This procedure covers the removal and installation of the steering wheel on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including proper airbag disarming and reconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel (if damaged or replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
5. Mark steering wheel position relative to steering shaft with paint marker for proper alignment during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Access airbag module mounting bolts
   From behind the steering wheel, locate the two airbag module access holes on either side of the steering column. Insert the Torx T30 bit into each access hole to reach the airbag module bolts.
2. 2

   Remove airbag module
   Using the T30 Torx bit, remove both airbag module mounting bolts by turning counterclockwise. Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Do not pull on the wiring harness.
   ⚠️Place airbag module face-up on a clean, flat surface away from work area. Never place airbag face-down.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
   Locate the airbag module electrical connector (yellow) and horn connector on the back of the airbag module. Depress the locking tab on the airbag connector and disconnect. Disconnect the horn connector by pulling straight off. Set airbag module aside in safe location face-up.
4. 4

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Using a socket and extension, remove the steering wheel retaining nut from the center of the steering wheel. Do not discard the nut as it will be reused. Note the position of any washers or spacers.
   ⚠Do not strike the steering shaft or wheel during removal. Column damage may result.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark and remove steering wheel
   Verify alignment marks made during preparation are visible. Grasp steering wheel firmly at 3 and 9 o'clock positions and pull straight back with steady pressure while rocking gently side to side. If wheel does not release, use a proper steering wheel puller. Never strike the wheel or shaft. Route wiring harness clock spring connector through steering wheel as you remove it.
   ⚠Keep steering column in straight-ahead position. Do not rotate clock spring or column damage will occur.
6. 6

   Inspect clock spring and column components
   With steering wheel removed, inspect the clock spring (airbag spiral cable) for damage, proper centering, and secure mounting. Verify clock spring centering window shows correct position (if equipped). Inspect steering column shaft for damage or scoring. Clean splines on steering shaft if installing new wheel.
7. 7

   Install steering wheel onto column
   Verify steering column and clock spring are in straight-ahead position. Route clock spring connector through new or existing steering wheel opening. Align steering wheel to shaft using alignment marks made during removal. Ensure wheel splines align with shaft splines. Push wheel onto shaft with firm hand pressure until fully seated.
8. 8

   Install and torque steering wheel nut
   Install steering wheel retaining nut and any washers in original positions. Using torque wrench, tighten steering wheel nut to specification in a single continuous motion. Do not over-torque.
   ℹ️Verify steering wheel is centered and aligned properly before final torque.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connectors
   Connect horn connector to back of airbag module by pushing straight on until fully seated. Connect yellow airbag connector ensuring locking tab clicks into place. Verify both connections are secure with gentle pull test.
10. 10

    Install airbag module
    Position airbag module to steering wheel, ensuring all wiring is properly routed and not pinched. Align mounting holes. Install both T30 Torx airbag module bolts and tighten to specification using torque wrench. Verify airbag module is flush and secure to steering wheel.
    ⚠Ensure no wires are pinched between airbag module and steering wheel before tightening bolts.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect negative battery terminal. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Verify airbag warning light performs normal self-test (illuminates briefly then extinguishes). Test horn operation. Turn steering wheel lock to lock while stationary to verify proper operation.
    ⚠If airbag warning light remains illuminated or does not perform self-test, disconnect battery immediately and verify all connections.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications in proper sequence
2. Verify airbag module is securely mounted with no gaps
3. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
4. Confirm steering wheel is centered in straight-ahead position

Verification

• Start engine and verify no airbag warning lights remain illuminated after initial self-test
• Test horn functionality by pressing center of steering wheel
• Test all steering wheel controls (cruise, audio, phone) for proper operation
• Turn steering wheel full lock left and right to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel returns to center when released
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to confirm steering feel and control operation

More procedures for this vehicle