Cruise Control Lights

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Nov 23, 2009 | 01:47 AM

kawa

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From: Rogue River, OR

Cruise Control Lights

I don't drive often at night as I'm getting older and the eye sight isn't what it used to be, in fact.....nothing is

Anyway, I noticed the other night that the lighting for the left side of my cruise control (Steering Wheel) don't work. I am assuming that the lights are replaceable but I don't know how to get into the unit.

Can anyone help?

Rog

Nov 23, 2009 | 09:41 AM

mfp4073

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From: down south

On either side of the steering wheel are 2 plastic cap/plugs..about the size of a nickle. Under are 10mm bolts. That will release the airbag, just set it on top of the steering wheel. The switches are held in with 4(2 per side) screws. Now comes the tricky parts. First, the ribbon cable is a PAIN to get to come out. You will need a small screwdriver to help release it. There is a ridge in there that the cable locks into and you have to get it to release. This has annoyed me to the point where I actually used a razor blade to trim it off so I didnt have to deal with it in the future. Next hard part, CAREFULLY pull the rubber cover off. (replace bulbs now) Once off, you will have to take the electronics out, put the rubber over the circuit board and it will pop back into place as one piece.

Bulbs can be had at the dealer or the junkyard. I remember someone finding them at one of the auto parts stores, but cannot remember which one.

Nov 23, 2009 | 11:03 AM

kawa

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From: Rogue River, OR

Thank you sir, I'll get the bulbs before I tear into it. I'm sure the dealer will be more than happy to tell me how many I need.

Rog

Nov 23, 2009 | 11:26 AM

mfp4073

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From: down south

OH, there are 2, 1 per side. And I am sure they will be happy to sell you them at some stupid price. They come in blue and green. Make sure you know what you have in there already.

Nov 23, 2009 | 12:39 PM

Old93junk

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From: McKenzie River

I have had pretty good luck at just replacing the whole switch assy. with junkyard ones. But the switches can be carefully pried apart and the bulbs replaced and re-assembled, just always be careful of the airbag when accessing the switches, I just use a large zip tie to secure it to the top of the steering column while working on the switches.

Nov 23, 2009 | 01:50 PM

mfp4073

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From: down south

Problem is that most of the ones I find in the junkyard have the rubber all destroyed. Also they seem to want $30 for them...if all I need is a bulb, thats a waste of money....and there is no guarantee that the new switch will have good bulbs.

Nov 23, 2009 | 04:00 PM

kawa

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From: Rogue River, OR

I just now returned from Ford, stopped to get the correct bulbs before I tore everything apart. Ford informed me that the unit is not serviceable but would be happy to sell me a new one for $126.00.

I'll try the bulb replacement first.
Rog