Installed Cruise got programing
I actually found his address in one of the forums, and emailed him about the cruise. He was able to hook me up with a new wheel with cruise for a VERY reasonable price.
I am posting because when I wanted to add cruise I had many questions, and only a few answers. This is for the others wanting to install cruise.
This only applies to 2004-2005 drive by wire trucks.
1. You only need the switches if you have the wheel with the ‘fake’ switches.
2. You can transfer the switches from one wheel to another with a Philips and an 8 mm socket.
3. You will have to remove the wheel to transfer the switches, so it’s easier to use the new wheel provided you get the right color, etc.
4. DO disconnect the battery, and turn on the headlights. Wait at least 5 minutes to let the reserve power for the airbags to deplete. Don’t take chances with a bomb.
5. You will need a small screwdriver to pry out the two round screw covers on the body of the wheel.
6. Use a small ratchet , short extension and an 8 mm socket to remove the two airbag bolts inside the screw covers.
7. Lay the bolts where you can find them, then gently slide airbag out, remembering it’s still wired to the wheel.
8. Use a small screwdriver to remove the tiny red locking tab on the small harness for the airbag. There is a second small hook inside the harness, to keep the airbag wires from coming out. Unplug the horn harness from the bottom of the wheel, remove the other harness that plugs in next to the airbag harness. This is where the cruise harness plugs in.
9. Set the airbag somewhere safe. Be careful of static electricity. Wear safety goggles, etc.
10. 50 torx socket and a ratchet to remove the main bolt. Get someone to hold the wheel while you remove the torx bolt
11. You will need a steering wheel puller. One with two hooks. There is a place on the wheel for it to grab. The bolt on type would be hard to use. I fabricated a puller using a very old puller that uses bolts, but taking two small hooks off a three hook puller I already had.
12. Swap switches, or swap wheel at this point.
13. Replace the Torx bolt with a new one (factory recommends), it should come with kit, or get it at dealership. I don’t know why you replace it, but what the heck be safe. I don’t have torque specs for this bolt. Ask dealer when you buy bolt.
14. Put it back together.
15. You will have to have a dealership program your PCM, to turn on the cruise function.
6 out of 6 dealerships I called had no clue. Citrus Ford in Ontario California was the only one that was open to calling the ‘hot line’ to find out how. They had the truck for less than 30 minutes, including their test drive. They charged me 60.00 bucks. Not unreasonable.
Even if you pay list for the wheel with cruise (162.00) that means you can have a factory cruise for about 230.00 Cheaper if Breadmanjr can set you up.
The book says swapping the wheel takes an hour. 20 minutes for me, and that includes the coffee break while waiting for the battery to discharge.
By the way, your trip odometer resets when you disconnect the battery.
Everything works great, including the little green cruise indicator on the dash.
Chris




