Cruise Control
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Royal Palm Beach, Fl
Check the brake pressure switch. I have a 1998 F150 4.6L and the cruise quit working because the brake pressure switch failed. Mine was on the end of the master cylinder with two wires connected to it. It looks like the old oil pressure switch. Check continuity while someone operates the brake pedal. Also check to ground for a short. It was cheap and easy to fix.
Good Luck
Good Luck
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Hello all,
I just purchased a used 1998 F-150 as well, has the 5.4L. My cruise does not work, and I see what looks like an oil pressure sending unit on the master cylinder, but nothing is plugged into it. There is a little fluid running down the side of the master cylinder as well. Where would the wires be coming from to hook into this brake pressure switch? Thanks,
Waylan
I just purchased a used 1998 F-150 as well, has the 5.4L. My cruise does not work, and I see what looks like an oil pressure sending unit on the master cylinder, but nothing is plugged into it. There is a little fluid running down the side of the master cylinder as well. Where would the wires be coming from to hook into this brake pressure switch? Thanks,
Waylan
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Royal Palm Beach, Fl
The two wires are about six inches long and then tie into the main wiring harness located just forward of the master cylinder. They appear to go to the speed control module (attached to drivers fender with a throtle cable attached) but they are wrapped up so I can't tell for sure. There should be a molded plug hanging loose some where or at least some cut wires.
Mine too was leaking fluid and started to smoke. I guess it shorted out that's how I found it. I woke up one morning to find my garage full of smoke. That was fun.
Good Luck
Mine too was leaking fluid and started to smoke. I guess it shorted out that's how I found it. I woke up one morning to find my garage full of smoke. That was fun.
Good Luck
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
50th ann,
Thanks for the response. I found the plug last night, and the brake pressure switch on mine is leaking too. When I tried to plug them together, I got smoke and more leakage like you described. I disconnected, and per a Ford Tech I talked to on the phone yesterday, he said I could jumper the plug with a paper clip to see if it works. It works fine.....and depressing the brake pedal still kills the cruise instantly. I am going to replace the pressure switch, but am now unsure of what it actually does. Anyway, thanks for your response.
Waylan
Thanks for the response. I found the plug last night, and the brake pressure switch on mine is leaking too. When I tried to plug them together, I got smoke and more leakage like you described. I disconnected, and per a Ford Tech I talked to on the phone yesterday, he said I could jumper the plug with a paper clip to see if it works. It works fine.....and depressing the brake pedal still kills the cruise instantly. I am going to replace the pressure switch, but am now unsure of what it actually does. Anyway, thanks for your response.
Waylan
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Does anybody have a part number for the 1998 brake pressure switch, or should the local ford dealer know exactly what I need? Thanks again.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Royal Palm Beach, Fl
The Ford dealer will know. I beleive it's a universal make or break pressure switch.
As for what it does. In addition to the cruise control I could not get the truck out of park with out it. The engine would start but you weren't going anywhere. I had to turn the key to on (not start) Shift to neutral and then start the engine to be able to drive it. Once in park with the engine running it would not shift. All things working correctly. You start the engine, step on the brake (there's a click sound) that's the brake pressure switch releasing the transmission to shifted.
As for what it does. In addition to the cruise control I could not get the truck out of park with out it. The engine would start but you weren't going anywhere. I had to turn the key to on (not start) Shift to neutral and then start the engine to be able to drive it. Once in park with the engine running it would not shift. All things working correctly. You start the engine, step on the brake (there's a click sound) that's the brake pressure switch releasing the transmission to shifted.
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