Ranger Cruise Control Recall
 

FINALLY, Ford has expanded the cruise control recall notice #05S28, to include Rangers.

Seeing as how our Rangers have the troublesome brake master cylinder cruise control deactivation switch, that likes to catch fire, I disconnected mine two years ago, waiting for them to get around to recalling Rangers.

I confirmed mine is now on the list, by checking my "My Ford" web site Ranger home page.

I suppose there will be mail notification too, but I don't think I'll wait for it, as we can schedule service on line now.

If any are curious to know if your Ranger is on the list, you could go to the "My Ford" owners web site, register, enter your Ford vehcles VIN # & notification will show up on the vehicles home page.

Lots of other useful things there too, like a link to down load owners manuals, service schedules, Dealer service specials, ect, so check it out.

Do you happen to know what years of rangers this effects? I was wondering since mine isnt to far from yours being a 94. I just checked the "My Ford" website and it didnt show me anything.

Well as I understand it, this latest expansion of recall 05s28 covers Rangers between 98-02. Edit: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20111687/

BUT I've read that Rangers built between 95 & 03 have the questionable cruise control deactivation switch.

The way to tell if you have the probem part, is to inspect the color of the center insulator, where the unfused & always hot power lead connects, if the color is rusty/red, you have the problem part.

So if you don't want to risk a fire, disconnect & tape over, the power leads open end, or replace the switch with one with a black colored insulator & keep the receipt for a refund, in case the recall is expanded to cover your year/ model vehicle.

My 94 Taurus has the red insulator type switch, so I'm waiting to see if it'll be included in the recall.

Might be a stupid question, but if you're not the original owner of your truck you are still covered, right?

Yup!!!!!!!

Its not showing a recall for my 04 Ranger on the My Ford site. Maybe mine doesn't have this switch.

There's already a thread on this subject:

Forum: Newer Light Duty Ford Trucks 1997-2003 F150

Thread: Ford recalls 3.6 million vehicles

Post #1 has all the affected vehicles listed.

If your vehicle isn't listed, it may be because your switch is a different design, and not affected by this recall.

I just got a recall notice this evening on my 1997 SC Ranger! I haven't checked whether it has the red insulator yet, but I have over 200,000 miles on it so I may go out to the garage and check it and maybe unplug it. This is on the brake master cylinder,right?
TIA if anyone is still following this thread. :D
Tom

Yup it's the switch sticking out horiz on the very end of the brake master cylinder.

I finally got my paper work to have the recall done Aug 08.

BUT my paper work said Ford Wouldn't replace the switch unless it was showing signs of leaking brake fluid.
If it wasn't leaking, they would only install a fused wiring harness.

I elected to have them replace the switch anyway, as it's the root cause of the danged fire problem & recall & the fused wiring harness alone is just a legal band-aid imo!!!!

As my switch wasn't showing any signs of leaking, I had to pay for a new switch, but they didn't charge labor to install it.

I feel a whole lot better having a new switch & the fused wiring harness, as that switch wire is hot all the time, even when the vehicle is shut down. So without a fuse, it's just a problem waiting to happen, it should have had a danged fuse or CB all along!!!!

More thoughts to ponder.

Cruise Switch location
 

Thanks for that info. I'll call and check on the upgrade tomorrow.
I've had this truck for many years and would hate to see it toasted. :(
I can't get a 4.0 Supercab with a 5 speed manual AND a Traction-lok diff ALL in the same package. So,my Ranger is irreplaceable.

One more thing...Are you listening,Ford? If I can't buy a truck the way I want it equipped,I ain't buying,period. I just revisited fordvehicles.com again and checked the 2010 Ranger Build and no dice for a new Ranger comparable to what I have now.

Well they have also fixed the pesky cruise control deactivation switch problem on the new models, so now we can't even get one that'll spontaneously combust!!!! lol

Yeah,dang it!
Ford has also discontinued the almost bullet-proof 3.0 Vulcan in the Ranger. I can't get the options that would coax me to buy another new Ford. What ARE they thinking? I'll not be force-fed a truck that won't measure up to the Edison NJ built 4.0 SVT optioned XLT SC Special Order Ranger I have now.
This week-end I'll cut and solder a in-line fuse into my not-leaking red cruise switch wiring hot side,2 amp. This is a bit smaller truck than I work on through the week,but I think I can handle it. :D

What I do.Southern Indiana Body Works, Inc. is the leading truck collision repair and truck painting facility in the southern Indiana, northern Kentucky & southern Illinois areas. For commercial body work including truck collision repair, truck painting, truck

BUMP
Update, a link to the 05S28 Cruise Control Brake Deactivation Switch Recall TSB. http://www.revbase.com/BBBMotor/TSb/...dPdf?id=151063

Is there a thread here about intermittent cruise control problems? My 94's (4.0L) cruise works sometimes, other times not. Where to start?

Thanks