So while I wait for everything in my area to thaw out so I can work on the van in above-0 temperatures, I need to hunt down whatever I need to put cruise control in my 02 E150. I haven't been able to find plug and play parts online. I'm guessing there is a module and a control switch? Can anyone help steer me in the right direction?

 

I'm assuming you mean refitting the factory cruise control system to your existing van? BTW before the PC Vehicle Police come down on you Ford calls that Vehicle Speed Control, aka VSC.

Before you go any further first check on the left/drivers side inner fender, just below the coolant reservoir for a plug looking like this:




This is that plug as it comes from the factory without VSC:





If that plug isn't present you will have to use an aftermarket VSC or CC unit/system.

Let me know what you've got and we'll go from there.

 

Ahh, that might be why I couldn't find anything. I'll go check in a little bit here to confirm.

 

That plug is in fact present.

 

It is indeed---good news because otherwise you'd be SOL trying to fit the factory VSC to that chassis.

Now you need to search for the factory kit originally available or a reasonable copy of it. This would include a new steering wheel, clockspring, the throttle control servo and several cables connecting that servo to the throttle cam. I don't have the Ford part number for that kit but do be advised knowing your year is vital to buying the correct kit---they do NOT interchange across several years, at least not of your particular year.

SCS/Fridgette was the OEM for that kit but they're long ago out of business. I'm not sure if anything is still out there that will work, at least not OEM.

Call a dealer and get the part number then Google search the day away looking for a new one sitting on a shelf gathering dust. Expect to pay between $200 & $400 for a new kit.

 

I am going to try and help him out with used parts from my van if they will work.

My van should have everything he needs unless the model year difference shows otherwise.

The Big Gulp will live on in many others.

 

Looking at the parts online: VSC System

There appears to be different components for different engines, but they have the same part number. I have the little one(4.2 v6), so I will get on the phone first chance I get today and try to figure this out.

 

The part number is/will be the defining element whether it works with your chassis electrical system. Subtle changes each year made them almost completely incompatible, at least to the average guy. Changes needed tend to be beyond most people's skill or interest levels, especially if the correct kit can be found.

 

The part numbers were the same for the two years(and this was all that was listed on the 4.2l v6). There were different parts for the v8's, but they had the same part number(descriptions were different):

9A825 Cruise Control Actuator
9A825 Cruise Control Actuator 9C735 Cruise Control Servo
9C736 Cruise Control Servo Bracket
9C887 Cruise Control Wire Extension
9C966 Cruise Control Valve Cable Clip
9F924 Cruise Control Cutout Switch

These are additional parts on the 97 E350 V10 that weren't listed on the :

9A839 Cruise Control Feed Wire
9A840 Speed Control Wire Assembly
9A840 Speed Control Wire Assembly
9A896 Cruise Control Servo Seal
9C887 Cruise Control Wire Extension
9D816 Cruise Control Switch Bracket

 

I can't speak to the individual parts because I used the complete kit. It included everything needed to install the VSC after manufactured.

 

Is there a part number for the whole kit? I am not finding anything. Found them for later vans. 05 and up models.

 

Where are you looking? If only online you're not likely to find anything as it requires a bit of sleuthing. Part number for a kit that fits only the '97 chassis is: F7UZ-9A818-AAW HOWEVER that fits ONLY that year!! Those numbers are to narrow you down into the appropriate "group" of Ford parts that are specific to VSC systems. In fact the "9A818" should be a common element in most parts related to VSC.

The '05 systems are shown because they're only just now close to being made obsolete by Ford or its suppliers---nearing the 10 year requirement for vehicle support and repair parts mandated by the Feds. Add to that beginning in '05 throttle control became the "drive by wire" type which means a whole new VSC system too.

You will need to contact one or more Ford dealerships and ask them for the OEM VSC add-on kit for your year chassis. Through their network they're able to query almost every other stealership's inventory across the USA checking if anyone has one still on the shelf.

Online only works for readily available parts still in manufacture or those recently discontinued or have become unavailable.

 

Apologies to the OP for the minor derailment.

Let's try to keep things on topic to help katoranger.

 

Actually I was trying to help the OP. Dhuskic. Probably more my fault for getting it off topic.

 

Nope...your input was fine. We just had a tiny hiccup along the way is all.