We are traveling today, and for the rest of the week, yesterday when we were driving the Aviator, everything was working, today my wife is driving, and first thing that she noticed was the cruise would not turn on and set. about 40 miles down the road the (ABS) light came on.

I am sure that there is already a thread about this, but I am on really slow cellular internet right now, and search isn't working for me. Any advice about the problems I am having would be appreciated (other than switching internet services LOL?)

Where do I start looking, if I get a chance? or is it best that I just take it to a mechanic?

 

A very common cause of this is a faulty cruise deactivation switch, also called the brake pressure transducer. It is a two wire switch on the master cylinder. the switch should have continuity through it except when the brakes are applied.

 

The vehicle speed signal for the cruise control is sourced by the ABS system. If you have a faulty wheel speed sensor that might cause explain the ABS light as well as the cruise not working. A scan tool capable of reading the ABS codes will likely tell you where the problem is which will fix both issues. From my quick review of the wiring diagrams I'm not sure if the speedometer is also sourced from the ABS system.

-Rod

 

Thank you for your input. Almost sounds like I will have to take it to the Dealer and have them check it out while having it serviced.

 

No one said anything about taking it to the dealer. Take it to an ASE certified mechanic. They will have all the diagnostic tools.

 

Or spend the same $$$ you would on diagnostic and purchase a scanner that is capable of running the full scan (including the extended mfg codes), you will then have it handy for future testing...

http://www.obdscan.net/index.htm

http://www.bowserelectronics.com/pro..._options.shtml

http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html

Note: I have no affiliation with these products, just list as examples, there are many other just as capable....

 

That's neat that the first two links cover the ABS and SRS systems. I don't see where the AutoEnginuity has the capability. On other forums the discussion has come up regarding PC-based diagnostic tools that also can read ABS and SRS. To date I hadn't seen any discussions that confirmed a tool supported those. Next time I'll have some input for those threads.... For now I'll stick with my OTC Genisys though.

-Rod

 

Hi Rod, Just some info, I have an older version of the Harrison and it works well ( running on an old 486 LT, 64Mb ram, RS232 interface).

Fact, on several other PC programs I am not able to access data on my O2's (some state no O2 available!! but with the Harrison's "Ford extended" (via PID) I can get all the info I require.

 

Ok, great advice there. I am very capable at turning a wrench, just don't know much about ABS, and have very limited time to fix it. guess it don't have to be fixed soon necessarily.

 

My '04 Explorer XLT is doing the exact same thing. I has done it sporadically in the past 2 years, now it is doing it more frequently. If I can successfully read the codes, where are these wheel speed sensors at and how hard are they to change? And I assume the switch on the master cylinder is fairly easy to change?

 

Check with your ford dealer, all 3 of my X had recalls, repairs covered $0.00

 

Mine is not recalled. Any help with a part # for this switch? I'll gladly get it ordered and installed if I just knew what the part # was.

 

Just as an update, we did replace the brake switch, which if I understand correctly was mounted up under the dash, this fixed it, and we have never had the problem again.

 

Got it.....3L3Z9F924AB, also known as SW6349 via Rockauto