This procedure removes and replaces the driver airbag module in the steering wheel of a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driver airbag module × 1 — Use OEM Ford part specific to vehicle with/without driver assist features
• Airbag module mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — T30 Torx bolts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, set parking brake, and place transmission in Park
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key from ignition
3. Ensure front wheels are pointing straight ahead
4. Open hood and disconnect negative battery cable, then positive battery cable
5. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge - set timer to ensure full wait period
6. Turn steering wheel slightly if needed to access airbag module mounting bolts from rear of steering wheel

Procedure

1. 1

   Access airbag module mounting bolts
   From the rear of the steering wheel, locate the two T30 Torx airbag module mounting bolts. They are positioned on either side of the steering wheel hub, approximately 180 degrees apart. You may need to turn the steering wheel slightly to access each bolt through the access holes in the steering wheel structure.
2. 2

   Remove airbag mounting bolts
   Using a T30 Torx bit with extension, carefully remove both airbag module mounting bolts. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. Support the airbag module with your other hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. Keep bolts in clean location for inspection and potential reuse.
   ⚠Support airbag module as second bolt is removed to prevent dropping the module.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Carefully pull airbag module from wheel
   Gently pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel hub. Pull straight out, not at an angle. The module will move approximately 2-3 inches before the electrical connectors become visible behind it. Do not pull forcefully or yank the module as connectors are still attached.
   ⚠️Always keep airbag module deployment surface pointed away from your body and face.
4. 4

   Disconnect driver airbag electrical connector
   Locate the primary airbag connector (yellow connector) on the back of the airbag module. Press the locking tab or slide the safety clip (depending on connector design) and carefully disconnect the connector. On F-150 models, this typically requires pressing a tab while pulling the connector straight out. Note connector orientation for reinstallation.
   ⚠Do not force connector. If resistance is felt, verify locking tab is fully released before pulling.
5. 5

   Disconnect horn wire if equipped
   If your vehicle has a horn wire connected to the airbag module (small connector separate from main airbag connector), disconnect it by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out. Not all F-150 configurations have this connection at the airbag module.
6. 6

   Remove old airbag module
   With all connectors disconnected, remove the old airbag module from the vehicle. Immediately place it deployment side UP on a clean, flat surface in a secure area away from people and heat sources. Never place airbag module face-down.
   ⚠️Store removed airbag module with deployment surface facing UP. Never store face-down as deployment could cause module to become a projectile.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting points and connectors
   Inspect the steering wheel airbag mounting points for damage or cracks. Check the clockspring connector (yellow connector on steering wheel side) for corrosion, damage, or bent pins. Verify connector locking mechanisms are intact. Inspect mounting bolt threads in steering wheel for damage. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.
   ⚠If clockspring connector shows damage or if steering wheel has been rotated excessively with airbag removed, clockspring may need replacement or recentering.
8. 8

   Prepare new airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging. Inspect for any shipping damage. Verify part number matches old module and vehicle specifications (check for presence of driver assist features like lane keeping). Keep deployment surface pointed away from you. Do not remove any connector protective covers until ready to install.
9. 9

   Connect electrical connectors to new module
   Connect the yellow airbag connector to the new airbag module, ensuring proper orientation. Push connector in until you hear or feel a distinct click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Tug gently to verify connection is secure. If equipped, connect the horn wire connector in the same manner.
   ⚠Ensure connectors are fully seated and locked. Incomplete connection can prevent airbag deployment or cause fault codes.
10. 10

    Position airbag module on steering wheel
    Carefully guide the new airbag module onto the steering wheel hub, ensuring connectors are not pinched or bound. Route wiring through the steering wheel structure as designed. Align the mounting holes in the airbag module with the threaded holes in the steering wheel. The module should sit flush against the steering wheel with no gaps.
11. 11

    Install and torque airbag mounting bolts
    Install both T30 Torx airbag mounting bolts by hand, threading them in clockwise. Do not cross-thread. Once both bolts are hand-tight, use a torque wrench with T30 Torx bit to tighten each bolt to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) in an alternating pattern. This critical torque specification ensures proper retention without damaging the airbag module housing.
    ⚠️Airbag module bolt torque is CRITICAL. Under-torquing can allow module to separate in crash. Over-torquing can crack module housing or strip threads. Use calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify airbag module installation
    Verify airbag module is securely mounted with no movement or gaps around perimeter. Confirm both mounting bolts are properly torqued. Ensure no wiring is visible or pinched between module and steering wheel. Check that airbag surface is properly aligned with steering wheel.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect positive battery cable first, then negative battery cable. Ensure connections are clean and tight. Do not start vehicle yet.
14. 14

    Perform initial system check
    Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Observe the airbag warning light on instrument cluster. Light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds, then extinguish. If light remains on, flashes, or does not illuminate at all, do not drive vehicle - diagnose fault codes immediately.
    ⚠Airbag warning light remaining illuminated indicates system fault. Vehicle should not be driven until fault is diagnosed and corrected.

Reassembly

1. No additional reassembly required beyond torquing airbag module bolts as specified in procedure
2. Return steering wheel to center position if it was turned during access
3. Ensure all tools and parts packaging are removed from vehicle interior

Verification

• With ignition ON (engine off), verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes within 6 seconds
• Start engine and verify airbag light remains OFF during operation
• Test horn function to verify horn circuit connection if equipped
• Gently press on airbag module surface to verify it is securely mounted with no movement or abnormal sounds
• Use OBD-II scan tool to check for airbag system fault codes (B codes). Clear any codes that may have been set during battery disconnect if light is off and system tests good
• If any fault codes remain or airbag light stays illuminated, diagnose and repair before returning vehicle to service
• Consider professional verification with advanced diagnostic equipment to confirm airbag system resistance values are within specification

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