This procedure replaces the clock spring (steering angle sensor) located behind the steering wheel, which enables airbag and steering wheel controls to function while the wheel turns.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford clock spring for 2021-2024 F-150
• Steering wheel alignment mark stickers (if needed) × 1 — Optional - can use masking tape

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure front wheels are pointing straight ahead
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key fob from vehicle
3. Chock rear wheels to prevent vehicle movement
4. Open hood and disconnect negative battery terminal, then positive battery terminal
5. Wait minimum 1 minute for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge
6. Mark the steering wheel top-dead-center position with masking tape for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Remove the screws securing the lower steering column cover panels. There are typically 2-3 screws accessible from underneath. Gently pull lower cover away, being careful with plastic clips. Then remove upper cover by releasing clips and lifting upward.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect steering wheel airbag module
   Locate the two Torx bolts on the back side of the steering wheel (accessible through holes on left and right sides). Use T30 Torx bit to remove both airbag module bolts. Carefully pull airbag module straight back from steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag connector by pressing the locking tab and separating. Set airbag module face-up in a safe location away from work area.
   ⚠️Always place removed airbag module face-up on a clean surface. Never place face-down as accidental deployment could cause it to become a projectile.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect steering wheel controls
   With airbag removed, locate and disconnect all electrical connectors on the back of the steering wheel. This typically includes cruise control, horn, and heated steering wheel connectors (if equipped). Press locking tabs and carefully pull connectors straight out. Note routing of wiring for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Mark and remove steering wheel
   Before removing steering wheel nut, use paint pen or masking tape to mark the exact relationship between steering wheel and steering shaft for proper reinstallation alignment. Remove the center steering wheel nut using appropriate socket. Install steering wheel puller onto steering wheel bolt holes and evenly tighten to pull steering wheel off splined shaft. Remove steering wheel and set aside.
   ⚠Do not strike steering wheel or shaft with hammer. Use proper steering wheel puller to avoid damaging steering shaft or column components.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark clock spring alignment position
   Before removing clock spring, carefully note the alignment marks on both the clock spring housing and the steering column. The clock spring has alignment marks that must line up with corresponding marks on the column. Take a photo or make detailed notes of current position. If factory alignment marks are not visible, create reference marks using paint pen on both clock spring and column housing.
   ⚠️Clock spring position is critical. Improper alignment will cause clock spring to reach end of travel during steering operation and fail, disabling airbag system.
6. 6

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors attached to the clock spring assembly. Typically there are 2-3 connectors including main airbag connector and steering angle sensor connector. Press locking tabs and disconnect all connectors. If connectors have screws, remove screws first before disconnecting.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove clock spring mounting screws
   Using T20 Torx bit, remove the clock spring mounting screws securing it to the steering column. There are typically 3-4 screws around the perimeter of the clock spring housing. Keep screws organized as they are small and easily lost. Carefully lift clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft.
   Torque spec

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

   Prepare and install new clock spring
   Remove new clock spring from packaging. Verify it is in the centered/neutral position - there should be a locking pin or tape holding it centered. Do NOT remove this locking mechanism yet. Position new clock spring onto steering column shaft, carefully aligning the alignment marks noted in step 5. Ensure clock spring slides fully onto column and seats properly against mounting surface.
   ⚠New clock spring comes with a centering lock pin or tape. Do not remove until after steering wheel is reinstalled and wheels are confirmed straight.
9. 9

   Secure clock spring to column
   Install clock spring mounting screws finger-tight first, ensuring all alignment marks remain properly aligned. Once all screws are started, torque screws in a cross pattern to specification using torque wrench. Verify clock spring is seated flush against column and does not move.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect clock spring electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring assembly. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place with locking tabs engaged. If connectors have securing screws, install and torque to specification. Route wiring to match original configuration to avoid pinching during steering wheel installation.
    Torque spec

    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Verify front wheels are still pointing straight ahead. Align steering wheel with marks made in step 4 and slide onto steering shaft splines. Ensure wiring routes through center of steering wheel without binding. Install steering wheel nut and torque to specification. Now remove the clock spring centering lock pin or tape. Verify steering wheel turns smoothly without binding.
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect steering wheel controls and airbag
    Reconnect all steering wheel electrical connectors for cruise control, horn, and heated steering (if equipped). Ensure all connections are fully seated. Position airbag module onto steering wheel, aligning mounting holes. Connect airbag electrical connector ensuring it locks fully. Install both airbag module bolts and torque to specification using Torx bit and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position upper steering column cover and press firmly to engage all clips. Install lower steering column cover, aligning all clips and screw holes. Install cover screws and torque to specification. Verify covers are secure and do not rattle.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect positive battery terminal first, then negative battery terminal. Torque terminal bolts to specification. Using appropriate Ford scan tool, clear airbag diagnostic trouble codes. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine) and verify airbag warning light performs normal self-test (illuminates briefly then extinguishes). If airbag light remains on, recheck all connections.
    ⚠Airbag light will remain illuminated until codes are cleared with proper scan tool. Generic OBD2 scanners typically cannot clear airbag codes on Ford vehicles.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify steering wheel is centered with wheels pointing straight ahead
3. Confirm all trim pieces and covers are properly secured with no gaps
4. Double-check that airbag module is torqued correctly and sitting flush to steering wheel

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light extinguishes after initial self-test (approximately 6 seconds)
• Test all steering wheel controls: horn, cruise control, audio controls, and heated steering (if equipped)
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stationary and verify no binding, clicking, or unusual resistance
• Start engine and turn steering wheel in both directions - confirm no warning lights illuminate
• Test drive vehicle and verify all steering functions operate normally with no warning lights
• Use scan tool to verify no active or pending airbag system codes remain stored

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