Need to Change Clock-Spring and Multifunction Switch
Clock-spring is bad. That was why radio controls and cruise control buttons were working crazy and can also cause the airbag light to stay lit. I changed the multifunction switch which was also bad, at the same time. You might as well when doing this job.
Used a T-25 torx bit on the horn switch bolts and a T-50 torx on the steering wheel bolt. Pulled the steering wheel using a cheap 6" puller, against the steering wheel bolt that I left in place and loose, because the steering wheel jumps off when it comes loose. Removed the lower trim panel but did not have to remove duct work or other screws as service instructions said, because there's enough room to remove the "flat black box" half of the clock-spring using a long screwdriver, and connection wires are long enough to disconnect from box. Note: Horn plate springs; brass colored ones go at bottom of steering wheel and silver springs go towards top of wheel.
- After powering back up all the steering wheel buttons work correct now. The air bag light went away, but my ABS is still lit. More troubleshooting
'02 LS V-8 with 135k miles when problems started. Changed these parts at 140k miles
- Ordered new clock-spring Motorcraft XW4Z-14A664-AA from ebay (Tasca.com) for $136.67
- Ordered new multifunction switch with auto sensing wipers, Motorcraft W6000, from Amazon for $105
