Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 1720

Fig. 5: Connecting Deployment Wires To Seat Belt Pretensioner (Typical) 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

POST-COLLISION INSPECTION 

When a vehicle has been involved in a collision, certain components of the passive restraint system must be 
inspected or replaced. See AIR BAG/SRS COMPONENT INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT TABLES 
article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section. 

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 

CLOCKSPRING 

Removal 

WARNING:

Unintentional air bag module deployment is possible. Personal injury may 
result. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . After 
component replacement, perform system operation check. See SYSTEM 
OPERATION CHECK . 
Unintentional air bag module deployment is possible. Personal injury may 
result. Never use radio key code (memory) savers when working on air 
bag system.

WARNING:

Operating vehicle with improperly centered clockspring may damage 
clockspring, and in the event of collision, cause air bag deployment 
malfunction. Personal injury may result. If clockspring rotor has moved or 
if unsure of rotor position, perform clockspring centering procedure. See 
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING under ADJUSTMENTS.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup

  

1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Clockspring is located on steering 

column between steering wheel and combination switch. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING 
SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.  

2. Remove driver-side air bag module and steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL . Apply 2 strips of 

tape across clockspring assembly to prevent accidental rotation. See Fig. 6 . Twist tilt wheel handle and 
shank and remove, if equipped.  

3. Remove upper instrument panel steering column cover. Remove screws and lower steering column 

shroud. Position ignition switch lock cylinder to RUN position. Using small drift, push upward on 
cylinder release tab through hole in ignition switch lock cylinder housing while pulling lock cylinder 
outward. See Fig. 7 . Remove lock cylinder. Remove upper steering column shroud. Remove screw and 
Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transmitter.  

4. Remove key-in-ignition warning indicator switch from ignition switch lock cylinder housing. Separate 

clockspring electrical connectors from retaining bracket and disconnect from wiring harness. Separate 
clockspring wire harness from clips on steering column. Pry clockspring retaining clips loose and remove 
clockspring. See Fig. 8 .  

Installation 

1. If installing NEW clockspring, remove locking mechanism pull ring. If installing existing clockspring, 

remove tape applied during removal procedure. If clockspring rotor has moved or if unsure of clockspring 
rotor position, center clockspring. See CLOCKSPRING CENTERING under ADJUSTMENTS. 
Maintain clockspring centered position. 

2. With flats of clockspring aligned to flats of steering column slide clockspring onto steering column shaft. 

Engage clockspring retaining clips. Route clockspring wire harness down side of steering column and 
into retainers. Remove air bag simulator from clockspring harness connector. Connect clockspring 
electrical connectors and reinstall connector onto retaining bracket.  

3. Install key-in ignition warning indicator switch. Install PATS transmitter and retaining screw. Install 

upper steering column shroud. Install ignition switch lock cylinder. Install lower steering column shroud 
and retaining screws. Install upper instrument panel steering column cover. Install tilt wheel handle and 
shank. Install steering wheel. Connect Air Bag Simulator (418-F088/105-R0012) to clockspring side of 
clockspring-to-air bag connector at top of steering column.  

4. Connect negative battery cable. With air bag simulators installed at all deployable devices, perform 

system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . Disconnect negative battery cable. 
Wait at least one minute for back-up power supply to deplete stored energy. Remove air bag simulator 
from clockspring connector. Install driver-side air bag module. Activate air bag system. See 
ACTIVATING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. 

NOTE:

Slight turning of clockspring is allowable during installation to properly 
align clockspring to steering column.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 6: Removing Clockspring 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 7: Removing Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Air Bag Restraint Systems - F150 Pickup