Removal and Installation

WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.

Please refer to the appropriate vehicle shop manual to determine location of the front air bag sensors.
The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.

To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).

Disconnect the battery ground cable. Wait at least one minute before proceeding with the procedure to allow the backup power supply to deplete its energy. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
Remove the two screws and the instrument panel lower steering column opening cover.

Fig 1: Removing Screws And Instrument Panel Lower Steering Column Opening Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Separate the LH instrument panel finish panel from the instrument panel.

Fig 2: Separating LH Instrument Panel Finish Panel From Instrument Panel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the RH instrument panel finish panel.

Fig 3: Removing RH Instrument Panel Finish Panel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the screws and the instrument panel opening cover reinforcement.

Fig 4: Removing Screws And Instrument Panel Opening Cover Reinforcement
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the screws and the steering column opening brace.

Fig 5: Removing Screws And Steering Column Opening Brace
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the selector lever indicator cable aside.
1. Loosen the screw.
2. Disconnect the cable.
3. Position the selector lever indicator cable aside.
  
  Fig 6: Positioning Selector Lever Indicator Cable Aside
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder.
1. Rotate the ignition switch lock cylinder to the RUN position.
2. Press the lock cylinder release pin and remove the ignition switch lock cylinder.
  
  Fig 7: Removing Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the lower steering column shroud.
1. If so equipped, remove the tilt wheel handle and shank.
2. Remove the three screws.
3. Remove the lower steering column shroud.
  
  Fig 8: Removing Lower Steering Column Shroud
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the four nuts and the bracket, and lower the steering column.

Fig 9: Removing Nuts And Bracket, And Lowering Steering Column
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the upper steering column shroud.

Fig 10: Removing Upper Steering Column Shroud
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the transmission control switch (TCS) harness connector.

Fig 11: Disconnecting Transmission Control Switch Harness Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Separate the TCS harness from the locators and the gearshift lever cover from the steering column.

Fig 12: Separating TCS Harness
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Never reinstall the old gearshift lever pin (7G357).

Fig 13: Removing Gearshift Lever Pin And Gearshift Lever

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the gearshift lever pin and the gearshift lever (7210). Discard the gearshift lever pin.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.