'95 Aerostar with 3.0L

I'm not sure if these 2 problems are part of the same problem but they both started around the same time.

1. My cruise control started to act only sometimes, and after 2 weeks stopped entirely. I've read lots about a clock spring but don't feel it is that because my horn still works.

2. The Hi-beam light indicator doesn't come on when I use my hi-beams. I do notice that when I start the van it flashes once for half a second, so it's probally not a bulb replacement issue. My Daytime running lights also seem very dim as opposed to before.

Could the 2 issues be the same problem?

 

The high beam indicator shouldn't be flashing as far as I know when you start the van. That would mean your lights are flashing...neither of my vans do that.
If you don't have any speedo issue's then you will have to get hold of a cd and troubleshoot the system to see if the switches are working...Fuse


Dick

 

I'm guessing you have a blown hi bulb and you are seeing light from the bulb next to it.
If you do a flash to pass no bulb then either.?? Highs work?
Oh and welcome to the site!!! Be sure to read all the guidelines.

Dick

 

If I flash my high beams they work ok, at night my lows work ok. All other lights seem ok on the dashboard panel, just my hi-beam indicator never comes on. When I first start the van, a couple lights come on for a second or two (ABS, and airbag I believe), the hi-beam indicator comes on a for a second (Blue light) and shuts off. IT never comes on even when I just flash my hibeams.

Duane

 

Do you have drl/ Daytime running lights?

With the DRL module it controls the light. It may flash it I don't know. Your owners manual should tell you if it does..That brings up another bunch of tests to find out why the light doesn't work..


Dick

 

Unfortunately when I bought the van, I never got a manual, but from what I recall it always does that when I start it. I do have DRL.

I'd be happy if I can get the cruise to work. I see a cable with a little black box that goes to the brake pedal, and a couple that goto the gas pedal. How do I know if they are broken they both seem to have a spring on them.

 

Autozone has an online manual for the Aerostar that will get you started.
I think this link will get you there or you can drill down.

 

Check both rear brake lights and running lights. Make sure they work. I think that there are two switch contacts in the clockspring. One for the cruise and the other for the airbag. You may still need to suspect the clockspring.

 

Hi dman35:

Welcome to our FTE forum

 

Hello-I am a retired grandmother with limited Social Security income; I have a few folks who help me on the upkeep of my '94 aerostar, but no one is really up to date, I have the Haynes and Chilton manuals, but do not have the original Ford manual. Recently when I had the oil changed, the cruise control stopped working. Brought it back, they didn't know anything about it. It still does not work; are there any helpful hints before I start to cry????? THanks, Grandma Ellie in FLorida esp@gbso.net

 

Hi Granny Ellie:

Welcome to our FTE forum

 

Howdy Granny Ellie:

For you 3.0 guys, would it be conceivable one of her C.C.actuator vacuum lines was knocked off when checking dipstick, adding oil, etc? (I'm assuming this is a 3.0 engine)

Granny,
Fishing for clues here, but do your horn and turn signals work?

 

Hello Aeroco, I have had "blinking" idiot lights for some time, ya know, the little red warnings, and brought it to the attention of the people who charged me $40.00 for a computer check, they said it was just misleading, my engine did not need checking, my brakes were fine, etc. They were not capable of repairing it, and told me it was not "essential" so I did not try to find an auto electric specialist ($$$$$$$). THese are the same folks who knocked the thing off initially. ARRGGGGGHHHH........All during the time the things have been blinking the cruise worked. I think you are probably correct, that they knocked something off; but where is the *&%&%^&^ thing??? I d'ld the ford truck cd, but cannot access it, I may have done something ELSE wrong.

I lived in CO in the late 70's, Worked for Colorado sChOOL OF miNES, AND aRAPAHOE/sYNTEX CHEMICALS. I left to get married (wrong choice) but am glad to be where my battery doesn't freeze; my old AMC Rebel had problems there, but I could go in the ice and snow, when everybody else was stuck...maybe IT WAS THE I BEAMS WELDED TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER!!!! THanks for any help you might think of, I will look in my Haynes and CHilton to see if they show anyreal time stuff not a schematic, I NEED PICTURES TO GET THE LAY OF THE LAND. I did not see them in there b4, but I may have been tired and overlooked it.

Thanks, Grandma Ellie in FLorda esp@gbso.net

 

Hi Grandma Ellie,

first, we need to know what engine you have to send you photos of where to look
the VIN Vehicle Identification Number on your registration or on the metal tag at bottom driver side of windshield will have an
U in it to indicate 3.0L engine
X in it to indicate 4.0L engine

what part of Florida are you in, nearest large city/town?

what lights blink, where are they located, what are they labeled and what color are they?

any not normal blinking dash lights on Aero is NOT a good thing
indicates a problem or failure with engine, brakes, AWD system, transmission or air bag. Some of these are major safety issues

we have any members in Florida that can help this lady out or can recommend a good mechanic shop?

many of these new school computer geek kid mechanics have no idea what a vacuum line is and how vacuum controls work. if it doesn't run off a PCM, have 5v digital PWM logic and wired with copper, they can't fix it

the original vacuum lines on our Aeros are old now and are exposed to high heat in the engine compartment....lots of vacuum line problems