• HEADINGS
  • DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
    • STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES
  • ADJUSTMENTS
    • IGNITION SWITCH
  • TESTING
    • MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH
    • IGNITION SWITCH
  • REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
    • STEERING WHEEL
      • Removal (With Air Bag)
      • Installation
      • Removal & Installation (Without Air Bag)
    • MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH
      • Removal & Installation
    • IGNITION SWITCH
      • Removal & Installation
    • LOCK CYLINDER
      • Removal & Installation (With Key)
      • Removal (Without Key)
      • Installation
  • TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
  • WIRING DIAGRAMS
    • EXTERIOR LIGHTS
    • HORN SYSTEM
    • POWER DISTRIBUTION
• FIGURES
  • Fig. 1: Identifying Multifunction Switch Circuit Terminals (Explorer)
  • Fig. 2: Identifying Ignition Switch Terminals (Explorer)
  • Fig. 3: Exterior Lights Wiring Diagram (Explorer - 1 Of 2)
  • Fig. 4: Exterior Lights Wiring Diagram (Explorer - 2 Of 2)
  • Fig. 5: Horn System Wiring Diagram (Explorer)
  • Fig. 6: Power Distribution Wiring Diagram - 1 Of 5 (Explorer)
  • Fig. 7: Power Distribution Wiring Diagram - 2 Of 5 (Explorer)
  • Fig. 8: Power Distribution Wiring Diagram - 3 Of 5 (Explorer)
  • Fig. 9: Power Distribution Wiring Diagram - 4 Of 5 (Explorer)
  • Fig. 10: Power Distribution Wiring Diagram - 5 Of 5 (Explorer)
• TABLES
  • DIMMER, FLASH-TO-PASS & TURN/HAZARD PORTION OF MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH
  • WIPER/WASHER PORTION OF MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH
  • IGNITION SWITCH CONTINUITY
  • TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES

1996 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT Ford Motor Co. Steering Column Switches

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES

The multifunction switch, located on the steering column, includes headlight dimmer, flash-to-pass and front windshield wiper/washer switches. The ignition switch and lock cylinder are also mounted on the steering column.

ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING:

Deactivate air bag system before performing any service operation. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article. DO NOT apply electrical power to any component on steering column without first deactivating air bag system. Air bag may deploy.

CAUTION:

When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory system may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.

IGNITION SWITCH

Ignition switch is properly adjusted if:

• In ACCESSORY, accessory circuit is operative and steering wheel is locked. Automatic shift lever cannot be moved.
• In LOCK, all ignition switch electrical circuits are inoperative and steering wheel is locked. Automatic shift lever cannot be moved.
• In OFF, all ignition switch electrical circuits are inoperative and steering wheel is unlocked. Automatic shift lever can be moved.
• In ON (RUN), all ignition switch circuits or accessory circuits are operative except starter circuit and warning light check circuit. Steering wheel is unlocked and automatic shift lever can be moved.
• In START, only engine ignition, warning light check, and starter circuits are operative. Steering wheel is unlocked and automatic shift lever can be moved.

Disconnect negative battery cable. Set ignition switch to RUN position. Align switch pin with slot in lock/column assembly. Position slots in column/lock assembly with index mark on casting.

TESTING

WARNING:

Deactivate air bag system before performing any service operation. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article. DO NOT apply electrical power to any component on steering column without first deactivating air bag system. Air bag may deploy.

CAUTION:

When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory system may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.

NOTE:

Before performing following tests, ensure all multifunction switch grounds, wiring, and fuses are okay. Also, ensure all circuit connections are clean and tight. For ignition switch circuit identification, see appropriate POWER DISTRIBUTION WIRING DIAGRAM. For multifunction switch circuit identification, see appropriate EXTERIOR LIGHTS WIRING DIAGRAM.

MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH

1. Disconnect multifunction switch connectors. With multifunction switch at specified position, check dimmer, flash-to-pass and turn/hazard portion of multifunction switch. If continuity does not exist, replace multifunction switch. See the appropriate DIMMER, FLASH-TO-PASS & TURN/HAZARD PORTION OF MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH table. See Fig. 1 . If continuity exists as specified, go to next step.
2. With multifunction switch at specified position, check wiper/washer portion of multifunction switch. If continuity/resistance is not as specified, replace multifunction switch. Refer to the appropriate WIPER/WASHER PORTION OF MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH table. See Fig. 1 .

DIMMER, FLASH-TO-PASS & TURN/HAZARD PORTION OF MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH

Switch Position		Check For Continuity Between Circuit No.
Left Turn Signal On & Hazard Switch Off		3, 44 & 374
Right Turn Signal On & Hazard Switch Off		44 & 378
Hazard Switch On		2, 3 & 385
Flash-To-Pass On		196 & 632
Headlight Dimmer
On High Beam		196 & 632
On Low Beam		13 & 15

WIPER/WASHER PORTION OF MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH

Switch Position		Circuit No.	(1) Ohms
Wiper Switch
Off		359 & 684	47,600
Int		359 & 684	11,330
Lo		359 & 684	4080
Hi		359 & 684	(2)
Washer Switch On		359 & 680	(2)
Wiper Intermittent		359 & 680	(3)
(1) Specification can vary by as much as 10 percent. (2) Continuity should exist. (3) Rotate control from maximum delay to minimum delay. Resistance should gradually decrease from approximately 103 k/ohms to 3.3 k/ohms.

Fig. 1: Identifying Multifunction Switch Circuit Terminals (Explorer)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

IGNITION SWITCH

1. To inspect ignition switch for mechanical operation, rotate lock cylinder through all switch positions. Lock cylinder should not bind, and should return from START to RUN position without assistance.
2. If binding or incorrect modes occur, ignition switch should be adjusted. After adjustment, if binding or incorrect modes still exist, lock cylinder should either be disassembled and inspected for damage, or ignition switch should be replaced.
3. To test electrical function of ignition switch, disconnect ignition switch connector. Test switch continuity using a self-powered test light or ohmmeter. Refer to the IGNITION SWITCH CONTINUITY table. See Fig. 2 . If continuity is not as specified, replace ignition switch.

IGNITION SWITCH CONTINUITY

Switch Position	Continuity Between Circuit No.
Accessory	37 & 297
Lock	No Continuity
Off	No Continuity
Run	37, 687, 297 & 1050
Start	512, 41 & Ground; 37, 32 & 1050

Fig. 2: Identifying Ignition Switch Terminals (Explorer)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

WARNING:

Deactivate air bag system before performing any service operation. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article. DO NOT apply electrical power to any component on steering column without first deactivating air bag system. Air bag may deploy.

CAUTION:

When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory system may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.

STEERING WHEEL

Removal (With Air Bag)

1. Position front wheels straight ahead. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove air bag module retaining nuts. Disconnect wire harness from air bag module. Remove air bag module.
2. Disconnect speed control wiring (if equipped). Mark steering wheel and shaft for installation reference. Remove and discard steering wheel bolt. Using steering wheel puller, remove steering wheel. Route contact assembly wiring through steering wheel as it is removed.

Installation

1. Ensure front wheels are straight ahead. Route contact assembly wire harness through steering wheel at 3 o'clock position. Position steering wheel onto shaft, ensuring marks are aligned. Ensure air bag wiring is not pinched.
2. Install NEW steering wheel bolt/nut and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Connect speed control wiring (if equipped). Ensure wiring is not trapped between steering wheel and contact assembly. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Removal & Installation (Without Air Bag)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Position front wheels straight ahead. Unsnap horn cover by grasping sides and pulling away from column. Disconnect wiring. Mark steering wheel and shaft for installation reference. Remove steering wheel bolt/nut.
2. Using Steering Wheel Puller (T67L-3600-A), remove steering wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure. Align reference marks. Install retaining bolt/nut and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH

Removal & Installation

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove steering column shroud. Remove retaining screws. Disconnect multifunction switch connectors. Remove switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

IGNITION SWITCH

Removal & Installation

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove screws attaching lower edge of instrument panel steering column cover. Pull outward on left and right corner to disengage instrument panel steering column cover clips.
2. Remove steering column cover. Remove instrument panel reinforcement plate. Remove ignition switch retaining screws. Remove ignition switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

LOCK CYLINDER

Removal & Installation (With Key)

Disconnect negative battery cable. Set ignition switch to RUN position. Using a 1/8" drill bit, press retaining pin inward and pull out lock cylinder. To install, lubricate lock cylinder. Turn lock cylinder to RUN position. Press retaining pin inward and insert lock cylinder into housing. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.

Removal (Without Key)

1. Use this procedure to remove ignition lock cylinder if key is missing or cylinder is frozen. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL . Using pliers, twist cap until it separates from ignition switch lock cylinder.
2. Using a 3/8" drill bit, drill down middle of ignition lock key slot about 3/4-1" (19-25 mm) until ignition switch lock cylinder breaks loose from breakaway base of ignition switch lock cylinder. Remove ignition switch lock cylinder and drill shavings from lock cylinder housing.
3. Remove bearing retainer, bearing and gear. Thoroughly clean all metal shavings and other foreign material from housing. Carefully inspect housing for damage. If damage is apparent, replace housing.

Installation

1. Install gear, bearing, and retainer. Lubricate cylinder cavity. Rotate lock cylinder to RUN position. Press retaining pin inward and insert new lock cylinder into lock cylinder housing.
2. Before rotating key to OFF position, ensure cylinder is fully seated and aligned. Use key to rotate cylinder to ensure mechanical operation is okay in all positions.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Application	Ft. Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Wheel Bolt/Nut	23-33 (31-45)

WIRING DIAGRAMS

EXTERIOR LIGHTS

Fig. 3: Exterior Lights Wiring Diagram (Explorer - 1 Of 2)

Fig. 4: Exterior Lights Wiring Diagram (Explorer - 2 Of 2)

HORN SYSTEM

Fig. 5: Horn System Wiring Diagram (Explorer)

POWER DISTRIBUTION

Fig. 6: Power Distribution Wiring Diagram - 1 Of 5 (Explorer)

Fig. 7: Power Distribution Wiring Diagram - 2 Of 5 (Explorer)

Fig. 8: Power Distribution Wiring Diagram - 3 Of 5 (Explorer)

Fig. 9: Power Distribution Wiring Diagram - 4 Of 5 (Explorer)

Fig. 10: Power Distribution Wiring Diagram - 5 Of 5 (Explorer)