Cruise Control quit
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,943
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Cruise Control quit
Hi all,
The cruise control on my '88 e250 just quit working. It was fine Saturday when I parked it and not Sunday. I did pull my small trailer Sunday, so I thought it was probably something loose/messed up in the trailer wiring that was causing it....but even after unhooking the trailer the cruise is gone.
I am going to check the fuses etc this evening, but if that's not it do you have any ideas? Is there a good way to check the steering wheel buttons?
Any other good places to check? I was thinking it could be something in the vacuum system, but the brakes and shifting all seem normal.
Thanks
The cruise control on my '88 e250 just quit working. It was fine Saturday when I parked it and not Sunday. I did pull my small trailer Sunday, so I thought it was probably something loose/messed up in the trailer wiring that was causing it....but even after unhooking the trailer the cruise is gone.
I am going to check the fuses etc this evening, but if that's not it do you have any ideas? Is there a good way to check the steering wheel buttons?
Any other good places to check? I was thinking it could be something in the vacuum system, but the brakes and shifting all seem normal.
Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,914
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From: Thomaston
Do you have the Ford manual? Very good section on cruise control. Not sure if the info from my manual would be the same due to c6 vs e4od. I replaced switches, module and the speed sensor on the transmission
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
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I was going to check the fuse and then dig into the steering wheel buttons. I haven't had the steering wheel off in a while, so my memory is pretty foggy. I was thinking that there were spade connectors for the buttons. I was going to switch the one from the "Set" button to the "Resume" button to hopefully see if it is a broken "Set" button. The "Set" button definitely feels much more worn than the others when I push it, but if it was the button going out I would think that it would have started as an intermittent thing instead of an all or nothing thing.
Just kinda bummed since I really don't like having to track this kind of stuff down......especially with the limited access in the van body.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Thomaston
here a link for an 86
FORD 1986 Bronco, Econoline E150-E350 & F150-F350 Pick Up Truck Shop Manual CD | eBay
FORD 1986 Bronco, Econoline E150-E350 & F150-F350 Pick Up Truck Shop Manual CD | eBay
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Thomaston
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
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I went through all the fuses and they are okay. I pulled the buttons on the steering wheel, but I haven't messed with them yet.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Fairmount, Georgia
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
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Yes, but the brakes and trans still work the same.....so I dont think it is vacuum issue.
It's just weird that it was fine one day and gone the next. Made me think it was a fuse or burned out bulb or something.
It's just weird that it was fine one day and gone the next. Made me think it was a fuse or burned out bulb or something.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 515
From: Edmond, OK
I have intermittent problems with the cruise on my 86 F250. I haven't done any trouble shooting yet but I'm willing to bet it's due to a corroded ground. I was doing some reading on our website and apparently that is a common problem with Ford trucks.
I disconnected the ground on both of my batteries yesterday when I removed the fuel pump (air intrusion through the water separator). I was surprised that the negative cables were so worn and corroded.
Regardless, I'm going to do some serious electrical work on my 86 F250 soon. Maybe your van is having a similar problem.
I disconnected the ground on both of my batteries yesterday when I removed the fuel pump (air intrusion through the water separator). I was surprised that the negative cables were so worn and corroded.
Regardless, I'm going to do some serious electrical work on my 86 F250 soon. Maybe your van is having a similar problem.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2011
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Check the parking brake light circuit. That 'brake' light on your dash(which could also have a burnt out bulb) will prevent the cruise from engaging.
Also, check the brake pedal. I believe there's a physical vacuum switch on the lever which dumps all the vacuum if you press the brake. If it's mis-adjusted, you won't have any vacuum getting to the cruise diaphram.
Also, check the brake pedal. I believe there's a physical vacuum switch on the lever which dumps all the vacuum if you press the brake. If it's mis-adjusted, you won't have any vacuum getting to the cruise diaphram.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,986
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From: Edmond, OK
Hugh, thanks for posting the Cruise Control pdf. That should help when I start troubleshooting the cruise in my 86 (probably quite similar). 
First I need to install a new water separator and mechanical lift pump though.
First I need to install a new water separator and mechanical lift pump though.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,072
Likes: 48
From: California
Check the parking brake light circuit. That 'brake' light on your dash(which could also have a burnt out bulb) will prevent the cruise from engaging.
Also, check the brake pedal. I believe there's a physical vacuum switch on the lever which dumps all the vacuum if you press the brake. If it's mis-adjusted, you won't have any vacuum getting to the cruise diaphram.
Also, check the brake pedal. I believe there's a physical vacuum switch on the lever which dumps all the vacuum if you press the brake. If it's mis-adjusted, you won't have any vacuum getting to the cruise diaphram.
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pattyegenlauf
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Jul 4, 2011 08:20 AM