Ford Fusion: Steering Column / Steering Column. Removal and Installation

Removal

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the clockspring, make sure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

NOTICE: Precise tolerances are required when manufacturing a steering column. Never install a repaired, rebuilt, aftermarket, or remanufactured steering column. Always install a new steering column. Failure to follow this direction can result in steering column failure.

NOTE: Manual column shown, power column similar.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1.   WARNING: Turn the ignition OFF and wait one minute to deplete the backup power supply. Ignition must remain OFF until repair is complete. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury or death in the event of an accidental deployment.

   If a SRS fault is present, continue to Step 2. Otherwise, turn the ignition off, wait at least one minute and continue to Step 3.
   

1. Depower the SRS.
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the SCCM.
   Refer to: Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) (211-05 Steering Wheel and Column Electrical Components, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTE: This step is not necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the steering column shrouds.
   Refer to: Steering Column Shrouds (501-05 Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTICE: Make sure that the steering wheel does not rotate or damage to the clockspring may occur.

   Secure the steering wheel.
   

1. Release the clips and position aside the instrument panel finish panel.
   

1. Remove the bolts and the instrument panel finish panel.
   

1. Disconnect the electrical connector.
   

1. Detach the retainers and disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
   

1. 1. Remove and discard the bolt.
      Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)
   2. Position aside the upper shaft from the lower shaft.
      

1. NOTE: The deployable steering column electrical connector retaining tabs are not easily accessible. Using an inspection mirror and needle-nose pliers may help in viewing and releasing the electrical connector retaining tabs.

   Depress the locking tabs and disconnect the collapsible steering column module electrical connector.
   

1. Remove and discard the bolts and remove the column.
   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

Installation

1. NOTE: Transfer parts as needed.

   To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. If the SRS was depowered.
   Repower the SRS.
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).
   

1. 
   If equipped with memory steering column, use the steering column control switch and set the tilt motor soft stops as follows.
   
   1. Move the column upward until it reaches the end of travel.
      
   2. Move the column in the same direction until it reaches the end of travel again.
      
   3. Move the column downward until it reaches the end of travel.
      
   4. Move the column in the same direction until it reaches the end of travel again.
      

1. 
   If equipped with memory steering column, use the steering column control switch and set the tilt motor soft stops as follows.
   
   1. Move the column rearward until it reaches the end of travel.
      
   2. Move the column in the same direction until it reaches the end of travel again.
      
   3. Move the column forward until it reaches the end of travel.
      
   4. Move the column in the same direction until it reaches the end of travel again.