This procedure replaces the clock spring (spiral cable) in the steering column, which provides electrical continuity between the steering wheel controls and the vehicle's electrical system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford clock spring
• Steering wheel alignment mark tape × 1 — Any masking tape

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Ensure front wheels are pointed straight ahead and mark steering wheel position relative to column with tape
4. Open hood and locate battery in engine compartment
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 60 seconds for airbag system to fully discharge
6. Disconnect positive battery terminal and isolate both cables away from battery posts

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Remove the lower steering column cover screws using appropriate driver. Gently release plastic clips by pulling outward on cover and work around perimeter. Remove lower cover completely. Repeat process for upper steering column cover.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect multifunction switch connectors
   Locate the multifunction switch electrical connectors on both sides of the steering column. Press release tabs and disconnect all connectors. Note routing and position of wiring harness for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove driver airbag module
   From the rear of the steering wheel, locate the two Torx bolts securing the airbag module (one on each side). Use T50 Torx bit to remove both bolts. Carefully pull airbag module straight back from steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Place airbag module face-up in a safe location away from work area.
   ⚠️Always place removed airbag module face-up on a clean, flat surface - never face-down
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark and disconnect steering wheel
   Before removal, use masking tape or paint marker to mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft for proper reinstallation alignment. Disconnect the horn electrical connector and any steering wheel control connectors. Remove the steering wheel center nut using appropriate socket.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel
   Install steering wheel puller according to tool manufacturer's instructions. Apply even pressure to release steering wheel from shaft. Once loose, carefully remove steering wheel while guiding wiring harness through center opening. Set steering wheel aside in safe location.
   ⚠Do not strike or hammer on steering wheel or shaft - use proper puller tool only
6. 6

   Mark clock spring position
   Before removing clock spring, verify that front wheels are still pointed straight ahead. Use masking tape or paint marker to mark the clock spring housing position relative to the steering column. This alignment is critical for proper reassembly. Take a photo if possible for reference.
   ⚠️Precise alignment marks are essential - misalignment will cause airbag and steering control failure
7. 7

   Disconnect clock spring connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors on the clock spring assembly. This typically includes airbag connector, horn connector, and steering wheel control connectors. Press release tabs and carefully disconnect all connectors. Note connector positions and routing.
8. 8

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Remove the clock spring mounting screws using appropriate Torx bit. Carefully pull clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft. Keep assembly level and do not allow internal mechanism to rotate during removal.
   ⚠Handle old clock spring carefully - do not rotate the internal mechanism after removal
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Prepare new clock spring
   Remove new clock spring from packaging. Verify that the new clock spring is in the centered/locked position - it should have a locking pin or tape holding it centered. Do NOT remove centering device until after installation. Verify part number matches old clock spring.
   ⚠️Never install a clock spring that is not properly centered - this will cause immediate failure
10. 10

    Install new clock spring
    Align new clock spring with marks made during removal and with the steering column shaft. Ensure wiring routing matches original configuration. Slide clock spring onto column shaft, ensuring proper engagement. Install and hand-tighten mounting screws, then torque to specification using torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect clock spring electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring in their original positions. Ensure each connector clicks into place and is fully seated. Route wiring harness to match original configuration, securing with zip ties if necessary to prevent interference with steering column movement.
12. 12

    Remove clock spring centering device
    Only after clock spring is fully installed and secured, remove the centering pin, locking tab, or tape that held the clock spring in the centered position. Store or discard according to manufacturer instructions. Verify internal mechanism can move freely but remains approximately centered.
13. 13

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Route wiring harness through steering wheel center opening. Align steering wheel with marks made during removal and slide onto steering column shaft. Ensure steering wheel is fully seated on shaft and alignment marks match. Install steering wheel nut and torque to specification. Reconnect horn and steering wheel control connectors.
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall airbag module
    Connect airbag electrical connector to the airbag module. Carefully align airbag module with steering wheel mounting points. Install both Torx bolts and torque to specification. Ensure airbag module is flush and properly seated in steering wheel.
    ⚠️Verify airbag connector is fully engaged before installing module - partial connection can cause deployment
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall steering column covers and reconnect battery
    Reconnect all multifunction switch electrical connectors. Install upper and lower steering column covers, engaging plastic clips and installing screws to specification. Reconnect positive battery terminal first, then negative terminal. Torque ground bolt to specification if applicable.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

    Ground Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specified values in reverse order of removal
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Ensure no wiring is pinched or interfering with steering column operation
4. Confirm steering wheel alignment marks match original position

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine - airbag warning light should illuminate briefly then turn off within 6-8 seconds
• Start engine and verify no airbag warning light remains illuminated
• Test horn operation by pressing center of steering wheel
• Test all steering wheel controls (cruise control, radio, phone) for proper operation
• Turn steering wheel full lock to lock while stationary - verify no binding, clicking, or unusual resistance
• If airbag light remains on, use scan tool to check for diagnostic trouble codes and verify proper clock spring alignment
• Road test vehicle to verify all steering wheel functions operate normally during turning maneuvers

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