Steering column electrical
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Steering column electrical
I posted last month about various switches in my sterring column not working. Now nothing works i.e. turn signals, horn, emergency flashers, cruise control, and the air bag is flashing a code 32 for open connection. I talked to a "mechanic on the side" and he told me that to remove the airbag and access the electrical components in the column is a real job. He suggested that I bought a complete column from a used parts place and replaced everything from the u-joint up. What do all of you think?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Easton,Ks
You can go either way but if you take the column out the clock spring and the other switches will not be that hard to do. You can also change the switches with the column dropped down some. If nothing is broken mechanically I would just change what is bad.
All of this would depend on how good you are working with tools and test equipment.
Also how long you can leave the truck down.
All of this would depend on how good you are working with tools and test equipment.
Also how long you can leave the truck down.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,214
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From: New Jersey
Replacing what is bad is by far easier, and BTW, removing an airbag is quite easy. Four nuts on the back of the steering wheel allows you to remove the airbag itself, and there's one connector inside that's "self shorting" meaning it shorts the airbag before it breaks connection with the controller. This prevents it from exploding in your face while you remove it. Key feature 
The ignition switch is on the base of the column near the floor, easily removed with two screws without taking the column out. The signal and emergency flasher assembly comes out from the side, so you have to remove the plastic column covers to get at them - phillips screws plus removing the ignition lock which is done with a push-pin underneath the ignition lock through a tiny hole in the plastic covers.
You do not need to drop the column. Instead of replacing the entire column, you can replace all the do-dads from the same used parts supplier on the cheap without much hassle.
New, you're taking less than $150 for all the switches.
Considering that everything is giving you grief, I'd be more inclined to think the connectors got wet and corroded.
The ignition switch is on the base of the column near the floor, easily removed with two screws without taking the column out. The signal and emergency flasher assembly comes out from the side, so you have to remove the plastic column covers to get at them - phillips screws plus removing the ignition lock which is done with a push-pin underneath the ignition lock through a tiny hole in the plastic covers.
You do not need to drop the column. Instead of replacing the entire column, you can replace all the do-dads from the same used parts supplier on the cheap without much hassle.
New, you're taking less than $150 for all the switches.
Considering that everything is giving you grief, I'd be more inclined to think the connectors got wet and corroded.
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Thx frederick
you made it sound like a one day job. Good to know, since I'm working 2 jobs with only one day off, and this truck is my only vehicle. Maybe I'll take the shrould off the column and take a look. And Yes I'm good at test equiptment etc. 30 years as a H.V.A.C. tech/mech. Thanks again
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,214
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From: New Jersey
The 92-96 F-truck have a "shorty" all aluminum column, much like the mustangs and full size fords of a few years prior. It's completely modular and very easy to work on, even while it's in the vehicle. Replacing an airbag in such a column is about a 30 minute job, replacing the turn signal stalk/flashers is about the same. I've done both several times myself.
In fact, my 92 F350 has a Town Car column with the huge air-bag horn pad, but no air bag. I removed the guts leaving the shell for asthetic reasons.
In fact, my 92 F350 has a Town Car column with the huge air-bag horn pad, but no air bag. I removed the guts leaving the shell for asthetic reasons.
