I'm throwing myself on the mercy of the court.

I've searched the archives, I've scanned the current Forum with no joy.

My cruise control on the above truck just flat quit working.
(Note: one thing i HAVE seen in here leads me to add...the horn DOES work !!!!)

I have two Chilton's books that cover this truck...and they don't even mention cruise control...anywhere. Helm's says the shop manual for mine is "Out of Stock" and has not answered an email inquiring about it's availablility.

Here's a real demonstration of ignorance...since I don't even know the names of the parts: The big vaccuum unit under the hood on the driver's side...has two vacuum lines...they seem to be connected and good. I pulled the electriacl connector on the side of it..and the pins all seem to be clean and in good shape.

Where does one go from here to troubleshoot a cruise control problem like this?

I'd appraciate any assistance available.

Bob

 

did you check the fuse?

 

Your not going to find anything in those Chilton books about the cruise control. You'll have to get a hold of a Ford shop manual. Check your local library. Lots of public libraries carry shop manuals for automobiles and trucks.

 

Well.....I looked in the Chilton's and it doesn't show a fuse for the cruise control. Based on other messages here..they tend to indicate that the cruise gets it's power through the horn circuit...and the horn works so I hope a fuse is not the problem...but if you know something that I haven't covered here....I'm all ears.

Bob

 

Check the buttons out...When I bought my F250 I thought the cruise didn't work...One day it just started working...I found I had to push really hard on the on/off button....still do at times...

Just my 2 cents...

Good luck!
Phil

 

The old vacuum-type servo has always been iffy - vacuum leaks, low vacuum, going uphill for a long time, lack of use, frequent use, abuse, wiring damage, failed sensors, worn speedo gears, even a dead cruise module... Any of these will cause it to malfunction, and frequently several at once (based on the ones I've worked on). The most likely culprits are: the sensor on the bottom end of the speedo cable, and the buttons (as was suggested). Each button has a specific resistor that it connects to the module, which is how it works using only 2 contacts on the steering column. Any additional resistance, and it won't function. If the VSS on the speedo cable freezes up or goes open, the module will always think you're under 35mph and won't engage. I've even seen mud packed into the vents of the servo by wasps.

Swapping to the current electric servo isn't too difficult...