I just did some research on this fault a few days ago and posted my findings on a different message board. I am copying that information here for the benefit of this forum's members.
From the NHTSA website (ODI - Office of Defects Investigations):
NHTSA Action Number : PE04078 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make : FORD Model: F150
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY Year : 2000
Component : SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Date Investigation Opened : November 19, 2004
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
ODI HAS RECEIVED 36 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 FORD F-150 PICKUP TRUCKS AND SIMILARLY EQUIPPED EXPEDITION AND NAVIGATOR FULL-SIZE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES IN WHICH THE LOCATION, PRIOR SYMPTOMS, OR CIRCUMSTANCES ARE CONSISTENT WITH SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRES. THIRTY-THREE OF THE INCIDENTS WERE REPORTED TO ODI WITHIN THE LAST 12 MONTHS. ALL OF THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE IGNITION OFF. TWENTY-FOUR OF THE FIRES ALLEGEDLY ORIGINATED IN THE LEFT-REAR QUADRANT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND 16 OF THESE REPORTED CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE PRIOR TO THE FIRE, A SYMPTOM OF A SHORTED SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THREE OF THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANTS HOME. ODI HAS ALSO REVIEWED INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY FORD REGARDING EARLY WARNING FIRE REPORTS IN F-150 PICKUP TRUCKS, WHICH INDICATES THAT A DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBER OF INCIDENTS FITTING THE PATTERN OF SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRES HAD BEEN REPORTED IN MY 2000 VEHICLES. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT
I can see what I believe is to be problem both the problem and the likely solution.
The problem is the the circuit alleged to be at fault is served by a 20A fuse via the ALWAYS HOT supply. A partial short circuit of less than 20A through a combustible fluid (brake fluid) will not blow the fuse but will likely cause sufficient heat to ignite the brake fluid. This short circuit can happen at ANY TIME since the power is NEVER removed from the circuit (as long as the battery is installed and the mega-fuse is intact).
My suggestion to correct the fault would be, first of all, a better switch that is not prone to leakage, then a separated circuit protected at 5A from a SWITCHED supply to protect it from overcurrent. At a minimum, I will likely be performing the latter portion of this suggestion on my own truck. In the meantime, I am going to unplug and inspect the deactivator switch connector for any evidence of fluid leakage.
For any other F150 owners who have experienced a fire or similar symptoms, you are stongly urged to file a formal complain with the NHTSA so that they are aware of your fire and can add it to their investigation. If faults are not reported, they may not receive enough data to force corrective action by the manufacturer.
My truck had about 88,000 miles on it. Both cars were paid off too. Just finished spending most of my christmas eve car shopping. Hard part is I liked both cars but am so angry I don't want to buy another Ford. Leaning towards a Pathfinder for my wife and still no idea for me.
That's horrible.
Thanks for the warning. I'll unplug my switch since I never use cruise anyway.
They should have used a mechanical switch instead of a hydraulic unit.
Maybe I'll have to seperate our '97 and 2000 Fords so they don't fratricide (no joke, fire safety is why my garage and shops are away from the house and each other!).
[quote=Explorer97. Leaning towards a Pathfinder for my wife and still no idea for me.[/QUOTE]
I don't blame you. Unless companies are punished in the marketplace for failure they will keep blowing off quality, not to mention continue to dodge responsibility for their actions.
"In a court filing, the company said it has "incurred substantial losses in excess of $2 million as a result of these claims, and will continue to incur losses in the future."
Repeating such a design deficiency over many years is not impressive. If my Ford torched my house I'd be hunting a contingency fee lawyer and be out for blood.
Google search for various Fords (Crown Vic, Windstar, etc) and "cruise control deactivation switch".
Last edited by monckywrench; 12-24-2004 at 10:26 PM.
Reason: update
I only got my 2000 about 4 months ago from a dealer, with 64,000 miles on it, and no problems with the CC. Do you think I have a valid request that the dealer chck the switch, at no cost to me. Or if he wont do it for free should i still pay to have it checked.
I would think that would would do it for "customer service", but if not I wouldn't think the test would cost that much, plus you'll have peace of mind and a reciept for your records.
Just go out, unplug the switch connector, and look for any fluid in the connector. That's all the dealer would do anyway.
The dealer is not obligated to "check" something that is not known or believed to be faulty. It's up to you to persuade them to do so as a courtesy or goodwill gesture.
Jidst because it might currently be leak-free does not mean that it will stay that way. Your receipt would be worthless.
The report from NHTSA, identifies that there is potential for a problem, I would hope that the dealer would know about it. If not then you'll be the lucky one to inform them. Look if the truck goes up in smoke, will Ford pay for it? prob not. Your insurance will. Either way you need peace of mind , like projectSH089 says check it yourself, or if you don't feel comfotable with that , then take it to the dealer. Good luck.
The switch is easy to unplug, and if yours does not face upwards you can still look inside it with a strong light and an inspection mirror. A good one will be clean and oil-free.
"because it might currently be leak-free does not mean that it will stay that way. Your receipt would be worthless."
Quite right.
I was just listening to the radio and announcement on the news stated Ford was recalling all model year 2000 and some 2001 F150, Expeditions and Explorers. This has to do with the "cruise control" controls starting a fire which has burned vehicles to the ground. Some poor souls had vehicles parked in their garages and burned down the entire house. These fires even start when the vehicle has been turned off for the night and been sitting for hours. Unfortunately, the report didn't include the specifics on how to handle the recall if you own one of these vehicles. I guess Ford is going to contact you?? Do you just take it in and tell them to fix it under the recall I heard on the radio? I believe my 2000 F150 will fall in the recall, so I'd like to learn as much as possible. I didn't even know this problem existed!
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