This procedure replaces the driver airbag module in the steering wheel of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driver airbag module × 1 — Use OEM Ford replacement

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position
4. Open driver's door and leave it open throughout the procedure for easy access and ventilation
5. Ensure all vehicle accessories are turned OFF
6. Locate battery in engine compartment

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery and wait
   Using a battery terminal wrench, loosen and remove the negative battery cable from the battery terminal. Secure the cable away from the terminal so it cannot make contact. Set a timer for 2 minutes minimum and wait for the backup power supply to fully discharge before proceeding. Do not skip or shorten this wait time.
2. 2

   Access airbag retaining bolts
   After the 2-minute wait period has elapsed, sit in the driver's seat. Look at the back of the steering wheel on both sides. Locate the two airbag module access holes on the left and right sides of the steering wheel back. These are small openings designed for T30 Torx access.
3. 3

   Remove airbag module retaining bolts
   Insert the T30 Torx bit through the access hole on the left side of the steering wheel. You will feel it engage with the airbag retaining bolt. Turn counterclockwise to loosen and remove the bolt completely. Repeat this process for the right side access hole and bolt. Keep both bolts for reinstallation. The airbag module is now loose but still connected.
4. 4

   Remove airbag module from wheel
   Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel, tilting the bottom edge outward first. You will see two wire harness connectors on the back of the module. Support the weight of the airbag module with one hand while working on the connectors with the other.
5. 5

   Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
   Locate the airbag connector (typically yellow) and the horn connector. The airbag connector has a locking tab or clip that must be pressed or lifted while pulling the connector straight out. Disconnect the airbag connector first, then disconnect the horn connector. Note the routing and orientation of the wires for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove old airbag module
   With both connectors disconnected, remove the airbag module from the vehicle completely. Immediately place it face-up (deployment side facing upward) on a clean, flat surface in a safe location at least 10 feet away from the work area. Never carry the airbag by the wires. Never place it face-down or near heat sources.
7. 7

   Inspect clockspring and connectors
   With the airbag removed, visually inspect the clockspring assembly (the yellow connector housing behind where the airbag was mounted). Look for any cracks, damage, or signs of melting on the connectors. Verify the steering wheel has not been rotated from the straight-ahead position. If the clockspring appears damaged, it must be replaced before installing the new airbag.
8. 8

   Prepare new airbag module
   Unpack the new airbag module carefully, keeping the deployment side pointed away from your body. Remove any protective covers or shipping locks as specified in the new part's instructions. Handle only by the sides or mounting bracket, never by the deployment surface.
9. 9

   Connect electrical connectors
   Position the new airbag module near the steering wheel. Connect the airbag connector (yellow) first, pushing firmly until you hear or feel a distinct click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Then connect the horn connector. Gently tug on both connectors to verify they are fully seated and locked.
10. 10

    Install airbag module to steering wheel
    Carefully align the new airbag module with the steering wheel, ensuring the wire harnesses are properly routed and not pinched. Press the module into position on the steering wheel until it is fully seated and the mounting holes align with the threaded inserts in the steering wheel.
11. 11

    Install and torque airbag retaining bolts
    Insert the T30 Torx bolts through the access holes on both sides of the steering wheel, threading them into the airbag module by hand first. Using the torque wrench with T30 Torx bit, tighten both bolts to the specified torque value. Tighten in a cross-pattern if possible (left side first, then right side) to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect battery
    Exit the vehicle and go to the battery. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the negative terminal and tighten securely with the battery terminal wrench. Ensure the connection is clean and tight.
13. 13

    Clear airbag fault codes
    Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start the engine). Observe the airbag warning light on the instrument cluster. It should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds during the system self-test, then turn OFF. If the light remains on, flashes, or behaves abnormally, do not drive the vehicle. A fault code scan and diagnosis is required.

Reassembly

1. Verify airbag module is securely mounted with no gaps between module and steering wheel
2. Verify both retaining bolts are torqued to specification
3. Confirm all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly during startup then turns off
• Test horn operation by pressing the center of the steering wheel
• Verify no gaps exist between the airbag module and steering wheel rim
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to ensure no binding or unusual noises from the clockspring
• If airbag warning light stays illuminated or flashes, immediately have the system diagnosed by a professional - do not drive the vehicle

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