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Sounds like Monckywrench has homed in on this issue further. It also seems that the "design" of the switch is not the problem, but the MATERIAL used in those particular swithes is the problem.
I'm not giving Ford a free ride on this because even if the switch were made with the correct material, the electrical design is very poor. Running a high current circuit, especially one that is hot at all times through a switch that might be exposed to brake fluid was an engineering blunder IMHO.
Running a high current circuit, especially one that is hot at all times through a switch that might be exposed to brake fluid was an engineering blunder IMHO.
Hey, maybe a burning F150 will make it on one of the TV shows like "Engineering Disasters".....
Still no reponse from ford, i have to say i am a little let down. This is the 1st ford truck i have owned and do like it. BUT if it is an issue that can take out my house WELLL. I am also due to trade this thing, trade it to a company that seems not to care. Guess I will be looking at a Rock, trip sucked by the way without the cruise. the sunburn hurts though.
As long as your switch is dry, if you're going on a trip, simply plug the connector to the switch and then pull it off when you get back home. I've done that a few times. Mine is a 2000 F150 which is definitely indicated in the recall. If you don't have a 2000 model or a 2001 supercrew, then you shouldn't have to worry about it anyway.
We're only a few weeks away from them having the new switches for us anyway.
"Is this similar to that on F250+. Please help I need to check this out."
If your switch is like the units shown in the pictures and drawings in this thread, the short answer is yes. If you are interested, go to a Ford parts counter and get the actual part numbers from your trucks switch and switches on the recalled vehicles.
Then post the numbers for the rest of us.
You folks (and Good Morning America) may have just saved my one-week-old '95 F150. The report this morning listed a bunch of warning signs, including the cruise control not working (it stopped working on Saturday) and being unable to get the truck out of park when it's running (started happening on Saturday). I checked under the hood, and I have that same switch on the master cylinder and a blown CC fuse. Disconnected it and tied the harness out of the way. Next step is a new fuse. Thank you for all the information!
BTW, brake fluid can burn. Heat a brake rotor to about 900 degrees (i.e., in the middle of a race) and leak some brake fluid on it. It'll smoke like the dickens and spew a few flames. Fun to watch when it isn't your car.
after reading this thread and links, I unplugged the switch on my 99 F150, which is a shame because it has the most accurate cruise I've ever used. since 99 is not in the recall (yet), what should I do. should I rig a pilot relay with 1amp fuse thru switch?
the links here regarding Ford's deplorable safety history are making me seriously consider dumping it and reverting to my previous policy of Japanese vehicles only. Pity, because I love my American truck.
after reading this thread and links, I unplugged the switch on my 99 F150, which is a shame because it has the most accurate cruise I've ever used. since 99 is not in the recall (yet), what should I do. should I rig a pilot relay with 1amp fuse thru switch?
the links here regarding Ford's deplorable safety history are making me seriously consider dumping it and reverting to my previous policy of Japanese vehicles only. Pity, because I love my American truck.
It would be amazing to see someone gets rid of a truck when the recall doesn't even apply to their model truck. The recall only applies to 2000 F150's and 2001 SuperCrews.
Even if the truck was of the indicated model, by simply pulling up the connector and looking inside to ensure that it is dry you know that yours is safe for now. Simply inspect for fluid in the switch until the new switch is available and replace it.
Even if you did nothing, the system will warn you before a fire breaks out because the cruise control will stop working. Even if you didn't even pay attention to that, this only happens to one in several thousand trucks. It's not as if it is destined to happen to your truck, especially when it's not even the year model recalled.
Talk about a radical response. It's not as if Japanese cars are not without their problems and recalls.
the links in this thread would have me believe that this same switch made by TX Inst. using DuPont "Krapton" are in many other models and years. of course we cant believe everything published in the media, but when it comes to safety i'd rather err on the safe side.
Assuming that the switches are interchangable among years, if you are worried about it on a 99 or other similar model, why not just go buy one of the upgraded switches? If your switch is flooded this would CERTAINLY be the thing to do.
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