This procedure covers the replacement of the ignition switch assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including removal of steering column covers and disconnection of electrical components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Ignition switch assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford ignition switch for 2015-2020 F-150
• Electrical connector grease (dielectric) × 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. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system discharge
4. Adjust steering wheel to lowest position and full forward tilt for maximum access
5. Remove lower dash panel beneath steering column if equipped

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column cover
   Locate and remove the lower steering column cover screws (typically 2-3 screws on underside). Gently pull the lower cover down and away from the column, being careful not to break any retaining clips. Set cover aside.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove upper steering column cover
   Remove the upper steering column cover screws. Carefully separate the upper cover from the column assembly, noting the location of any wiring harness clips attached to the cover. Disconnect any clips and remove the upper cover completely.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect shift interlock cable (if equipped)
   For column-shifted automatic transmission models, locate the shift interlock cable attached near the ignition switch. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the cable from the ignition switch assembly. Note the routing for reinstallation.
   ⚠The shift interlock cable is under slight tension; control it when disconnecting to prevent damage
4. 4

   Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector on the ignition switch assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight out from the switch. If the connector is difficult to access, use a small flat blade screwdriver to assist with the locking tab.
   ℹ️Do not pull on wires; only pull on the connector body to avoid damaging terminals
5. 5

   Remove ignition switch mounting screws
   Locate the two mounting screws that secure the ignition switch to the steering column lock housing. These are typically small Torx or Phillips screws. Remove both screws completely and retain them if they are in good condition.
   Torque spec

   Switch Mounting Screws5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove ignition switch assembly
   With mounting screws removed, carefully pull the ignition switch assembly straight out from the steering column. The switch may require slight rotation or wiggling to clear the lock cylinder actuator. Remove the switch completely from the vehicle.
   ⚠Note the orientation of the switch and position of the actuator arm before removal for proper installation
7. 7

   Prepare new ignition switch
   Remove the new ignition switch from packaging and verify it matches the old unit. Check that the actuator arm moves freely and is in the correct position (typically OFF position). Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the electrical connector pins on the new switch.
   ℹ️Ensure the new switch actuator is aligned in the OFF position before installation
8. 8

   Install new ignition switch
   Align the new ignition switch actuator arm with the lock cylinder actuator on the steering column. Carefully slide the switch into position, ensuring the actuator arm engages properly with the lock cylinder mechanism. The switch should seat flush against the mounting surface.
   ⚠Do not force the switch; misalignment of the actuator can cause damage to the lock cylinder or switch
9. 9

   Install ignition switch mounting screws
   Insert both mounting screws and hand-tighten them. Once both screws are started, use a torque wrench to tighten them to specification in a cross pattern. Verify the switch is secure and properly aligned.
   Torque spec

   Switch Mounting Screws5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the ignition switch terminals and push firmly until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked in place.
11. 11

    Reconnect shift interlock cable (if equipped)
    For column-shifted models, route the shift interlock cable back to the ignition switch and press it into the mounting point until it clicks. Verify the cable is secure and properly routed without any kinks or binding.
12. 12

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position the upper steering column cover and reconnect any wiring harness clips. Install and hand-tighten the upper cover screws, then torque to specification. Position the lower cover, ensuring all clips align properly, and install the lower cover screws to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten securely. Insert the key into the ignition and cycle through all positions (OFF, ACC, ON, START) several times to verify smooth operation and proper engagement in each position.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all steering column covers are properly seated with no gaps or misalignment
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Reinstall any lower dash panels that were removed for access
4. Check that the shift interlock cable (if equipped) allows key removal only in Park position

Verification

• Turn the key through all positions (OFF, ACC, ON, START) and verify smooth operation with proper detents at each position
• Verify the engine starts normally and all ignition-switched accessories function properly (radio, power windows, etc.)
• Confirm the key can only be removed in the OFF position
• For automatic transmission models, verify the key cannot be removed unless the shifter is in Park position
• Check that the steering wheel lock (if equipped) engages when the key is removed
• Verify no warning lights related to the anti-theft system appear on the instrument cluster
• Test all steering column controls (turn signals, wipers, cruise control) to ensure nothing was disturbed during the procedure

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