Cruise Control Modification / Add on

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Jan 20, 2002 | 07:17 PM

rodgerhome

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From: Columbus

Cruise Control Modification / Add on

I'm looking for an add on and/or a way to modify the cruise on my '99 Allegro Bus RV w/ Ford V10 that will prevent gear kick down on moderate hills. I'm not looking to lug the motor (i.e. change the transmission settings), what I would like is something that will allow the speed to drift down so that the throttle won't kick in as hard. I always kick off the cruise when I hit a small or light grade hill and limit the throttle position. If I can do it manually, I know somebody has come out with something that can be added to the cruise or a way to reprogram it to allow this. I know years ago, the aftermarket cruises you could buy had gain and sensitivity adjustment pots and you could play with these and get somewhat of the effect I'm talking about.

Any suggestions out there?

Thanks in advance for the input.

Jan 28, 2002 | 08:00 PM

Sportdeck262

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Cruise Control Modification / Add on

If someone makes it, there has to be a big market.

My Excursion can not hold OD on the slightest hills when towing. It coasts downhill and then downshifts as soon as the uphill begins while maintaining 70mph. When towing in cruise, the best I get is 7.5 mpg. When I turn the cruise off, accelerate down hill to 75 and decellerate uphill to 65 (all in OD) I get 10.5-11 mpg. That's the easiest 40-50% increase in mpg around.

Jan 29, 2002 | 08:22 PM

Monsta

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From: Washington State

Cruise Control Modification / Add on

Feb 6, 2003 | 01:58 PM

cfk

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Cruise Control Modification / Add on

I have exactly the same complaint about my 2002 Rexhall Vision motorhome on the V10 chassis. Driving under manual control allows me to slow down perhaps 5 mph going up a mild hill without dropping out of overdrive, but if the cruise control is on, it tries to hold the exact set speed, opens the throttle wide, and drops out of overdrive. Clearly this revs the engine fairly high, guzzles gas, and is anoying. As you say, if the feedback loop gain could reduced, it would allow the speed to drop somewhat, and mild hills would be easily navigable in overdrive. I hope you're right that someone (ideally Ford) will recognize this problem and come up with a solution (likely as you suggest a replacement chip). If anyone knows of such a solution, please lead us to it.

Feb 6, 2003 | 03:12 PM

CO4x4SD

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From: Denver USA

Cruise Control Modification / Add on

I agree, this is a problem with the 10. It tends to kick out of OD too soon, does it all the time on trips between Denver and Ft. Collins with a load, and these are real slight grades. I have learned to apply real slight pressure on the gas pedal to make it accelerate to hold OD, but you can make it downshift real easy with too much pressure - a real fine line.

I despise shifty trucks, but I know my oversize tires are the root of my complaint. My next major mod is 4.88's to get the revs back into the usable power band.

It would be nice to have a chip or other means to let the engine rev down a tad when it is in OD going up a grade.

Feb 16, 2003 | 10:20 AM

COMT

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From: Arvada USA

Cruise Control Modification / Add on

What about one of those transmission add-ons that let's you force torque converter clutch lock-up? If I'm not mistaken the transmission can't down-shift if the TCC is engaged.

Problem is that all of these I find during web searches seem to be for diesel trucks with 4R100. Anyone seen one of these gadgets for a V10 equipped truck?

It would also be a nice feature (TCC lock-up on demand) while towing down hill and while off-roading.