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Steering Column Switches: Installation

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions and notes at the beginning of the removal procedure.
    WARNING: Incorrect centralization can result in premature component failure. If in doubt when centralizing the clockspring, repeat the centralizing procedure. Failure to follow this instruction can result in personal injury.
    CAUTION: Make sure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
  1. If the clockspring has rotated out of center, follow these steps to center the clockspring.
    1. Hold the clockspring outer housing stationary.
      2. CAUTION: Overturning will destroy the clockspring. The internal ribbon wire acts as the stop and can be broken from its internal connection.
    2. While turning the rotor counterclockwise, carefully feel for the ribbon wire to run out of length and feel for a slight resistance. Stop turning at this point.
    3. Turn the clockspring clockwise approximately 2-1/2 turns. This is the center point of the clockspring.
      • Do not allow the rotor to turn from this position.
      Fig 1: Turning Clockspring Clockwise Approximately 2-1/2 Turns
      G03280562Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Align the multifunction switch to the clockspring and slide the two together.
    • Make sure the tabs are interlocked.
    Fig 2: Aligning Multifunction Switch To Clockspring
    G03280563Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Remove the restraint system diagnostic tool from the vehicle harness side of the clockspring electrical connector.
    Fig 3: Removing Restraint System Diagnostic Tool From Vehicle Harness Side Of Clockspring Electrical Connector
    G03280564Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    4. NOTE: Make sure the negative battery cable is still disconnected before continuing with the installation portion of this procedure.
    Fig 4: Installing Order Of Components
    G03280565Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Install the components in the order indicated in the following illustration and table.
  5. Attach the restraint system diagnostic tool to the clockspring electrical connector at the top of the steering column.
    Fig 5: Attaching Restraint System Diagnostic Tool To Clockspring Electrical Connector At Top Of Steering Column
    G03280566Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to GENERATORS & REGULATORS .
  7. With the restraint system diagnostic tools installed at all deployable devices, prove out the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
  8. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to GENERATORS & REGULATORS .
  9. Remove the restraint system diagnostic tools from the clockspring electrical connectors at the top of the steering column.
    Fig 6: Removing Restraint System Diagnostic Tools From Clockspring Electrical Connectors At Top Of Steering Column
    G03280567Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    10. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions, notes, and instructions in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) deactivation/reactivation procedure.
  10. Reactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEACTIVATION AND REACTIVATION .
    11. WARNING: The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system service only. Remove from the vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and possible violation of vehicle safety standards.
  11. With all the restraint system diagnostic tools removed, prove out the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
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