need help with cruise control
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Freshman User
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From: Alpine, Tx
need help with cruise control
Just bought the 03 listed in my signature line, and I just found out that the cruise control isn't working, so started trying to troubleshoot anything obvious.
When I switch it on, I get no cluster light that the manual shows to be to the right of the brake light. When I turn the key to run, it never lights up, so am guessing the bulb is bad.
Can't see how a bad bulb would keep the system from activating, so am thinking I have bigger issues. I pulled the fuse panel, but the manual does not have a listing for speed control. Can someone tell me which fuse it is combined into?
Also need the skinny on how to change the bulb. Can I reach my hand behind there? does the cluster have to come out? Just need some pointers to get me started in the right direction. Last question.
What is the most likely culprit for non functioning cruise? A module? Perhaps the switch in the steering wheel?
When I switch it on, I get no cluster light that the manual shows to be to the right of the brake light. When I turn the key to run, it never lights up, so am guessing the bulb is bad.
Can't see how a bad bulb would keep the system from activating, so am thinking I have bigger issues. I pulled the fuse panel, but the manual does not have a listing for speed control. Can someone tell me which fuse it is combined into?
Also need the skinny on how to change the bulb. Can I reach my hand behind there? does the cluster have to come out? Just need some pointers to get me started in the right direction. Last question.
What is the most likely culprit for non functioning cruise? A module? Perhaps the switch in the steering wheel?
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From: Billings, Montana
Check to see if the recall harness has been put on, if so the fuse in the harness might be bad, also it could be unplugged from the switch on the master cylinder. Read through this post for guidance. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-vehicles.html
Ford Recall List: Vehicles included in Ford's Switch Recall
Recalled Vehicle Model Years
Ford Econoline 1992-2003
Ford Excursion (diesel) 2000-2003
Ford Explorer 1995-2002
Mercury Mountaineer 1997 & 2002
Ford F-Series Super Duty (diesel) 1993-1997, 1999-2003
Ford F53 Motorhome 1994
Ford Ranger 1005-1997, 2001-2003
Ford Windstar 1995-2003
Ford Recall List: Vehicles included in Ford's Switch Recall
Recalled Vehicle Model Years
Ford Econoline 1992-2003
Ford Excursion (diesel) 2000-2003
Ford Explorer 1995-2002
Mercury Mountaineer 1997 & 2002
Ford F-Series Super Duty (diesel) 1993-1997, 1999-2003
Ford F53 Motorhome 1994
Ford Ranger 1005-1997, 2001-2003
Ford Windstar 1995-2003
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From: Isanti, MN
Hi piperpilot,
The most common problem with these is the deactivation switch on the back of the master cylinder. The factory part has been known to fail, and when this happens it can start a fire if the recall hasn't been completed. The first thing to do is unplug the sensor and check to see if there is brake fluid in the harness; if there is then you know that's your problem!
The part is cheap through Amazon, this is what you would need:
The most common problem with these is the deactivation switch on the back of the master cylinder. The factory part has been known to fail, and when this happens it can start a fire if the recall hasn't been completed. The first thing to do is unplug the sensor and check to see if there is brake fluid in the harness; if there is then you know that's your problem!
The part is cheap through Amazon, this is what you would need:
Thread Starter
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From: Alpine, Tx
Hi piperpilot,
The most common problem with these is the deactivation switch on the back of the master cylinder. The factory part has been known to fail, and when this happens it can start a fire if the recall hasn't been completed. The first thing to do is unplug the sensor and check to see if there is brake fluid in the harness; if there is then you know that's your problem!
The part is cheap through Amazon, this is what you would need:
Amazon.com: Motorcraft SW-6350 Brake Repair Kit: Automotive
The most common problem with these is the deactivation switch on the back of the master cylinder. The factory part has been known to fail, and when this happens it can start a fire if the recall hasn't been completed. The first thing to do is unplug the sensor and check to see if there is brake fluid in the harness; if there is then you know that's your problem!
The part is cheap through Amazon, this is what you would need:
Amazon.com: Motorcraft SW-6350 Brake Repair Kit: Automotive
Tom,
Thank you for such a quick response. I went out, and saw that there indeed was an add on harness with a blue tag attached. There is an inline fuse that the tag says is not serviceable.
When I unplugged the harness from the sensor, I got a couple of drips of oil, and the connector is a mess with oil. This would help explain why the reservoir was low! I actually pulled the wheels off to see if perhaps the pads were worn. It was the only reason I could think of that would lower the fluid so much.
I did notice the oily residue below the area in question, but assumed it was from the power steering reservoir. I had already ordered a new one because it has a small leak also.
So anyways, I ordered a new one from Amazon Prime that you so kindly provided me with the link to.
Sure hope this fixes it. Part will be here Wed.
Good job!
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Alpine, Tx
Check to see if the recall harness has been put on, if so the fuse in the harness might be bad, also it could be unplugged from the switch on the master cylinder. Read through this post for guidance. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-vehicles.html
Ford Recall List: Vehicles included in Ford's Switch Recall
Recalled Vehicle Model Years
Ford Econoline 1992-2003
Ford Excursion (diesel) 2000-2003
Ford Explorer 1995-2002
Mercury Mountaineer 1997 & 2002
Ford F-Series Super Duty (diesel) 1993-1997, 1999-2003
Ford F53 Motorhome 1994
Ford Ranger 1005-1997, 2001-2003
Ford Windstar 1995-2003
Ford Recall List: Vehicles included in Ford's Switch Recall
Recalled Vehicle Model Years
Ford Econoline 1992-2003
Ford Excursion (diesel) 2000-2003
Ford Explorer 1995-2002
Mercury Mountaineer 1997 & 2002
Ford F-Series Super Duty (diesel) 1993-1997, 1999-2003
Ford F53 Motorhome 1994
Ford Ranger 1005-1997, 2001-2003
Ford Windstar 1995-2003
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
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From: Alpine, Tx
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Super Moderator
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From: Isanti, MN
That thing looks really nice! Let us know how it turns out; this repair is about as simple as it gets.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
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From: Alpine, Tx
Also, what about the cluster light not illuminating?
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From: Isanti, MN
[QUOTE=piperpilot;13723438]Why would it need repaired again? Is the design bad, and the brake fluid keeps eating them up? Or is the sendor switch the original one, and the recall only added the harness???[QUOTE]
Precisely right, the recall involved the technician checking to see if the switch had failed. If it had they installed a new switch and the harness; if not they left the switch and replaced just the harness.
That was exactly the symptom for mine; I got no light whatsoever until I made the repair. And then on the test drive I thought it didn't work because I didn't see the "CRUISE" light come on when I pressed the "on" switch. That's because the "CRUISE" light doesn't come on until you press the "set" button and the system engages. At least that's how it worked on my '00 Excursion. 
Precisely right, the recall involved the technician checking to see if the switch had failed. If it had they installed a new switch and the harness; if not they left the switch and replaced just the harness.
Originally Posted by piperpilot
Also, what about the cluster light not illuminating?
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
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From: Alpine, Tx
[QUOTE=Tom;13723456][QUOTE=piperpilot;13723438]Why would it need repaired again? Is the design bad, and the brake fluid keeps eating them up? Or is the sendor switch the original one, and the recall only added the harness???
Precisely right, the recall involved the technician checking to see if the switch had failed. If it had they installed a new switch and the harness; if not they left the switch and replaced just the harness.
That was exactly the symptom for mine; I got no light whatsoever until I made the repair. And then on the test drive I thought it didn't work because I didn't see the "CRUISE" light come on when I pressed the "on" switch. That's because the "CRUISE" light doesn't come on until you press the "set" button and the system engages. At least that's how it worked on my '00 Excursion.
Thanks, that explains it most likely. I still am thinking that the bulb should light up for a self check when the key is turned on, but perhaps not all the bulbs are supposed to. maybe only critical ones huh?
What is the best manual to purchase? I looked on fleabay, and there are cd's less than $40. Any good?
Precisely right, the recall involved the technician checking to see if the switch had failed. If it had they installed a new switch and the harness; if not they left the switch and replaced just the harness.
That was exactly the symptom for mine; I got no light whatsoever until I made the repair. And then on the test drive I thought it didn't work because I didn't see the "CRUISE" light come on when I pressed the "on" switch. That's because the "CRUISE" light doesn't come on until you press the "set" button and the system engages. At least that's how it worked on my '00 Excursion.
What is the best manual to purchase? I looked on fleabay, and there are cd's less than $40. Any good?
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Posts: 2,813
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From: Billings, Montana
Boy that thing's in nice shape, good score. As far as the switch, Ford didn't want to deal with replacing the switch itself probably because it would have been much more involved (i.e. draining the master cylinder, bleeding the brakes etc.) so they just put a bandaid on it in the form of the fused harness. This particular switch was one that was made by Texas Instruments, if you get a replacement that's not made by them you shouldn't have any more issues with it.
Thanks guys...
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,813
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From: Billings, Montana
Great, glad we could help, thanks for letting us know how things turned out for you.
