This procedure replaces the clock spring (spiral cable) assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, which maintains electrical connections between the steering wheel and vehicle systems including airbag, cruise control, and audio controls.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford part or equivalent with cruise/audio controls
• Steering wheel alignment mark tape × 1 — Masking tape for marking position

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointed straight ahead
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery cable, then positive battery cable
4. Wait minimum 60 minutes for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge
5. Mark the 12 o'clock position on steering wheel and column with masking tape for alignment reference
6. Place a piece of tape across steering wheel and dash to prevent rotation during procedure

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver airbag module
   Locate the two access holes on the back side of the steering wheel (left and right sides). Insert T40 Torx bit through each hole and remove the airbag module retaining bolts. Carefully pull airbag module away from steering wheel. Disconnect the two electrical connectors (airbag and horn) from the back of the module by pressing the release tabs. Place airbag module face-up in a safe location away from work area.
   ⚠️Always place airbag module face-up on a clean, flat surface. Never place face-down as deployment could cause module to become a projectile.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Disconnect the cruise control electrical connector if equipped. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the steering wheel retaining nut in the center of the steering wheel. Do not discard this nut as it will be reused. Mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft with a marker or additional tape to ensure proper reinstallation alignment.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove steering wheel
   Install a steering wheel puller onto the steering wheel using the threaded holes or use a harmonic balancer puller behind the wheel. Apply steady pressure with the puller while gently rocking the wheel side to side. Once the wheel breaks free from the taper, carefully remove it while feeding the clock spring wiring through the center opening. Set steering wheel aside in a safe location.
   ⚠Do not strike the steering wheel or shaft with a hammer. This can damage the collapsible steering column and airbag components.
4. 4

   Remove upper and lower steering column covers
   Locate the plastic clips and screws securing the upper and lower steering column covers. Remove the cover screws and carefully pry or release the plastic clips using trim removal tools. Separate the upper cover from the lower cover and remove both pieces, feeding them over the column shaft. The covers surround the clock spring assembly and must be completely removed for access.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Mark and disconnect clock spring connectors
   Identify all electrical connectors attached to the clock spring assembly. On this model there are typically 2-3 connectors (main harness, secondary functions). Use masking tape to label each connector position for correct reinstallation. Press the connector release tabs and disconnect all connectors from the clock spring. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reassembly.
   ℹ️Take photos of connector positions and wire routing before disconnection to aid in reassembly.
6. 6

   Mark clock spring alignment position
   Before removing the clock spring, verify that the alignment marks on the clock spring rotor and housing are visible and aligned (indicating the centered position). Use a marker to create additional reference marks on the clock spring housing and the steering column mounting surface. This ensures the new clock spring is installed in the same rotational position.
   ⚠Accurate alignment marking is critical. The clock spring must be centered with wheels straight or it will bind and fail prematurely.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Using a T20 or T30 Torx bit, remove the three or four screws securing the clock spring to the steering column. Carefully lift the clock spring assembly straight off the column shaft. Do not rotate the steering column shaft or turn the clock spring rotor once removed. Place the old clock spring aside.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Prepare new clock spring for installation
   Remove new clock spring from packaging. Verify the clock spring is in the centered position - most new units have a locking pin, tape, or tab holding them centered. Do NOT remove this centering device yet. If the new clock spring does not have a centering device and you must center it manually: rotate the clock spring rotor fully clockwise until it stops (do not force), then rotate counterclockwise approximately 2.5-3 full turns until the alignment marks line up and the spring is centered.
   ⚠If manually centering the clock spring, do not force rotation past the stops or the internal ribbon cable will break.
9. 9

   Install new clock spring
   Align the clock spring assembly with the steering column shaft and mounting holes. Ensure the clock spring alignment marks match the marks you made on the steering column. Carefully slide the clock spring onto the column shaft, ensuring it seats fully against the mounting surface. Install the clock spring retaining screws and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. If the new clock spring has a centering pin or locking tab, remove it now.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect clock spring electrical connectors
    Route the clock spring wiring harness in the same path as the original. Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring in their original positions using the labels or photos from disassembly. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place and the locking tabs engage properly. Verify all wiring is clear of moving parts and will not interfere with steering column covers.
11. 11

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position the lower steering column cover around the column shaft and clock spring assembly. Install the upper cover, ensuring all tabs align properly. Secure the covers with the retaining screws, tightening to specification. Ensure all plastic clips are fully engaged and the covers are secure with no rattles or gaps.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Verify the front wheels are still pointed straight ahead and the column shaft has not rotated. Feed the clock spring wiring through the steering wheel center opening. Align the steering wheel with the marks made during disassembly and slide it onto the steering shaft, ensuring the splines engage properly. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall driver airbag module
    Connect the airbag and horn electrical connectors to the back of the airbag module, ensuring both click into place securely. Reconnect cruise control connector if equipped. Position the airbag module into the steering wheel and align with the mounting points. Install the two airbag module retaining bolts through the access holes on the back of the steering wheel. Tighten bolts to specification by hand using a Torx bit and torque wrench - do not use power tools.
    ⚠️Ensure airbag connectors are fully seated and locked. Loose connections can cause airbag malfunction or unintended deployment.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect positive battery cable first, then negative battery cable. Before starting the vehicle, turn the ignition to the ON position (without starting engine) and verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes after approximately 6 seconds. This indicates the system is functioning normally. If the light remains on, there may be a fault code that needs to be addressed.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before operating vehicle
2. Verify steering wheel is centered and aligned with front wheels pointing straight ahead
3. Remove any alignment tape from steering wheel and dash
4. Test all steering wheel functions including horn, cruise control, and audio controls before driving

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and confirm airbag warning light illuminates then extinguishes after 6 seconds
• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel fully lock-to-lock in both directions - listen for any binding, clicking, or unusual noises from clock spring
• Test horn operation by pressing center of steering wheel
• Test cruise control buttons and audio control buttons on steering wheel for proper operation
• If airbag light remains illuminated, scan for fault codes with appropriate diagnostic tool
• Test drive vehicle and verify all steering wheel functions operate normally through full steering range

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