I am going to replace the cruise control buttons/switches on the '97 Ranger: I need to know what I have to remove to get to THE SCREWS that hold the switches on? Thanks Very Much!!

 

The cruise switches/buttons on alot of Rangers and Explorers seem to be some kind of vinyl covered deal and they seem to disentigrate over time and use-not sure why though-all of my other Ford cars and my F350 seem to have hard plastic buttons-there seems to be 2 covered bolts on the sides of the steering wheel/air bag-I believe I've heard hat the air bag must be removed to access the bolts/screws for the crise switches...anyone know for sure how to do ths?? Thanks!

 

Remove 2 bolts on the sides of the rear part of steering wheel (they are torx head, under cover plugs) remove air bag assy and carefully rest on top of steering column. Screws for switches will be fully exposed now.
Good luck finding good switches with good lights in the J-yard........I went to a electronics supply house to find similar ones to adapt to the tiny sockets.

 

When I had my old Ranger all I did was remove the old buttons and left the old wire harness in place. I added the new buttons to the old wire harness. It took longer to move the airbag than adding the buttons. I found the new cruise control buttons/switches on eBay.

 

Thanks guys!!!! I ened up getting a nice used set off Ebay shipped to my door for $29.00!!