Another cruise problem
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Noxon MT
Another cruise problem
Hey all :
I’ve been lurking on this site for about a week and have gotten some great information about my cruise issues. Unfortunately I’m still stumped and would LOVE some assistance.
picked up a 2003 F-250 a few weeks ago and the horn didn’t work and airbag light was on... you guys pointed me to replace the clock spring and BAM I got a horn and no warning light.. But still no cruise.
Checked the brake pressure switch on master cylinder and it functions as intended with my meter when brake is pressed.
The two 2 amp fuses on the recall harness are fine. The brake light switch turns on the lights with no issues. All fuses under dash are fine.
When doing the cruise button test I get no lights in instrument cluster, this leads me to believe the buttons are bad??? I can hear the micro switches clicking when I press the individual buttons so I know they are not stuck.
Is there something else to check before taking the airbag out again and replacing the cruise buttons?
There doesn’t appear to be any loose connections associated with the steering column or wheel.
I’ve read about checking the servo or the cruise unit itself just not sure where is located.
Thanks for helping!,
I’ve been lurking on this site for about a week and have gotten some great information about my cruise issues. Unfortunately I’m still stumped and would LOVE some assistance.
picked up a 2003 F-250 a few weeks ago and the horn didn’t work and airbag light was on... you guys pointed me to replace the clock spring and BAM I got a horn and no warning light.. But still no cruise.
Checked the brake pressure switch on master cylinder and it functions as intended with my meter when brake is pressed.
The two 2 amp fuses on the recall harness are fine. The brake light switch turns on the lights with no issues. All fuses under dash are fine.
When doing the cruise button test I get no lights in instrument cluster, this leads me to believe the buttons are bad??? I can hear the micro switches clicking when I press the individual buttons so I know they are not stuck.
Is there something else to check before taking the airbag out again and replacing the cruise buttons?
There doesn’t appear to be any loose connections associated with the steering column or wheel.
I’ve read about checking the servo or the cruise unit itself just not sure where is located.
Thanks for helping!,
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Noxon MT
Yes, brake light works and so does cargo light. The dash switch for cargo light works as well..
im just stumped as to why I’m not getting the cluster to indicate / diagnose the cruise buttons. From what I’ve read on this site the flashing cruise indicator should tell you what’s wrong with the system. It’s my impression that Ford would run the same test to figure out the problem..... I could be wrong on this tho.
im just stumped as to why I’m not getting the cluster to indicate / diagnose the cruise buttons. From what I’ve read on this site the flashing cruise indicator should tell you what’s wrong with the system. It’s my impression that Ford would run the same test to figure out the problem..... I could be wrong on this tho.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,344
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
So, my Ford Service Manual does not have 2003 in it, so I am not sure how much I can help you. Although, I suppose a 2002 would probably be the same as your 2003 regarding VSM and accessories.
A recent thread involving a 2000 was posted by Stufly63. This year truck will have a GEM, where your truck will have a VSM, so they will be different in that respect. Although, there may be some good nuggets of information in there that might help you.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ghlight=cruise
In addition, there are some tests and diagnostics you might be able to run/access in the 7.3L PSD Tech Folder under the header Misc Information & Modifications. They are the 5th and 6th links under that header. Again, I believe these will not be dead on accurate for your 2003. I will check back here tomorrow to see if you require more help than what the links I have provided can help you with. If so, I will try to look up some troubleshooting tips for the 2002, which should have a VSM and testing procedures like your 2003.
A recent thread involving a 2000 was posted by Stufly63. This year truck will have a GEM, where your truck will have a VSM, so they will be different in that respect. Although, there may be some good nuggets of information in there that might help you.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ghlight=cruise
In addition, there are some tests and diagnostics you might be able to run/access in the 7.3L PSD Tech Folder under the header Misc Information & Modifications. They are the 5th and 6th links under that header. Again, I believe these will not be dead on accurate for your 2003. I will check back here tomorrow to see if you require more help than what the links I have provided can help you with. If so, I will try to look up some troubleshooting tips for the 2002, which should have a VSM and testing procedures like your 2003.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Noxon MT
Thank you Sous!
I will get to diagnosing this issue more when I return from Idaho. I’m leaving tomorrow for an 11 day trip ( unfortunately without cruise ) I should have joined earlier and made a post about this but figured I could handle it on my own with all the information I read.
Please keep the thoughts coming.
I will get to diagnosing this issue more when I return from Idaho. I’m leaving tomorrow for an 11 day trip ( unfortunately without cruise ) I should have joined earlier and made a post about this but figured I could handle it on my own with all the information I read.
Please keep the thoughts coming.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,344
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
We go to Idaho just about every other year. Not this year though due to Chirus and maybe not next year if this crap continues the trend it is on.
We have family in Challis, Orofino and Boise and love to visit the northern part of the state. I don't care for the desert southern area, but I can tolerate it. We usually make a big loop around the country going through MT, SD and up to WA sometimes before getting to ID. Then on the way home to GA we go through UT, NV, AZ and either go the southern route near I-10 or up to I-20 or I-40 back toward home in GA. We have seen most of our amazing country this way and have plans to get back up to AK where I lived north of the arctic circle many years ago.
Keep us updated on what you find! I am headed out on a week long camping trip on Saturday, but many others here have access to the same pinpoint tests in the Ford Service Manual that I do. So, they will be able to step in and upload the 2002+ information for you if you need it.
We have family in Challis, Orofino and Boise and love to visit the northern part of the state. I don't care for the desert southern area, but I can tolerate it. We usually make a big loop around the country going through MT, SD and up to WA sometimes before getting to ID. Then on the way home to GA we go through UT, NV, AZ and either go the southern route near I-10 or up to I-20 or I-40 back toward home in GA. We have seen most of our amazing country this way and have plans to get back up to AK where I lived north of the arctic circle many years ago.
Keep us updated on what you find! I am headed out on a week long camping trip on Saturday, but many others here have access to the same pinpoint tests in the Ford Service Manual that I do. So, they will be able to step in and upload the 2002+ information for you if you need it.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Noxon MT
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Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Noxon MT
So..... after being extremely frustrated that my cruise did not work on a long road trip I became mad and pushed the on button very hard several times. That got me exactly nowhere or so I thought. After doing that I decided to push the “set” button very hard and bingo the cruise kicked in. I’m not sure why the dash indicator light did not function while doing the button test and at this point I don’t care because the cruise work flawlessly for the rest of the trip.
Cheers!!
Cheers!!
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,344
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
So..... after being extremely frustrated that my cruise did not work on a long road trip I became mad and pushed the on button very hard several times. That got me exactly nowhere or so I thought. After doing that I decided to push the “set” button very hard and bingo the cruise kicked in. I’m not sure why the dash indicator light did not function while doing the button test and at this point I don’t care because the cruise work flawlessly for the rest of the trip.
Cheers!!
Cheers!!
As I understand it, you can remove the button covers and clean the contacts. You can also get replacement buttons if needed.
I installed a LED bulb in the cruise control instrument cluster position because it was barely visible during daylight hours. Now, it is bright and visible during all conditions.
I am a cruise control junkie and use it even on short 5 mile trips.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Noxon MT
Here’s the thing I don’t understand about this issue: the button test did not illuminate cruise function in the gauge cluster. When I finally figured out that the cruise worked the indicator light came on but only when “set” was pressed. On my previous 2002 Lariat I’m darn sure when I pressed the on button I got a cruise indicator light. I could be remembering incorrectly but it’s been several years since I had that truck.
any ideas why the button test didn’t work??
any ideas why the button test didn’t work??
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,344
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
The way you describe the cruise control light working now, is the exact same way my 2000 XLT works. I press "on", then when I press "set" the instrument cluster cruise control light illuminates.
Not saying you are remembering your 2002 Lariat differently than it was, but I am wrong everyday, it happens.
I cannot say why the button test didn't work. I have never run it myself and am not that familiar with it.
Not saying you are remembering your 2002 Lariat differently than it was, but I am wrong everyday, it happens.
I cannot say why the button test didn't work. I have never run it myself and am not that familiar with it.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Noxon MT
Fantastic! It could be a difference between XLT and Lariat. Or..... I’m just remembering inCorrectly. Regardless the cruise works as intended now and that is a huge bonus!!!
i will get to cleaning the buttons in a few days, I saw some good threads on that.
Cheers
i will get to cleaning the buttons in a few days, I saw some good threads on that.
Cheers
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