Cruise Control Issues.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: California
Cruise Control Issues.
Anyone else dissatisfied with the cruise on their rig? Mine seems to seek more than my '97 did. The new truck's speed varies +-2 MPH. I know that sounds minor, but the old truck didn't budge (at all) from the set speed. Also, seems like it takes a little while for the cruise to acknowledge that it's been set.
The new truck is an '04 / 250 / 6.0L / CC / shortbed.
The new truck is an '04 / 250 / 6.0L / CC / shortbed.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: Metro DC
Just got back from a 1300 mile round trip, interstate highway all the way. The speed does fluctuate some, but I believe this is par for the course to keep 7K pounds running up and down hills. It does seem to be difficult sometimes to set the speed. The coast, increase and resume are a little tricky too.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: California
huh, kinda blows doesn't it? I mean, seems like they've regressed a bit here. Like I had posted before, my '97 was Awesome!!! never lost or gained more than 1MPH, and it was very easy to set, coast and adjust.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: Metro DC
I played with my cruise today. First, the resume, coast, set/accel buttons work fine if you push them a little harder than I was.
This is my first SuperDuty and first diesel. My '01 3.0L Ranger did the same thing: +/- 2MPH especially up a steep hill.
I found today if I drop below the desired set point going up hill, I can tap the set/accel button to get the speed up. Then, on the crest and going downhill, it speeds up a bit. With 2.5MPH graduations on the speedo, I figure I can live with a little deviation.
What I really don't like is the tendency to downshift and race up a short but somewhat steep hill. At 50MPH this is a problem that doen't happen at 70. Momentum, gearing, and all.
This is my first SuperDuty and first diesel. My '01 3.0L Ranger did the same thing: +/- 2MPH especially up a steep hill.
I found today if I drop below the desired set point going up hill, I can tap the set/accel button to get the speed up. Then, on the crest and going downhill, it speeds up a bit. With 2.5MPH graduations on the speedo, I figure I can live with a little deviation.
What I really don't like is the tendency to downshift and race up a short but somewhat steep hill. At 50MPH this is a problem that doen't happen at 70. Momentum, gearing, and all.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
From: Wickenburg, AZ
I didn't have much experience with diesel cruise control before my trip to Wickenburg. I was trailering both ways, and I am actually thrilled with it. I actually got it to work with the loaded trailer in parts of Oklahoma and other flat places at least. On the way back I used it the whole way with the empty trailer and it kept me within 2 mph as you said. I think they may have made it less sensitive because before the things used to freak and pedal the motor with the slightest loss. With a big tail you still have to use the cruise control between the ears, but this truck is much better than other rigs I've dealt with. MRC is right, by the way. The truck can't pull you out much below 55 but will pull like a mad dog above 70. For the empty rig I found the optimum balance between economy and keeping the cruise control happy was 72-76 mph. That ought to translate to about 750lb effectively in the back.
BTW, we've got about the same truck:
'04 F350 CC 4x4 6.0 PSD TorqShift Short XLT FX4
BTW, we've got about the same truck:
'04 F350 CC 4x4 6.0 PSD TorqShift Short XLT FX4
Tuned
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 113
From: Socali
Hopefully one day all cruise controls will be laser assisted. I have one in my Infiniti FX35. It has 3 levels of sensitivity, I can set it at 70 on the San Diego freeways and it about drives itself. Even when people cut in close it downshifts quickly. With the 3 degrees of sensitivity it keeps a steady distance from the car in front suited to ones comfort level and traffic conditions. It is absolutley amazing how well it works in traffic. And certainly helps in the fuel mileage even on short freeway trips. Well,uhh, mostly I set it to keep myself below 80. It also worked well when cruising at 95 over to Phoenix not long ago. When the F250 Powerstroke passed me at over 100 mph I just crept in behind him and for about 20 minutes it was following a Ford truck at over 100 mph. Though I believe the cruise would not go higher than 95 or so. LOL My FX also has a rear viewing camera while in reverse. So the rear sensing option offered on the SD's was a no brainer in the search for my 9th Ford truck.
peace
jeff
peace
jeff
