Is it necessary to remove the steering wheel to replace the multi-function switch? If it is so be it.
The A1 Auto video I watched shows having to remove the steering wheel but I know in many of their
videos they show unnecessary/unneeded parts removal.

 

I would say no, if your's is like my 2004 F150. I just removed the plastic clamshell around the steering column. My procedure is below.

Removed the two 7 mm hex screws underneath, then removed the plastic panel below the steering wheel.

Next loosened the bottom of the plastic clamshell surrounding the steering column by removing one 5.5 mm hex screw from underneath.

Then firmly pushed on the sides of the bottom in order to access and unscrew the two T20 screws holding the top part. See two photos. NOTE: Disregard that these photos were taken with the bottom off.

You then can remove the combination switch. See photo.

Removing the left screw holding the top part.

Removing the right screw holding the top part.

The combination switch


When reassembling, fit the two parts of the clamshell together on the column before attaching any screws. Then push hard on the sides of the bottom part in order to reconnect the T20 screws to the top part. To then attach the bottom part, align and position the left side, then use a flat head screwdriver to pry on the bottom right side to align and position it.

Hope this helps.

 

The service manual has you start with removing the airbag and steering wheel, but looking at the diagram for the switches it's not apparent if that it is strictly necessary.
It looks like 1 screw under the lower shroud cover and then pinch at the joint between the upper and lower to get it to drop down, then 2 screws hold the upper shroud onto the column, then it looks like the multifunction switch is just clipped in place? The diagram doesn't show fasteners so I dunno how it's retained.

 

I did this recently, no need to remove air bag or steering wheel, just the clam shell / shroud. Not hard at all.
Goodluck.

 

Thank you for the replies. I figured it wasn't necessary to remove the steering wheel.

I just found this video searching while searching for a replacement switch. I figured I post it for future searches.