Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always carry a live airbag with the deployment door/trim cover/tear seam pointed away from the body. Do not place a live airbag down with the deployment door/trim cover/tear seam facing down. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Never probe the electrical connectors on airbag, Safety Canopy® or side air curtain assemblies. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these assemblies, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

NOTE: The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition is ON.

NOTE: The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

Remove the steering column shroud. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN .
Position the road wheels in the straight-ahead position.

NOTE: To access the driver air bag module wire clips and to prevent damage to the steering column multifunction switch, Turn the steering wheel so that the top is at 90 degrees (at the 9 o'clock position) to the left from the straight-ahead position. Failure to follow this instruction may result in component damage.

Turn the steering wheel so the top of the wheel is 90 degrees to the left (at the 9 o'clock position).
Depower the SRS. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING in the General Procedures portion of this section.

NOTE: Before removing the driver air bag module, make sure each of the 3 driver air bag module wire clips are completely disengaged from the 3 steering wheel hooks. Failure to follow this instruction may result in damage to the driver air bag module.

NOTE: To locate the 3 driver air bag module wire clips, use a mirror to view the rear of the steering wheel.

Using a screwdriver or suitable tool, release the wire clips from the steering wheel hooks.
- Access the 3 driver air bag module wire clips through the back of the steering wheel cover and push each wire clip toward the center of the steering wheel.
  
  Fig 1: Pushing Wire Clip Toward Center Of Steering Wheel
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the driver air bag module and horn switch electrical connectors and remove the driver air bag module from the steering wheel.
Turn the steering wheel so the road wheels are in the straight-ahead position.