Removal and Installation

2007 Ford Escape Base, 2.3 Z, FWD, AutomaticSECTION Removal and Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. Avoid exposing any modules to static electrical charges, as this may cause damage to the modules.

    All vehicles 

  1. Place the floor shift transmission range selector lever in the 1 position.
  2. Depower the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
  3. If equipped, remove the floor console. For additional information, refer to CONSOLE - FLOOR .
  4. From under the hood, loosen the bolt and disconnect the LH bulkhead electrical connector.
    • To install, tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).
      Fig 1: Loosening Bolt
      G04586137Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Release the retainers and position the bulkhead electrical connector through the dash panel.
  6. Vehicles with Police option 

  7. Remove the battery junction box (BJB) wiring harness ties, disconnect the electrical connector and position the harness aside.
    Fig 2: Disconnecting Electrical Connector And Position Harness Aside
    G04586138Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. All vehicles 

  9. Remove the 2 pin-type retainers, disconnect the power point electrical connector and remove the RH instrument panel lower insulator.
  10. Disconnect the RH lower instrument panel courtesy lamp.
  11. Position the LH and RH front door weatherstrip seals aside.
  12. Remove the LH and RH scuff plates.
  13. Remove the LH and RH A-pillar lower trim panels.
  14. Disconnect the antenna cable in-line connector.
  15. Remove the 3 RH instrument panel wiring harness ground bolts.
    • To install, tighten to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).
  16. Disconnect the 3 RH instrument panel wiring harness electrical connectors.
  17. If equipped, disconnect the electronic automatic temperature control (EATC) hose from the evaporator housing.
    Fig 3: Connecting EATC Hose To Evaporator Housing
    G04586139Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  18. Disconnect the climate control head vacuum harness connector.
  19. Remove the pin-type retainer and the instrument panel steering column cover.
  20. Remove the 5 screws and the instrument panel steering column reinforcement.
    • To install, tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).
  21. Remove the nut and position the steering column brace aside.
    • To install, tighten to 28 Nm (21 lb-ft).
  22. Remove and discard the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
    • Separate the intermediate shaft from the steering column shaft.
    • To install, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
  23. If equipped with a steering column shift, disconnect the transmission shift cable from the steering column.
    1. Disconnect the cable from the steering column shift tube lever.
    2. Disconnect the cable from the steering column bracket.
      Fig 4: Disconnecting Shift Cable From Steering Column Bracket
      G04586140Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  24. If equipped with a floor shift, disconnect the transmission shift cable.
    • Disconnect the cable from the floor shift.
    • Remove the cable from the retainer.
      Fig 5: Disconnecting Cable From Floor Shift
      G04586141Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  25. Disconnect the 3 LH instrument panel wiring harness electrical connectors.
  26. If equipped with a floor console shift, remove the pin-type retainer and position the carpet aside.
  27. If equipped with steering column shift, remove the pin-type retainer and the instrument panel tunnel brace cover.
  28. Remove the 4 nuts and the instrument panel tunnel brace.
    • To install, tighten to 24 Nm (18 lb-ft).
  29. Remove the defroster opening grille.
    • If equipped, disconnect the electrical connectors.
  30. Remove the 3 instrument panel cowl top screws.
    • To install, tighten to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).
  31. Remove the RH instrument panel cowl side lower nut.
    • To install, tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
  32. Remove the LH instrument panel cowl side upper nut.
    • To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
      Fig 6: Removing Upper LH Instrument Panel Cowl Side Nut
      G04586142Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  33. Remove the LH instrument panel cowl side lower bolt.
    • To install, tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
  34. NOTE: Two technicians are needed to carry out this step.
  35. Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
  36. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.