I heard on the news that Ford is recalling all of the vehicles that were previously recalled because of the cruise control problem. They said that the replacement harness is faulty and needs to be replaced. Anyone else heard of this???

EDIT: Just found this...

The Ford Motor Co. has concluded that the recall to prevent a faulty cruise control system from erupting in flames is ineffective in almost 225,000 of the almost 11 million Ford vehicles recalled because of a fire hazard since 1999. As a result, Ford is issuing a second recall for the almost 225,000 vehicles that were previously recalled for a faulty cruise control system that might fail and cause the vehicle to burn even when parked and turned off.

Ford vehicles covered by the new recall include the gasoline-powered 1992 to 2003 Econoline, 1992 to 1998 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, 1993 Bronco, 1995 to 1997 F series pick up, 1993 F series pick up, the 1993 to 1995 Taurus SHO and the 1992 to 1995 Town Car.

The vehicles now recalled for a second time were part of the massive and often confusing Ford recalls since 1999 because of the faulty cruise system which failed and Ford vehicles and consumer homes ablaze.

Ford initially repaired the vehicles by installing a wiring harness around the cruise control switch. The automaker has now concluded the harness does not function properly in roughly 225,000 vehicles. The wiring harness installed on the eight models built between 1992 and 2003 is not compatible with the vehicle electrical system.

The harnesses Ford thought would alleviate the fire danger apparently contain an improperly placed fuse which does not offer sufficient protection if there is an electrical short circuit.

Ford plans to delay notification for vehicle owners until formally reporting the recall failure to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well as providing Ford dealers with accurate service repair information.

In the meantime, Ford has continued to advise owners to have a dealer disconnect the cruise control system.


http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...ew_recall.html

 

I'm seriously going to explore the idea of wiring the deactivation switch to the brake light switch and see if it's possible. If it is then you wouldn't have to worry about the pressure switch.

 

thanks for the heads up.

 

I'm just gonna unplug mine in the morning and not worry about it.

Ford has something up on there website also.....

http://www.ford.com/dynamic/metatags..._recall_update

 

If this recall has not been done please check in with your local ford dealer. I had worked on a expediton that had lit on fire on me while working on it to do the recall. Reason the truck catches fire is because of a defective deactivation switch that is mounted on the Master Cylinder. The switch has a seal in it that goes up and leaks in to the electronic portion. If you look under your hood and see that the switch is wet. If it is wet Unplug right away it is a fire waiting to happen. Your Ford Dealer will install a new switch with a jumper harness which has a fusable link in it. Takes only minutes to do and of no cost to you.

 

BroncoChris, Does this mean that I can go in and have this done now. Ford's the link posted above to Ford's website says that the parts will be available soon. I already went and had the fusable link added. What's wrong with this fix, does the fuse not blow when its supposed to?

 

All the dealerships around here don't have the harness as of yet (first is was late October last year, then after christmas, now they're saying it'll be around March). Now if they're having to replace the first harness that was suppose to fix this problem, then this will make it even worse.

On a side note, I explored the idea of wiring up the brake light switch to de-activate the cruise control but ran into a problem. The brake pressure switch is normally closed and opens when you step on the brake and thus breaks the circuit. The brake light switch is normally open and doesn't complete its circuit until the brake pedal is depressed. See the problem?

 

This kinda stuff makes me glad I have a '92, despite the speed density and batch firing systems. I've had absolutely no problems with my cruise control or wiring in the 15+ years I've had my truck (bought it new in November 1992), with the exception of a failed battery cable clamp last year, and an "almost" failed starter solenoid connection. The worst problem, if I can call it that, is that with the manual transmission, going down hill, there's a slight oscillation in the cruise because of the engine braking effect of a manual transmission. While noticeable, it isn't bad enough to let the bunch of monkeys at a Ford stealership put their hands on it. Apparently, the manual transmission equipped trucks must have TWO switches, one for the brake, one for the clutch. Just be REAL careful about pushing the clutch in with cruise on if the truck is laboring up hill. It takes a little while for the servo to collapse and let go of the throttle, and it'll turn up some SERIOUS RPM if it's clutched without turning off cruise first.

 

Mine has been fixed also because of the first recall, but I unplugged mine. I'm not taking any chances. I hardly use my cruise anyways. I'll wait and see if I hear from Ford about this.

 

The first harness was made only for the first recall. The new recall covers more than what was orginally on the first list. The first list was only on the F150/Expediton from 96 to 2003. Now it is on most of the 90's Ford products. Please see your dealer and they will make a work order for it. When the part comes in they will call you to come in.

 

I am so glad i got an XL and not the XLT!!!

 

Thanks for the update! I guess i will have to take it back in once again!

 

no problem.

 

Well, I use my 2000 Mountaineer alot on the highway and use the cruise alot to keep my speed down and mileage manageable. I hate the thought of not having the cruise. On my 93 F150XL I have cruise too, but I almost never use the cruise on it, so I don't mind them pulling that one. I'd almost rather take my chances with the 2000 as I don't see any leaking and have had none of the signs that Broncochris mentioned. I'm torn on this myself.

 

Just keep watch of it when it starts leaking unplug it. When it leaks the sensor over heats and catches on fire.