Steering Wheel Removal Socket?

[jakethebt]

I need to remove my steering wheel. I understand that the airbag does not remove and there is a cam operated bolt in the air bag access pannel. Does this require a special tool? Is there a standard tool that works? The Ford manual says it is an anti-theft tool required that looks like a socket of some type. I called my dealer to see if they sell it, they had no idea. Also called local auto parts store, all they had were pullers for standard wheels. Thanks in advance!

[12Ounce]

I've removed the steering wheel ... but I don't remember it requiring anything special. Either an Allen socket wrench or an Torq socket wrench (with the center hole) perhaps. I remember it taking several turns to loosen. Be careful not to overtighten when you go back in.

Also be careful of the "clock spring" commutator.

Be sure to have the battery disconnected.

[serge_saati]

You forget to mention which year is your van?

In mine, I just need a socket wrench and flat screw driver to remove it.

[jakethebt]

Sorry on the year... it is a 1999. So it has the air bag that does not come out of the wheel.

[bulrid8]

All Airbags are removable. How else would you replace it!

[jakethebt]

I know you were just being a wise guy but... i did not say the airbag was not removable, rather that it does not come out of the wheel. So if you blow the bag you get the extra expense of replacing the entire wheel, controls and airbag!

[Windstartled]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

I've removed the steering wheel ... but I don't remember it requiring anything special. Either an Allen socket wrench or an Torq socket wrench (with the center hole) perhaps. I remember it taking several turns to loosen.

"Several" being between 40 and 70 turns

Easiest way to do it is to use a small power screwdriver w. Allen or Torx socket depending on year. Somewhat tedious but makes it easier to remove the steering wheel on second-generation Winnies (99-03) than it was on previous models.

@jakethebt. The airbag on 99-03 models practically drops out of the steering wheel once the wheel is removed, it is neatly tucked in its own casing. You just pull it out, pull the connector and you're done.

The reason I revived this old thread is because I'm in the process of swapping my original worn steering wheel with one from a 2002 model. Although '00 and '02 Winnies looks almost identical the latter has a better designed steering wheel, but still installs the same as the '00 one. However the '02 has a 4-prong connector instead of 3-prong like the '00. I figured the 4th wire is for the backlighting of the cruise control buttons which for some weird reason are not illuminated on the '00 even though the power door locks and power window buttons are. I was wondering if there would be a way for me to run a 4th wire alongside the 3-prong connector and light them up?

[serge_saati]

You should connect a wire to the park lights wire under the steering column.

[Windstartled]

Originally Posted by serge_saati

You should connect a wire to the park lights wire under the steering column.

Would that be proper voltage from the source? My first idea was to splice from the same wire that powers illumination on the driver side door switches, it is always turned on...

[serge_saati]

Yes of course it will be the proper voltage. It'll come from the instrument cluster circuit. Like radio, climate control, switches... illumination. And bulbs will last longer if they're turned on only the night.
The lights in the door switches are LEDs, so they're are made to bright whenever the van is turned on until you go out... for a longer period than other lights.

[Windstartled]

Originally Posted by serge_saati

Yes of course it will be the proper voltage. It'll come from the instrument cluster circuit. Like radio, climate control, switches... illumination. And bulbs will last longer if they're turned on only the night.
The lights in the door switches are LEDs, so they're are made to bright whenever the van is turned on until you go out... for a longer period than other lights.

The lights in the cruise control buttons on the steering-wheel are also LED's, that's why I was asking

[serge_saati]

In my Taurus 2002 steering wheel, there's bulbs for the cruise control buttons.
But anyway, there's always a resistor connected to the LED very close to it when there's a LED, so even if it's a LED with a resistor, you can connect it to a 12V output, same as if it's a bulb. It's the proper voltage. Me I would connect it to the park lights, cause it's simpler to access to the wire and lights will last longer especially if there's bulbs inside.

Or you can connect it to the check engine light cluster, so buttons will always light on when you drive HAHAHA.

[Windstartled]

Originally Posted by serge_saati

Or you can connect it to the check engine light cluster, so buttons will always light on when you drive HAHAHA.

Touché