First of all thanks for everyones help!!. The problem is in the wiring harness.. the plastic end that clips into the multifunction switch is no good. There are plastic tabs that hold the wires in place and most of them are broken off and the wires pop out when you tilt the wheel. I will have to wait till monday to call ford to see if that end is actually a part or if i will have to order the whole harness??.. Those wires were not given much freedom to move when the wheel was tilted, putting alot of strain on the wires and the clips.... Have a great weekend!!.....Ed

Glad you found the problem. I guess I must have looked at the book wrong as far as the steering wheel removal. I am glad you don't have to remove it. I do have a question though on the upper steering wheel cover. It seems that the ignition switch collar is holding mine on. How did you remove that upper shroud??Cheers

I was reading your turn signal problem and wanted to let you know I had to take my 2001 sport trac in twice for turn signal problems. The dealership accused me of going into the panel. It was a 5.00 part that cost me over a $100 worth of labor. It happens about every two years to me. Sounds exactly what you are saying that the tilting of the wheel chaffs the wires and eventually cuts them. Not sure if this helps at all, but wanted to let you know.

Snooky, all you have to do is pull the outer cover of the ignition switch off, its snug but pulls off.
then you can get the top of the shroud off. Also anyone else having the same problems with the wiring as i did, the replacement pig tail comes with wires allready attached that are a couple of inches long so there is more room for everything to move when tilting the wheel. Cost from the dealer was 23.60 OTD...........Ed

Again, opening my mouth before I investigate; I hate that. Thanks for the info, and I do have the same problem, the wires are just falling out of the plastic retainer. I know I will kick myself tomorrow for asking this question, but you get the pigtail with the wires; then what? Do you have to splice them in, or is there a connection at the other end. ??

Snooky, if you have not already taken things apart, when you do you will have to splice each wire. but be carefull and take your time, because the pig tail wires are all white!!......
Hope this helps!!........Ed