This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the combination switch (turn signal/wiper/cruise control stalk assembly) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Combination switch assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification for model year

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position and lock in place with key removed
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
4. Ensure you have radio security code if applicable before disconnecting battery
5. Gather all tools and new combination switch before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt and remove the negative cable from the battery. Secure the cable away from the battery terminal. Wait a minimum of 2 minutes before proceeding to allow airbag system capacitors to fully discharge.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Locate the lower steering column trim panel beneath the steering column. Remove the Torx T20 screws securing the lower cover (typically 2-3 screws). Gently pull the lower cover away from the column and set aside. If equipped, disconnect the hood release cable from the lower panel.
3. 3

   Remove upper steering column covers
   Remove the Torx T20 screws securing the upper steering column cover (typically 2 screws at the bottom edge). Carefully separate the upper cover from the lower cover and lift it over the steering wheel. You may need to tilt the steering wheel down for clearance. Set the upper cover aside.
4. 4

   Remove driver airbag module
   From the back of the steering wheel, locate the two airbag module retaining pins or clips on either side. Insert a small pick or Torx T30 driver through the access holes and release the spring clips while gently pulling the airbag module forward. Once released, carefully lift the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag electrical connector by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight out. Place the airbag module face-up on a clean surface away from the work area.
   ⚠️Always place airbag module face-up on a stable surface - never place it face-down as accidental deployment could cause serious injury
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel
   Disconnect the cruise control electrical connector if present on the steering wheel. Use a 10mm socket to remove the steering wheel bolt. Mark the position of the steering wheel relative to the steering shaft for proper reinstallation. Thread the steering wheel puller into the threaded holes on the steering wheel and tighten evenly to remove the wheel from the shaft. Do not strike the wheel or shaft. Carefully lift the steering wheel off while ensuring the clock spring connector passes through the center opening.
6. 6

   Remove clock spring
   Locate the clock spring (rotational coupling) behind the steering wheel. Disconnect all electrical connectors from the clock spring by pressing the locking tabs. Remove the three or four screws securing the clock spring to the steering column (typically Torx T30). Carefully lift the clock spring straight off the column. Note the centered position indicator on the clock spring for reinstallation.
   ⚠Do not rotate the clock spring or steering shaft from this point forward - doing so will misalign the clock spring and require recentering or replacement
7. 7

   Disconnect combination switch connectors
   Locate the electrical connectors for the combination switch on the left side of the steering column. There are typically two connectors - one for the turn signal/headlight functions and one for the wiper/washer functions. Press the locking tabs on each connector and carefully pull them straight out from the combination switch. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reassembly.
8. 8

   Remove combination switch mounting hardware
   Identify the two combination switch mounting screws located on the left side of the steering column housing. These are typically Torx T20 or T30 screws. Remove both screws completely and set them aside in a safe location.
9. 9

   Remove combination switch assembly
   With the mounting screws removed, grasp the combination switch stalks and carefully pull the entire switch assembly away from the steering column. The switch may have a locating tab that requires slight upward or downward movement while pulling. Once clear of the column, route the electrical connectors through any retaining clips and remove the switch completely from the vehicle.
10. 10

    Install new combination switch
    Remove the new combination switch from packaging and verify it matches the original part. Route the electrical connectors through any retaining clips on the steering column. Align the locating tabs on the new switch with the mounting points on the steering column housing. Push the switch firmly into place ensuring it seats fully against the column housing. Install the two mounting screws and tighten to manufacturer specifications. Verify the switch stalks move freely through their full range of motion.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Route the wiring harness as noted during removal. Connect both electrical connectors to the combination switch, ensuring each connector locks firmly into place with an audible click. Verify the locking tabs are fully engaged on both connectors. Tug gently on each connector to confirm proper seating.
12. 12

    Reinstall clock spring
    Verify the clock spring is in the centered position by checking the centering window or indicator. Align the clock spring with the steering column shaft and mounting holes. Carefully slide the clock spring onto the column ensuring proper alignment. Install the mounting screws and tighten securely. Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring, ensuring each locks into place.
13. 13

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Route the clock spring connector through the center of the steering wheel. Align the steering wheel with the shaft using the alignment marks made during removal, ensuring the wheel is straight when the front wheels are pointed straight ahead. Slide the wheel onto the shaft and install the steering wheel bolt. Tighten the bolt to the manufacturer specification (typically 40-50 Nm, though not listed in provided specs - follow service manual). Reconnect the cruise control electrical connector if equipped.
14. 14

    Reinstall driver airbag module
    Connect the airbag electrical connector to the back of the airbag module, ensuring it clicks securely into place. Position the airbag module onto the steering wheel, aligning the mounting clips with the receptacles on the steering wheel. Push firmly on both sides of the module until you hear or feel the spring clips engage on both sides. Verify the module is secure by attempting to pull it away from the wheel - it should not move.
15. 15

    Reinstall steering column covers and reconnect battery
    Reinstall the upper steering column cover over the steering wheel and align it with the lower cover. Install the Torx T20 screws to secure the upper cover. Reinstall the lower steering column cover and secure with its Torx T20 screws. Reconnect the hood release cable if it was disconnected. Clean the battery terminal if necessary and reconnect the negative battery cable. Tighten the battery terminal bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before operation
2. Verify steering wheel is properly aligned and centered when front wheels are straight
3. Check that all steering column covers are secure with no gaps or rattles
4. Confirm combination switch stalks return to center position properly

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine) and verify airbag warning light follows normal sequence (illuminates briefly then extinguishes)
• Test turn signal function in both left and right positions - verify dash indicator and external lights operate
• Test high beam and headlight flash-to-pass functions
• Test windshield wiper operation in all speed settings including intermittent
• Test windshield washer spray function
• Test cruise control set, resume, and cancel functions if equipped
• Verify hazard light function operates correctly
• Check for any warning lights on the instrument cluster indicating faults
• Road test vehicle to confirm all combination switch functions operate normally during driving
• Verify steering wheel airbag warning light remains off after test drive

More procedures for this vehicle