Hi guys, I know I dont show up much around here but I need some advice on my cruise control. Truck is 93 250 7.3 idi turbo lwb extra cab. The cruise hasnt worked since I got it 6 months ago but being self employed means no time for forums or maintenance. I have the oem manuals for it and have done the imputs diognostics as per said book and come up with a few things that needed attention. Serviced steering wheel contacts replaced master cylinder switch all others seem ok. My problem is there is no static tests for the servo unit itself in my manual and the parts in Australia are rare and expensive. The parts guy in perth wants $225 for a second hand unit and Im not even sure thats the problem.Also does the cruise have a light on the dash and if so where is it I have never even seen it during the lamp test at startup. Also being an import it has had a rhd conversion done in aus as opposed to factory rhd and I am discovering some second rate electrical work. Basically any static test ideas for the servo is my next step.This is my first American truck and it is a steep learnig curve so any help would be much appreciated.
CHEERS,
FRANK THE CONFUSED AUSSIE

 

Make sure you have a vacuum supply at the servo when the engine is running. And I have never had a Ford unit apart, but have had several GM units apart to fix the servo. The GM units just have two solenoids inside that cut the vacuum on and off to control the servo. About a year ago I just repaired the servo in my daughters car. They used pressure points to transfer the electrical signals to the solenoids, and these had gotten corroded. Another one I worked on the solenoid plungers had rusted and gotten sticky. Cleaning them up fixed that one.

Like I said I have never worked on a Ford unit, so I don't even know if you can take it apart.

And one other thing I just thought of. If the Ford units are like the GM, they have a vacuum line running from the servo to the brake pedal. Besides electrically turning off the cruise when you hit the brake, they also have a vacuum valve on the brake pedal that quickly dumps the vacuum off the servo to get rid of any bleed off time it may have. If your system has this, make sure the line is installed, and is not leaking and the valve on the pedal is not leaking the vacuum off all the time.

 

I believe the 94's are electronic. No vacuum.

Unplug the connector on the actuator, under the hood. Lotsa times the connectors get corroded. Then double check the switch on the brake master cylinder

 

Definitley no vacuum on servo and already did the connectors and switches going to the servo but i have no idea how to bench test the servo to see if its stuffed before i shell out for another one. Another thing is that while I was mucking around with the thing the other day it appeared to blow the horn fuse which also supplies the cruise control. I dont know if that means there is a short inside the servo or if it is something I did because I was checking the wiring at the time but I have had to replace the horn fuse a couple of times before.
Cheers Frank.

 

i dint evan know the had these truck down under

 

There every where Joe just not as many. We have members from everywhere.
I personally knew one guy that took one to australia but we have mwmbers from norway russia etc.

 

Joe, As I said mine is an import by a private owner. They would have bought it in the states and had it converted to rhd in aus. Up until about 1990 ish ford imported f100 and I think F250-350 as well then it stopped for a while until about 96 when ford started building rhd f250 in Brazil and importing them direct but they closed that plant so we cant get them again without buying in the US and converting them over here. As a result vehicles and parts are fairly pricey for instance I bought my truck about 6 months ago. Its a 93-94 extra cab with 1-1/2 inch body lift and 9 ft aluminium dropside tray. It cost me $37,000.00 aus plus transfers and stamp duty and two months ago a new starter motor cost $700.00 aus so you can see why i'm so interested in fixing parts rather than replacing them. The other day a dealer told me a new one converted and delivered would cost around $140,000.00 aus which is well out of most peoples price range especially when you consider you can get a jap truck over here for around half the price. I dont wish to leave my beutiful country but I do wish I had access to the quantity of parts and expertise you guys have. Sometimes its even hard to find someone who knows how to work on them.
Cheers, Frank.

 

140k do u have heavy duty truck made there order the manules and lean to work on them ur self u will never reget it and as fars as part just order them of the internet best of luck

 

I used to know a guy that came over every year for 6 months and worked on a work visa.
He would buy several fords for parts and ship them back over there seemed to make money at it.

 

Joe, I have the helm oem manuals that cost me $400.00 and I am a fitter so I do all my own mechanical work but I am having trouble with the electrical side and I cant find any tests for the servo unit itself. Plenty of tests for the wiring and switches though.

Starmilt, The great australian government realised they were not getting their share and so now you can only import a vehicle if youve owned it for more than 12 months. Or if you buy it through a licenced importer which means fees and duties hence the 140k price tag. Also if it is less than 15 years old it must be rhd before you can register it over here. You can get a permit for lhd for vintage cars or ones on a club licence.
Cheers Frank.

 

try powering strait off a battery and c if it works

 

West the ones at least part of them were to be parted out.
I know the one he picked up at my shop wasn't worth putting back together a ford diesel.
The next year I ask him if he made anything on that diesel and he said it didn't work out to good.

 

WOO HOO SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!
Joe you legend something you said made me go back to the manual and have another look at a couple of things.
Now listen carefully children this is very important.
CHECK THE SIMPLE THINGS FIRST! When the manual says is the cable connected correctly dont say "well of course it is" take then damn airbox off and have a look and you will discover a disconected cable, an extra return spring and a burnt out servo from to much load. Then you will remove the offending spring reattach the cable fit the replacement servo and drive around not using your right foot and singing the praises of this fine forum.
Moral of my story is thanks to everyone who replied and I hope one day I can be of assistance to you.
CHEERS, FRANK THE HAPPY AUSTRALIAN.

P.S Starmilt as far as I am aware even second hand parts now attract taxes and duties when you bring them into this country so it may be why it was not such a happy ending for your friend. cheers Frank.

 

Can You have a friend send You 'GIFTS' duty free?

 

I have often wondered about that fonefiddy. There are several guys here time to time like ola from norway and west then theres tmurgen from russia these guys just don't have very good parts availability.

Sending them parts would take awhile but there has to be a way.