Remove and replace the combination switch (turn signal/wiper/multifunction switch) on the steering column of a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Combination switch (multifunction switch) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to centered position with wheels straight ahead
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 10 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Adjust steering column to lowest position and fully extended
5. Gather all tools and new combination switch before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Remove the lower steering column shroud covers. Use T20 Torx driver to remove two screws at bottom of lower shroud. Pull lower shroud downward and away from column. Remove upper shroud by pulling rearward to disengage clips.
2. 2

   Disconnect ignition switch wiring
   Locate the ignition switch electrical connector on the right side of the steering column. Press the tab and disconnect the connector. Move wiring harness aside for access.
3. 3

   Remove steering wheel airbag module
   Locate the two access holes on the back of the steering wheel (left and right sides). Insert a small flathead screwdriver or panel tool into each hole and push the retaining clips to release the airbag module. Carefully pull airbag module away from steering wheel. Disconnect the two electrical connectors (airbag and horn) by pressing release tabs. Set airbag module aside face-up in a safe location away from work area.
   ⚠️Always place airbag module face-up on a clean surface - never face-down as deployment could cause injury
4. 4

   Remove steering wheel
   Mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft with a paint pen or marker. Use T30 Torx driver to remove the steering wheel center bolt. Pull steering wheel straight off the shaft using even pressure. If stuck, use a steering wheel puller - do not strike the wheel or shaft.
5. 5

   Remove clockspring
   Disconnect the clockspring electrical connectors (typically two connectors on top of clockspring). Use T20 Torx driver to remove the three screws securing the clockspring to the steering column. Carefully remove clockspring, keeping it centered and secured with tape if loose. Note the position of the centering window.
   ⚠Do not rotate the clockspring from its centered position - if rotated, it must be re-centered before installation
6. 6

   Disconnect combination switch connectors
   Locate the two electrical connectors for the combination switch on the left side of the steering column. Press the locking tabs and disconnect both connectors (one for turn signal/hazard, one for wiper/washer functions). Note connector positions for reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove combination switch mounting screws
   Use T20 Torx driver to remove the two screws securing the combination switch to the steering column housing (one on top, one on bottom of the switch assembly). Keep screws organized for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove combination switch
   Carefully slide the combination switch assembly off the steering column shaft. Note the orientation and position of any alignment tabs or guides. Inspect the steering column for any damage or wear.
9. 9

   Install new combination switch
   Position the new combination switch onto the steering column shaft, aligning any guide tabs or notches. Ensure the switch is fully seated and oriented correctly with electrical connectors on the left side. Install the two mounting screws and tighten to secure the switch - use care not to cross-thread.
10. 10

    Reconnect combination switch connectors
    Connect both electrical connectors to the combination switch, ensuring they click into place and locking tabs engage fully. Verify connections are secure by gently pulling on each connector.
11. 11

    Reinstall clockspring
    Verify clockspring is centered (centering window should show alignment mark). Position clockspring onto steering column and align the three mounting holes. Install the three T20 Torx screws and tighten securely. Reconnect the clockspring electrical connectors.
12. 12

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Align the steering wheel with the marks made during removal, ensuring proper orientation. Slide steering wheel onto shaft until fully seated. Install the center bolt and tighten using T30 Torx driver. Verify steering wheel is centered with wheels straight ahead.
13. 13

    Reinstall airbag module
    Reconnect the airbag and horn electrical connectors to the back of the airbag module. Position the airbag module onto the steering wheel, aligning the mounting pins with the holes. Push firmly until both sides click and lock into place. Verify module is secure by attempting to pull it away from wheel.
14. 14

    Reinstall steering column covers and reconnect battery
    Position the upper steering column shroud and press into place until clips engage. Install the lower shroud and secure with the two T20 Torx screws. Reconnect the ignition switch electrical connector. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before reconnecting battery
2. Verify steering wheel is properly centered and aligned before final testing
3. Double-check that airbag module is securely locked on both sides
4. Confirm all column covers are properly installed with no gaps or loose clips

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify no airbag warning lights remain illuminated after initial startup cycle
• Test turn signal function in both left and right positions, verify indicator lights and self-canceling operation
• Test hazard lights in both on and off positions
• Test windshield wiper function in all speeds (intermittent, low, high) and washer spray operation
• Test high beam and flash-to-pass functions
• Verify all multifunction switch detents engage positively and return to center position properly
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify no unusual noises or binding from clockspring
• Confirm horn operation from steering wheel button

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