor Block And Blend Door Actuator Jumper Harness
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the two instrument panel side finish panels.

Fig 14: Removing Instrument Panel Side Finish Panels
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the four instrument panel cowl side bolts.

Fig 15: Removing Instrument Panel Cowl Side Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: This step requires an assistant.

Remove the instrument panel.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.