Steering Column - Except Stripped Chassis Ford Econoline I

DESCRIPTION

All models are equipped with dual air bags. All steering columns are energy-absorbing and collapse upon frontal impact. All models are equipped with tilt steering wheel either as standard or optional equipment. A multifunction switch operates wiper/washer, turn signal/hazard and horn/dimmer. Multifunction and ignition switches are mounted on steering column.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Observe following precautions when working with air bag systems.

1. Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column components. Failure to do so may result in accidental air bag deployment and cause personal injury. See «DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-except-stripped-chassis__disabling-air-bag-system) .
2. Backup power supply will hold a deployment charge for approximately one minute (3 minutes for Villager) after positive battery cable is disconnected. Servicing SRS before deployment charge is depleted may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
3. Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service sensors, clockspring, monitor, or air bag module. Corrections are made by replacement only.
4. Always wear safety glasses whenever servicing an air bag equipped vehicle or handling an air bag.
5. When carrying a live air bag module, ensure air bag module and trim cover are pointed away from your body. This minimizes chance of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
6. When placing a live air bag module on a bench or other surface, always face air bag module and trim cover up, away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if it is accidentally deployed.
7. After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which may irritate skin. Sodium hydroxide is a product of gas generant combustion. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed air bag. Wash your hands using mild soap and water. Follow correct disposal procedures.
8. If a part is replaced and new part does not correct condition, reinstall original part and perform diagnostic procedure again.
9. Never probe connectors on air bag module. Doing so may cause air bag deployment and personal injury.
10. The instruction to DISCONNECT always refers to a connector. DO NOT disconnect a component from vehicle when instructed to DISCONNECT.
11. After repairs, ensure AIR BAG warning light does not indicate any other faults.

DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM

Note. Use following disabling procedure for component replacement purposes only. If vehicle was involved in a collision and air bag did not deploy, or SRS is not functioning properly and vehicle needs to be driven, complete system deactivation is required.

Disconnect negative and then positive battery cables. Shield both cables. Air bag system contains a backup power supply built into the air bag diagnostic monitor. Wait a minimum of one minute (3 minutes for Villager) before servicing any air bag system components. System is now disabled.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Removal

1. Place front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Wait one minute (3 minutes for Villager) to deplete air bag backup power supply.
2. Remove driver air bag module. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-except-stripped-chassis). If contact assembly is to be reused, put tape across contact assembly to prevent rotation of contact assembly. (Scheme 1)or (Scheme 2). If clockspring is rotated, it could be damaged internally.
3. Remove lower steering column trim cover and reinforcement. Loosen 4 steering column-to-instrument panel retaining bolts. Remove tilt wheel handle and shank (if equipped). Remove lower steering column shroud. Remove ignition switch lock cylinder. See «LOCK CYLINDER»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-except-stripped-chassis).
4. Remove upper steering column shroud. Remove Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transmitter. Remove ignition key warning switch. Remove contact assembly electrical connectors. Release contact assembly retaining clips. Remove contact assembly.

Installation

1. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Ensure steering shaft alignment mark is at 12 O' clock position. Install contact assembly.
2. If installing original contact assembly, remove tape. If installing NEW contact assembly, remove plastic locking insert. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

1. Place front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive cable. Wait one minute (3 minutes for Villager) to deplete air bag backup power supply. Remove air bag module-to-steering wheel retaining fasteners. Remove air bag from steering wheel, and disconnect air bag module electrical connector.
2. Disconnect horn switch and speed control electrical connectors. Mark steering wheel-to-steering shaft position for installation reference. Remove steering wheel retaining bolt. On Ranger, remove steering wheel using Puller (T77F-4220-B1). On all others, remove steering wheel using appropriate puller.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure all wiring is routed properly. Tighten steering wheel retaining bolt and air bag retaining nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-except-stripped-chassis__torque-specifications) .

Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Wait one minute (3 minutes for Villager) to deplete air bag backup power supply. Remove ignition lock cylinder. See LOCK CYLINDER . Remove tilt wheel handle and shank (if equipped). Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds. Remove multifunction switch retaining screws. Disconnect multifunction switch electrical connector, and remove multifunction switch from steering column. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Removal (With Key)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Wait one minute (3 minutes for Villager) to deplete air bag backup power supply. Ensure gear selector is in Park (A/T models). On Villager, remove upper and lower steering column shrouds.
2. On all models, turn ignition switch to RUN position, using key. Remove key warning switch. Using a 1/8" (3.17 mm) diameter pin or punch, depress retaining pin located in lock cylinder housing, and pull out lock cylinder. (Scheme 3) NOTE: When lock cylinder is removed, a small spring will pop out from beneath tension rod.

1. Using key, turn lock cylinder to RUN position. Depress retaining pin. Insert lock cylinder into housing. Ensure tab on end of lock cylinder aligns with slot in ignition drive gear and lock cylinder is fully engaged in housing.
2. Using key, turn lock cylinder to OFF position. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Check lock cylinder and ignition switch functions. Ensure column locks when switch is in LOCK position. Verify proper ignition switch lock operation.

Scheme 3

Removal (Without Key)

1. Use this procedure to remove ignition lock cylinder if key is missing or cylinder lock is frozen. Disconnect battery negative cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Wait one minute (3 on Villager) to deplete air bag backup power supply. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-except-stripped-chassis) . Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds. Disconnect key warning switch electrical connector. Use a 1/8" (3.17 mm) drill bit to drill out retaining pin. DO NOT drill deeper than 1/2" (12.7 mm).
2. On Econoline Van, grasp lock cylinder cap with vise grips and twist off lock cylinder cap. On all other models, place a chisel at base of lock cylinder cap. Using hammer, strike chisel with sharp blows to break cap away from lock cylinder. On all models, use 3/8" (9.52 mm) drill bit to drill out center of lock cylinder key slot. Drill down approximately 1 3/4" (44 mm) until lock cylinder breaks away from base of lock cylinder.
3. Remove metal shavings from lock cylinder housing. Remove bearing retainer, bearing and ignition drive gear from lock cylinder. Thoroughly clean all metal shavings and other foreign materials from housing. Carefully inspect housing for damage. If damage is apparent, replace housing.

1. Install ignition drive gear, bearing and bearing retainer. Lubricate cylinder cavity with lock cylinder lubricant. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Depress retaining pin, and insert NEW lock cylinder into housing.
2. Ensure tab on end of lock cylinder aligns with slot in ignition drive gear. Using key, turn lock cylinder to OFF position to engage cylinder retaining pin into cylinder housing hole. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Check lock cylinder functions. Ensure column locks when ignition switch is in LOCK position.

Removal (Econoline Van, Expedition, Navigator, Pickup & Villager)

Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Wait one minute (3 minutes for Villager) to deplete air bag backup power supply. Remove instrument panel steering column cover. Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector. Turn lock cylinder to OFF position. Using key, remove ignition switch from steering column.

Ensure ignition lock is in RUN position. Slot in actuator housing should be aligned with mark on steering column casting. Align pin on ignition switch with slot in actuator housing. Connect ignition switch electrical connector, and tighten retaining screws to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Removal (Explorer, Mountaineer, Ranger & Windstar)

Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Wait one minute (3 minutes for Villager) to deplete air bag backup power supply. Remove lower instrument panel steering column cover and reinforcement. . Remove 2 ignition switch retaining screws. Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector. Using key, turn ignition lock to OFF position. Remove ignition switch from steering column.

Turn ignition lock cylinder to LOCK position. Place actuator rod on switch. Place switch on column studs while aligning rod hole in ignition switch with actuator rod. Tighten retaining nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Check switch for proper operation in all positions. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Removal & Installation (Econoline Van, Expedition, Navigator, Pickup & Villager)

1. Place front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Wait one minute (3 minutes for Villager) to deplete air bag backup power supply. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-except-stripped-chassis). Remove driver side air bag module. Move shift lever to low (1) position. Remove steering column opening cover. Remove instrument panel fuse door. Remove right and left instrument panel lower moldings. Remove instrument panel lower trim cover.
2. Remove screws from lower steering column shroud. Remove lower steering column shroud by pulling shroud down and toward rear of vehicle. Disconnect air bag clockspring contact assembly electrical connectors. Place tape across contact assembly stator and rotor to prevent accidental rotation. (Scheme 1)or (Scheme 2). Remove upper steering column shroud from column. Remove clockspring contact assembly retaining screws, and remove contact assembly from steering column. Remove multifunction switch.
3. Unscrew and remove tilt lever from column (if equipped). Using key, turn lock cylinder to RUN position. Place a 1/8" (3.17 mm) diameter pin in hole located in outer edge of lock cylinder housing. Depress retaining pin, and pull out lock cylinder. Remove 6 instrument panel lower reinforcement brace bolts, and remove reinforcement brace.
4. On A/T models, remove shift indicator cable retaining screw, and disconnect cable from actuator housing. Disconnect shift indicator cable loop from shift tube hook. Remove 2 screws attaching multifunction switch to steering column. Disconnect multifunction switch electrical connector, and remove switch.
5. Remove pinch bolt from intermediate shaft "U" joint. Disconnect shift cable from selector lever pivot. Push in tab on shift cable, and slide cable off shaft cable bracket. Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector. Support steering column assembly, and remove 4 steering column-to-support bracket retaining nuts. Carefully remove column from vehicle.
6. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-except-stripped-chassis__torque-specifications).

Removal & Installation (Explorer, Mountaineer, Ranger & Windstar)

1. Place front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Wait one minute to deplete air bag power supply. On A/T models, place transmission in Neutral. On all models, remove bolt attaching intermediate shaft to steering column shaft. Compress intermediate shaft until clear of steering column shaft.
2. On A/T models, remove nuts attaching shift cable bracket to steering column bracket. Disconnect shift cable from column lever. On tilt columns, ensure steering wheel is in full-up position before removing steering wheel.
3. On all models, remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-except-stripped-chassis) . On tilt columns, unscrew and remove tilt lever. Remove steering column collar by squeezing it at 6 and 12 o'clock positions.
4. On all models, remove screws attaching panel trim cover, and remove trim cover. Remove screws from lower steering column shroud. Remove lower steering column shroud by pulling shroud down and toward rear of vehicle. Remove upper steering column shroud from column.
5. On A/T models, disconnect selector indicator actuation cable by removing screw from column casting and plastic plug at end of cable. To remove plastic plug from shift lever socket casting, push on nose of plug until head clears casting, and then pull plug from casting.
6. On all models, remove plastic clip holding multifunction switch wiring to steering column bracket. Remove screws attaching multifunction switch. Remove multifunction switch from column, leaving wiring connected to switch. Position switch and wiring aside.
7. Disconnect key warning buzzer electrical connector from horn brush. Remove screw holding horn brush electrical connector to column. Disconnect horn brush electrical connector. Remove screws attaching toe plate to body panel. Loosen toe plate clamp bolt.
8. Support steering column. Remove bolts holding steering column to bracket. Disconnect ignition switch wiring connector. Carefully remove column from vehicle.
9. To install steering column, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-except-stripped-chassis__torque-specifications) table. Ensure all components operate properly.

OVERHAUL

When overhauling steering columns, refer to exploded view illustration. (Scheme 4)

Scheme 4

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM
• STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS