@@reidthemanual just curious if the removal of the airbag would be neccessary to clean the contacts for the steering wheel controls? i have a 2015 ford explorer that has the info center controls in the steering wheel but they dont work i dont believe there is any broken wires in the clockspring but i guess its possible
@@stillwalkergamesplus it depends on which contacts you want to clean. If you want the contacts in the connector closest to the buttons, then, yes, you will need to remove (at least unlatch) the airbag.
@@stillwalkergamesplus if I remember correctly, to access the button modules themselves you will need to remove screws that are on the back of the steering wheel. The easiest way to do that is to remove the airbag (as shown) and then remove the center bolt holding the steering wheel in place. Once you have the steering wheel off (5 minute job with the correct tools after de-energizing the vehicle), it will be very easy to work on the buttons. My bet: there is a 70% chance your clockspring is bad, 20% your buttons are bad, and 10% it’s a bad connection. Just my guess. Let me know what you find.
Thanks for the very detailed video. This was helpful even though mine was a different model mostly same process, only difference in taking the air bag off was my springs were not as far in on the 4mm. T-handle but I was able to figure it out thanks to your detailed explanation
I want to thank you so much for this video. I followed your video step by step and was able to replace my clock spring as well. Very simple thank you so much
I got a replacement steering wheel for my 17 FPIU that has heated steering. I need to get the same clockspring you have in the video for the heated steering connector to the steering wheel. Do you know if your FPIU had the connector on the harness to connect to the clockspring for the heated steering wheel? I know I will probably also have to get the HSWM but I haven't dug behind my head unit to check. Just wondering if I'll also have to get a separate wiring harness to route from the HSW module to the clockspring. Thanks!
Hmmm. Good question. If the harness for the heated steering wheel was stashed somewhere on the steering column, I never noticed it. I would assume your new heated steering wheel would have the harness for the “steering wheel side” of the clockspring, but I am not sure how to install the harness for the “steering column side.” Do you think you will need a different Steering Column Control Module?
@@reidthemanual Correct, the heated steering wheel has the additional connector which handles Heat/Heat Return, Temp/Thermometer Sensor/Return. According to the diagram I have, steering wheel connector plugs into the clock spring, and the clock spring connects to the Heated Steering Wheel module. The heated steering wheel module (HSWM) has wiring going to the Module Communication network (MS CAN +/-), the Body Control Module, and to ground. According to another diagram I have, the location of the HSWM is behind the head unit/radio, so I may try looking behind there to see if the module is installed with the required wiring stashed away, though I doubt it as Forscan doesn't show the module, but that doesn't mean it isn't there, maybe it just isn't plugged in at all. I'll update once I check. On a side note, there's a website with ALL the wiring diagrams for 2016-2019 Explorers, including a chart showing where all the wiring/components go. I don't know if RUclips will let me post the link in the comments, but if you do a search for 'Cardiagn 2016-2019 Explorer' it should be the first google search result. I can also link you a google drive folder that has all of the pdfs downloaded. Could prove useful in future videos, for example I got 10-way powered seats + climate control from a salvage 2017 XLT but the wiring harness in my FPIU doesn't support anything more than the power seat functions. I'd love to see a video of that as it would help me greatly haha.
But I do not think I will need a different Steering Column Control Module, at-least according to the diagram for 'Adjustable Steering Column' on that website.
That is great to know. I had to add “wiring diagrams” to the Google search for the Cardigan website to come up, but I think I found what you’re referring to. Thanks for sharing this resource!
Great video breakdown. Thank you for making. I'll be changing mine tomorrow. Took all the guess work out. Being as I ordered one that was for a heated steering wheel as well.
@@reidthemanualis there any functional capability difference in the version with the heated wheel plugs as far as on-wheel buttons goes as far as you know? I just ordered the less expensive “heated wheel”clockspring for my ‘16 XLT and am hoping all of my right side on-wheel buttons will again return to functioning. Sync voice, volume, 4 way keypad. I’m getting some pushback from my Ford parts counter in placing my order because they’re telling me it’s not the right one for my vehicle but it is $50 cheaper so I’m going with that one.
@@jdkjwright Even though I do not have a heated steering wheel, I ordered and installed the clockspring for the heated steering wheel and everything works great! All ~22 buttons work as intended. Granted, you have a few different buttons than I do (I do not have SYNC), but as far as I can tell they just add the 2 wires for the heating element so you *should* be good.
Very thorough. Where is the steering wheel angle position sensor on the ford explorer? I have a 2016 xlt 3.5 and I’ve been told mine may be bad as all of my traction assist lights and warning populate on start up. I have found the part itself for purchase but I cannot find where mine is located. I was also told by one part supplier that it was integrated in the clock spring. Could you clarify by chance?
The steering wheel position sensor is NOT the same thing as the clockspring; although, they do appear similar at first. I never removed (or even inspected) the position sensor, but I believe it is “under” the steering column control module (SCCM). The SCCM is what the clock spring screws to. If you remove the SCCM, then I think you will find the position sensor behind it. So, you’ll need to do everything I did in the video plus a little more. You can do it! :)
Thank you. I’ve already pulled and removed and swapped the SCCM out when I did the clock spring just to be safe and it’s just the steering wheel mounting post and then the manual tilt/ telescope portion and then the spindle that drops down to the dust cover. I have never been so confused. And your videos are awesome. I didn’t think to mention the change to the SCCM my apologies.
Troy, is there any chance that someone had been in there and removed the position sensor in the past? Did you buy the vehicle with the warning lights already on?
Much to my dismay yes to the lights. My partner bought it and now I’m trying to sort it out. It is very possible that someone tried to correct the clock spring before and maybe pulled both out not knowing and never realized but where would it plug in? I have no unused connectors. I appreciate the insight and time.
I also bought a whole steering column from a scrap yard so I could tear it apart and see what I was working with before I tore into the actual column on the explorer and it was set up and configured the exact same way.
Im in the middle of doing this swap as I comment here. The new part looks identical as the old. However, there are 2 skinny plastic pieces on the back side of the new one that are longer than the original part. So I can't push it on when installing. I guess I'll just cut them down to same length as the original. Did you have that problem by chance?
Absolutely! My steering wheel-mounted radio controls did not work (even though they were illuminated at night) because of the bad clock spring. After replacing the clock spring, everything works perfectly!
@@SeanMolby I am honestly not sure. I have never had to replace an airbag myself but have heard that some people have had problems with side airbags not being recognized after being swapped (when upgrading seats from cloth to leather). It seems there might be some amount of “programming” required to mate airbags with your vehicle…. but I don’t know more than that.
@@jorgegonzalez2508 I believe the 2011-2015 Explorers had a different style airbag connector. You’ll need to get the right clockspring so your airbags will work.
From what I’ve seen, the 2013-2015 Explorers and 2016-2019 Explorers have different driver’s airbag connectors, so, no, unfortunately a 2015 airbag will not work on a 2016 Explorer.
Thorough video on the removal and repair of clockspring. Been meaning to do this repair myself for a while. Very well done with the breakdown.
Thank you for commenting! Glad I could help you. :)
@@reidthemanual just curious if the removal of the airbag would be neccessary to clean the contacts for the steering wheel controls? i have a 2015 ford explorer that has the info center controls in the steering wheel but they dont work i dont believe there is any broken wires in the clockspring but i guess its possible
@@stillwalkergamesplus it depends on which contacts you want to clean.
If you want the contacts in the connector closest to the buttons, then, yes, you will need to remove (at least unlatch) the airbag.
@@stillwalkergamesplus if I remember correctly, to access the button modules themselves you will need to remove screws that are on the back of the steering wheel. The easiest way to do that is to remove the airbag (as shown) and then remove the center bolt holding the steering wheel in place. Once you have the steering wheel off (5 minute job with the correct tools after de-energizing the vehicle), it will be very easy to work on the buttons.
My bet: there is a 70% chance your clockspring is bad, 20% your buttons are bad, and 10% it’s a bad connection. Just my guess. Let me know what you find.
@@reidthemanual great thanks from there it looks like just screws from the back of the steering wheel to release the cluster
Very detailed and very well explained. Nice and straight forward. Thank you.
@@larrywalden626 Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the very detailed video. This was helpful even though mine was a different model mostly same process, only difference in taking the air bag off was my springs were not as far in on the 4mm. T-handle but I was able to figure it out thanks to your detailed explanation
Glad it helped you! What year/trim was yours?
@@reidthemanual yr 2012 limited edition
@@BLUEGRASSTRAPPER Thanks for sharing. I’ll pass that info along if anyone else asks.
I want to thank you so much for this video. I followed your video step by step and was able to replace my clock spring as well. Very simple thank you so much
Thanks for the praise, David!
I got a replacement steering wheel for my 17 FPIU that has heated steering. I need to get the same clockspring you have in the video for the heated steering connector to the steering wheel. Do you know if your FPIU had the connector on the harness to connect to the clockspring for the heated steering wheel? I know I will probably also have to get the HSWM but I haven't dug behind my head unit to check. Just wondering if I'll also have to get a separate wiring harness to route from the HSW module to the clockspring. Thanks!
Hmmm. Good question. If the harness for the heated steering wheel was stashed somewhere on the steering column, I never noticed it.
I would assume your new heated steering wheel would have the harness for the “steering wheel side” of the clockspring, but I am not sure how to install the harness for the “steering column side.” Do you think you will need a different Steering Column Control Module?
@@reidthemanual Correct, the heated steering wheel has the additional connector which handles Heat/Heat Return, Temp/Thermometer Sensor/Return.
According to the diagram I have, steering wheel connector plugs into the clock spring, and the clock spring connects to the Heated Steering Wheel module.
The heated steering wheel module (HSWM) has wiring going to the Module Communication network (MS CAN +/-), the Body Control Module, and to ground.
According to another diagram I have, the location of the HSWM is behind the head unit/radio, so I may try looking behind there to see if the module is installed with the required wiring stashed away, though I doubt it as Forscan doesn't show the module, but that doesn't mean it isn't there, maybe it just isn't plugged in at all. I'll update once I check.
On a side note, there's a website with ALL the wiring diagrams for 2016-2019 Explorers, including a chart showing where all the wiring/components go. I don't know if RUclips will let me post the link in the comments, but if you do a search for 'Cardiagn 2016-2019 Explorer' it should be the first google search result. I can also link you a google drive folder that has all of the pdfs downloaded. Could prove useful in future videos, for example I got 10-way powered seats + climate control from a salvage 2017 XLT but the wiring harness in my FPIU doesn't support anything more than the power seat functions. I'd love to see a video of that as it would help me greatly haha.
But I do not think I will need a different Steering Column Control Module, at-least according to the diagram for 'Adjustable Steering Column' on that website.
That is great to know. I had to add “wiring diagrams” to the Google search for the Cardigan website to come up, but I think I found what you’re referring to. Thanks for sharing this resource!
Wow! You are perfect with your directions.
Great video breakdown. Thank you for making. I'll be changing mine tomorrow. Took all the guess work out. Being as I ordered one that was for a heated steering wheel as well.
Awesome! Yeah, the clocksprings for the heated steering wheels are cheaper for some reason.
Exactly why I bought it. Lol.
@@reidthemanualis there any functional capability difference in the version with the heated wheel plugs as far as on-wheel buttons goes as far as you know? I just ordered the less expensive “heated wheel”clockspring for my ‘16 XLT and am hoping all of my right side on-wheel buttons will again return to functioning. Sync voice, volume, 4 way keypad.
I’m getting some pushback from my Ford parts counter in placing my order because they’re telling me it’s not the right one for my vehicle but it is $50 cheaper so I’m going with that one.
@@jdkjwright Even though I do not have a heated steering wheel, I ordered and installed the clockspring for the heated steering wheel and everything works great! All ~22 buttons work as intended. Granted, you have a few different buttons than I do (I do not have SYNC), but as far as I can tell they just add the 2 wires for the heating element so you *should* be good.
I needed this for my 2013 Ford Police Interceptor Sedan. The Explorer and Taurus are the same platform and the steering wheels are interchangeable.
Glad it helped you! Thanks for commenting. :)
Very thorough. Where is the steering wheel angle position sensor on the ford explorer? I have a 2016 xlt 3.5 and I’ve been told mine may be bad as all of my traction assist lights and warning populate on start up. I have found the part itself for purchase but I cannot find where mine is located. I was also told by one part supplier that it was integrated in the clock spring. Could you clarify by chance?
The steering wheel position sensor is NOT the same thing as the clockspring; although, they do appear similar at first. I never removed (or even inspected) the position sensor, but I believe it is “under” the steering column control module (SCCM).
The SCCM is what the clock spring screws to. If you remove the SCCM, then I think you will find the position sensor behind it. So, you’ll need to do everything I did in the video plus a little more. You can do it! :)
Thank you. I’ve already pulled and removed and swapped the SCCM out when I did the clock spring just to be safe and it’s just the steering wheel mounting post and then the manual tilt/ telescope portion and then the spindle that drops down to the dust cover. I have never been so confused. And your videos are awesome. I didn’t think to mention the change to the SCCM my apologies.
Troy, is there any chance that someone had been in there and removed the position sensor in the past? Did you buy the vehicle with the warning lights already on?
Much to my dismay yes to the lights. My partner bought it and now I’m trying to sort it out. It is very possible that someone tried to correct the clock spring before and maybe pulled both out not knowing and never realized but where would it plug in? I have no unused connectors. I appreciate the insight and time.
I also bought a whole steering column from a scrap yard so I could tear it apart and see what I was working with before I tore into the actual column on the explorer and it was set up and configured the exact same way.
Im in the middle of doing this swap as I comment here. The new part looks identical as the old. However, there are 2 skinny plastic pieces on the back side of the new one that are longer than the original part. So I can't push it on when installing. I guess I'll just cut them down to same length as the original. Did you have that problem by chance?
I wish we were able to post pictures to our comments to help
Happen to have a tool list? Got a trip coming up and would love to have cruise control for it.
I need to replace the power pedal switch. Do you think it’s possible to remove the shroud without removing the steering wheel?
could this be the reason why my steering control buttons are not working?
Absolutely! My steering wheel-mounted radio controls did not work (even though they were illuminated at night) because of the bad clock spring. After replacing the clock spring, everything works perfectly!
If replacing the airbag due to a discharge, do you have to reset the control module, With a diagnostics or scan tool?
@@SeanMolby I am honestly not sure. I have never had to replace an airbag myself but have heard that some people have had problems with side airbags not being recognized after being swapped (when upgrading seats from cloth to leather). It seems there might be some amount of “programming” required to mate airbags with your vehicle…. but I don’t know more than that.
great job man, I think I can do that.
Go for it! And thanks for commenting.
Doyou know if the 2014 is the same part ?
@@jorgegonzalez2508 I believe the 2011-2015 Explorers had a different style airbag connector. You’ll need to get the right clockspring so your airbags will work.
Thanks my friend.
You’re welcome, Thomas. Thanks for watching. 🙂
Any idea if a 2015 airbag would work on a 2018?
From what I’ve seen, the 2013-2015 Explorers and 2016-2019 Explorers have different driver’s airbag connectors, so, no, unfortunately a 2015 airbag will not work on a 2016 Explorer.
Excelente 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Angel sensor where is the location explorer 2016
Hello. Can you clarify your question? I’m not sure what you’re looking for?
Grandioso 🎉🎉🎉🎉