95 Windstar--replacing brake pressure switch--please help!
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95 Windstar--replacing brake pressure switch--please help!
I need to replace the brake pressure switch (otherwise called the "deactivation switch") in my 1995 Ford Windstar. OK--a Windstar isn't a truck, I know. ;>)
But this is the closest forum I could find for help!
Anyhow, my cruise control quit working. So I've done some diagnostic testing on my own and traced the problem to the brake pressure switch. It's fairly easy to access--at the front lower area of the brake master cylinder.
My question is, can the switch be replaced with minimal loss of brake fluid, as long as I have the new replacement switch ready and immediately install it after I unscrew the bad switch? Or do I need to be concerned with brake fluid loss, bleeding the brake system, etc.
I bought a can of electrical contact cleaner because the switch connector is all oily, as is the connector to the speed control servo. I heard that this is quite common when the brake pressure switch leaks or goes bad, so I'm going to clean all of the connections when I replace the switch.
Thanks for any help and/or suggestions on replacing the switch.
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But this is the closest forum I could find for help!
Anyhow, my cruise control quit working. So I've done some diagnostic testing on my own and traced the problem to the brake pressure switch. It's fairly easy to access--at the front lower area of the brake master cylinder.
My question is, can the switch be replaced with minimal loss of brake fluid, as long as I have the new replacement switch ready and immediately install it after I unscrew the bad switch? Or do I need to be concerned with brake fluid loss, bleeding the brake system, etc.
I bought a can of electrical contact cleaner because the switch connector is all oily, as is the connector to the speed control servo. I heard that this is quite common when the brake pressure switch leaks or goes bad, so I'm going to clean all of the connections when I replace the switch.
Thanks for any help and/or suggestions on replacing the switch.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 488
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From: Bel Air USA
I've never replaced the brake pressure switch before but IMHO when you remove the switch you will loose a just a little fluid if you are ready to put the new switch in. Again IMHO you will need to bleed the brakes afterwards.
You should probably post this in the brake forum to get a better answer.
You should probably post this in the brake forum to get a better answer.
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From: Virginia
Make sure the fluid is at the top in the master cylinder. Unscrew the old unit and screw the new one in quickly as you had planned. Leave it a little loose and get someone to push on the brake pedal and hold it. Make the new switch leak a little bit without unscrewing it all the way. It may spit and sputter a little(air coming out), and when it quits doing that, tighten it up and then you can let up on the brake pedal and then check the fluid level in the resevoirs.
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Thanks for the advice...
It sounds a little tricky, but hopefully everything will go OK. As long as I can get the new switch screwed in right away, it should work all right. And if I have someone push on the brakes while the connection is slightly loose it will force out any air bubbles as you suggested.
I'll give it a whirl!
I'll give it a whirl!
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