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Steering Column Ford Pickup F150

Steering Column 6 illustrations ~2124 words

DESCRIPTION

All steering columns are energy-absorbing and collapse upon frontal impact. On Explorer and Ranger, steering column is available in standard and tilt column models.

Aerostar, Bronco, Pickup and Van are equipped with tilt steering wheel. Aerostar and Van are equipped with air bag. Wiper/washer, turn signal/hazard and horn/dimmer operate using a multifunction switch. Multifunction and ignition switches are mounted on steering column.

WARNINGOn models with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), observe the following precautions. Before any repairs are performed, disconnect and shield battery ground. Disconnect SRS connector at control unit. Use caution when working around steering column (air bag could deploy).

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Refer to TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.

AIR BAG SERVICE PRECAUTIONS

The following precautions should be observed 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/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__disabling-air-bag-system) .
  2. Back-up power supply will hold a deployment charge for approximately one minute after battery positive cable is disconnected. Servicing SRS before one-minute period 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 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 deposit 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/or 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

WARNINGBack-up power supply will hold a deployment charge for approximately one minute after battery positive cable is disconnected. Servicing SRS before one-minute period may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section before disconnecting battery.

Note. The following disabling procedure should be used 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 battery negative and then positive cables. Shield both cables. Air bag system contains a back-up power supply built into the air bag diagnostic monitor. Wait a minimum of one minute before servicing any air bag system components. System is now disabled.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section before disconnecting battery.

Removal & Installation (Aerostar & Van)

  1. Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect and shield battery negative and positive cables. Wait at least one minute to deplete charge in air bag back-up power supply. Remove air bag module-to-steering wheel retaining nuts. Remove air bag from steering wheel and disconnect air bag module electrical connector.
  2. Disconnect horn switch and speed control (if equipped) electrical connectors. Mark steering wheel-to-steering shaft position for installation reference. Remove steering wheel retaining bolt. Using Steering Wheel Remover (T67L-3600-A), remove steering wheel.
  3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten steering wheel retaining bolt and air bag retaining nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__torque-specifications) .

Removal & Installation (Bronco, Explorer, Pickup, Ranger & Van)

  1. Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect battery negative cable. On Explorer and Ranger, remove horn pad retaining screws. Disconnect horn switch electrical connector and remove horn pad. On Bronco, Pickup and Van, grasp sides of horn pad and pull upward to unclip retainers. Disconnect horn switch electrical connector and remove horn pad.
  2. Mark steering wheel-to-steering shaft position for installation reference. Remove steering wheel retaining bolt. Using Steering Wheel Remover (T67L-3600-A), remove steering wheel.
  3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten steering wheel retaining bolt and horn pad retaining screws (if equipped) to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__torque-specifications) .

Disconnect battery negative cable. Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds. Remove 2 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 battery negative cable. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) or «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds. Disconnect key warning switch electrical connector. Using key, turn lock cylinder to RUN position.
  2. On Ranger and Explorer A/T models, shift selector must be in Park. On all models, 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. (Scheme 1)

Installation

  1. To install, lubricate lock cylinder with grease. 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.
  2. 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 switch is in LOCK position.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1
Scheme 1

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. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) or «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. 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. Place a chisel at base of lock cylinder cap. Using a hammer, strike chisel with sharp blows to break cap away from lock cylinder. Using a 3/8" (9.52 mm) drill bit, 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 switch is in LOCK position.

Removal & Installation (Aerostar, Bronco, Pickup & Van)

  1. Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disable air bag (if equipped). See «DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__disabling-air-bag-system) . Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) or «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove steering column. See «STEERING COLUMN»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove 2 ignition switch retaining screws. Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector and remove ignition switch from steering column.
  2. Install ignition switch onto steering column. Ensure actuator pin on ignition switch is aligned with slot in actuator housing. Ensure slot in actuator housing is aligned with mark on steering column casting. Ignition switch should be in RUN position. Connect ignition switch electrical connector and tighten retaining screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__torque-specifications) . To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Removal & Installation (Explorer & Ranger)

  1. Disconnect battery negative cable. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove lower steering column shroud. On tilt columns, unscrew and remove tilt lever. Remove steering column collar by squeezing it at 6 and 12 o'clock positions. On all models, remove upper steering column shroud. On A/T models, remove selector indicator cable by removing screw and plastic plug from column casting.
  2. On all models, remove screws attaching toe plate to body panel. Support steering column. Remove bolts holding steering column to bracket. Turn column to right. Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector. Remove ignition switch retaining nuts and remove ignition switch from steering column.
  3. Before ignition switch is installed, turn ignition lock cylinder to LOCK position. To preset ignition switch, place a wire in opening in side of switch. Using actuator rod, move switch through positions until wire drops down into slot in bottom of switch where actuator rod is to be inserted. Place actuator rod on switch and switch on column studs while aligning rod hole with rod. Tighten retaining nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__torque-specifications) . Remove wire from hole in ignition switch.
  4. Ensure switch is operating smoothly and all functions are engaged. Turn key through each position from LOCK to START. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.
  1. Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disable air bag (if equipped). See «DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__disabling-air-bag-system) . Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) or «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. 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 (if equipped). Place tape across contact assembly stator and rotor to prevent accidental rotation (if equipped). Remove clockspring contact assembly retaining screws and remove contact assembly from steering column (if equipped).
  3. Unscrew and remove tilt lever from column. 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 upper steering column shroud from column. Remove 6 instrumental panel lower reinforcement brace retaining bolts and remove reinforcement brace.
  4. Remove PRND21 cable retaining screw and disconnect cable from actuator housing. Disconnect PRND21 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 bolt attaching intermediate shaft to steering column shaft. 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 steering column, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specifications. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__torque-specifications) .
  1. Disconnect battery negative cable. 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 & HORN PAD»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. 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 specifications. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/pickup-f150/1985-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__torque-specifications) .

OVERHAUL

When overhauling steering columns, refer to exploded view illustrations. see scheme 2- see scheme 6.

Note. The following figures are Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.

Fig. 2: Exploded View Of Steering Column W/Air Bag (Typical)
Scheme 2: Exploded View Of Steering Column W/Air Bag (Typical)
Fig. 3: View Of Standard Steering Column With A/T (Explorer & Ranger)
Scheme 3: View Of Standard Steering Column With A/T (Explorer & Ranger)
Fig. 4: View Of Standard Steering Column With M/T (Explorer & Ranger)
Scheme 4: View Of Standard Steering Column With M/T (Explorer & Ranger)
Fig. 5: View Of Tilt Steering Column With A/T (Explorer & Ranger)
Scheme 5: View Of Tilt Steering Column With A/T (Explorer & Ranger)
Fig. 6: View Of Tilt Steering Column With M/T (Explorer & Ranger)
Scheme 6: View Of Tilt Steering Column With M/T (Explorer & Ranger)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Intermediate Shaft-To-Steering Column Shaft Bolt30-42 (41-57)
Steering Column-To-Support Bracket Retaining Nuts10-14 (14-19)
Steering Wheel Retaining Bolt23-33 (31-45)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Air Bag Clockspring Contact Assembly Retaining Screws18-26 (2-3)
Air Bag-To-Steering Wheel Retaining Nuts35-53 (4-6)
Ignition Switch Retaining Screws47-64 (5.3-7.2)
Multifunction Switch Screws18-26 (2-3)
PRND21 Cable Retaining Screw60-96 (7-11)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Intermediate Shaft-To-Steering Column Shaft Bolt30-42 (41-57)
Steering Column-To-Support Bracket Retaining Nuts10-14 (14-19)
Steering Wheel Retaining Bolt23-33 (31-45)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Ignition Switch Retaining Screws47-64 (5.3-7.2)
Multifunction Switch Screws18-26 (2-3)
PRND21 Cable Retaining Screw60-96 (7-11)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Intermediate Shaft-To-Steering Column Shaft Bolt25-35 (34-47)
Shift Cable Bracket Bolt13-22 (18-30)
Steering Column-To-Bracket Bolts19-27 (26-37)
Steering Wheel Retaining Bolt23-33 (31-45)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Column Toe Plate Clamp Bolt71-159 (8-18)
Column Toe Plate-To-Body Screws60-96 (7-11)
Horn Pad Retaining Screws8-11.5 (.9-1.3)
Ignition Switch Retaining Nuts40-64 (4.5-7.2)
Lock Cylinder Housing-To-Column Screws71-97 (8-11)
Multifunction Switch Screws18-26 (2-3)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS