Hi guys.. I originally posted question on f150forum.com as well, found here.. I'm looking to add cruise control to my 2005 F-150 XL, as it didn't come with it from the factory. I'm having trouble finding a local Ford dealer that'll help with programming of my PCM to enable the speed control. I haven't bought the switches yet as I wanted to make sure I could get it programmed before I spend any money on them. The switches would cost me $47 after tax (I'd be getting them via ebay).

Here's how my dealer search has gone so far...

Around 1pm, I called my two closest Ford dealers. First one (the one I actually bought my truck from) said they couldn't do it even after telling them it should be do-able through the Ford IDS software. They said I'd have to go aftermarket and referred me to a local custom supplier which I also called and they said they'll look into it and get back with me, still waiting on that.

Second dealer said they'll try it and quoted me $79 for the programming, and also firmware update for the same price.

Update as of 4pm: I've called around to just about every one that's within my area that answered their phone, and the cheapest I've found is that one $79 dollar quote mentioned above. I had called one that said they'd look into it, and also mentioned that I'd need a new master cylinder with two connectors in order for it to work, plus a $110 programming fee (1-hour service charge). Another even said that unless it came with cruise from the factory, it can't be done...

It seems like a lot of people that work at the dealer just don't know about this or are ignorant of the fact that it's even possible, as every one I've talked to have not heard of it.

Is it worth $79 worth it just to get the switches programmed and for an ECM calibration update? I'd like to be able to use cruise, but not sure if that's a fair price. Just wanting some second opinions on it.


Thanks!

I hope this makes sense. I can edit if need be.

Update 8:00pm: Just ordered the switches I mentioned above.

 

$79 is fair. That’s a pretty cheap “hour of labor” these days. Finding someone that knows how to read their manuals to do it is basically gold now.

Last year, I bought my friend a remote start kit for his ‘14 SCrew. The dealer wanted to charge him for two hours of labor (cut and program keys, activate remote start) even though I passed him along the instructions and we basically tutored these goons on the operation they should know already

 

Thanks Johnny, I appreciate your input! Yeah its crazy. I was looking forward to potentially having the dealer I bought my truck from program it, but was disappointed when they said they supposedly can't do it..Maybe they don't use IDS..? Apparently no one at the dealers, at least the ones I've talked to anyway, read up on stuff like this. Or maybe the mantra is 'If Ford hasn't published it, its not possible', which isn't always the case, but thats what two dealers told me. Its too bad this can't be programmed other ways outside of IDS.

After seeing what the other dealers charge ($110), $79 is a pretty good deal, and I'll most likely go with that. I live in Northwest Arkansas, and the $79 quote was from a dealer just 18 miles north of me in Missouri (I live pretty close to the Arkansas/Missouri state line). The dealers here in Northwest Arkansas (NWA) charge $110. $79 is a no-brainer if that's the only option I've got. I'm just glad they're willing to try and help, as this is something they've not done before.

I've got a buddy who knows a non-dealer mechanic I'm going to call on Monday and ask if he'd be able to program it. assuming he has access to IDS If he can, it should be cheaper than the dealer, but I'll keep y'all updated on what happens.

The switches I bought yesterday should be here Friday (7/24). Haven't shipped yet, however.

Oh and by the way, Johnny, are you also a member on f150forum.com? It seems like I've seen you on there too but can't remember for sure.

 

Update:

Since my last post on this, I've since bought the switches a few weeks ago. So I took my truck into my local dealers service department this afternoon for programming the PCM for cruise control enable and also for tire size update (I think OEM parameter was 235/70R17 in the PCM, but I had them update to my 245/70R17 size, so the speed would be spot on). For $79 with tax included, its probably the best functional mod I've done for my truck as I'm gonna really put this to good use. Like mentioned above, that price was also the cheapest compared to others in my area. The dealer is absolutely wonderful and I will definitely keep them in mind if I decide to upgrade to a 12th of 13th gen, haha. I was there for about 3 hours, as it took them a little while to figure it out where to find the parameter in IDS (they've not done it before, so I was first to have this done). Once they configured it, they took it for a test drive to verify the operation and viola! I now have working factory cruise control!! It works great with absolutely no issues, I'm really pleased with it, as well as the dealer and their service. Great people.

Collage showing the paperwork and speed control indicator light, with personally identifiable info marked out:




(Speed control indicator picture taken during HEC Dealer Test Mode bulb test, not while vehicle was moving)