Steering Wheel Cruise Control Lights

Stephen S · January 20, 2001

I've got a little trouble with my cruise control lights on my steering wheel. When I got the truck, neither side worked. Then a few months ago, the right side decided it was gonna work like it should. But about a week later it went out. Then a few days later, it came on with the headlights and has stayed working ever since. The left side has never worked. Any ideas about this?? Some of the guage bulbs, ash tray, glove compartment, and my headlight switch back light aren't working either. Now that my steering wheel lights are working intermittently like that, I'm worried that my problem is no longer just burnt bulbs, but a larger electrical problem. Can anyone shed some light on this for me??

DarkFox1 · January 20, 2001

I had the left side lights on my wheel go out a few days ago, I thought it was odd.. and so I tapped the bottom of the controls a few times and it came on, I dunno, I guess the connection may be loose

Stephen · January 20, 2001

Explorers are bad on light bulbs, this I've noticed. Its just bulbs dont worry.

Stephen S · January 20, 2001

Glad to hear that it's just bulbs. Now the question is, where and what kind of bulbs to get. I really don't want to go to Auto Zone or the like and get those cheap bulbs, or should I?? If the factory ones don't last, which ones will??

DarkFox1 · January 20, 2001

heh, you can't see where those butons are with that nice bright dash kit?

hehe

to be honest, I thought they used like LEDS or something to light those things.. it looks like a real pain to get into that assembly to change a bulb, it can't be anything more than a 194 at max..

btw, stephen, how did you manage to get a picture with such detail that your dash lights show up? I neeeeed your camera.. when I take pics of my dash at night, not only do I not pick up my dash lights, but I can't even pic up the huge blue knob my eclipse has on it

[Edited by DarkFox1 on 01-20-2001 at 08:29 PM]

Stephen S · January 20, 2001

He he, no, my dash kit doesn't shed that much light. LEDs would be real nice to have in there since they don't fade or burn out, but they are expensive. So, I'll bet Ford put regular old light bulbs instead. And yes it does look like a pain to change, and I really don't want to have to pull that steering wheel apart to put a cheap bulb in that will burn out again later. The same goes for the dash, but I'm fed up with these dim lights.

DarkFox, the camera is a very expensive digital camera that my girlfriend's dad has. The camera is sweet. I don't know what kind it is, I didn't touch the thing since it's worth almost $600. For that kind of green, it better take some good pictures.

01EB5.0 · January 21, 2001

Actually the lights can be accessed in about a matter of 2 minuts on the steeringwheel and maybe 20 minuts for the dash lights. I have accessed all of mine, but it's too bad ford doesn't just sell the little bulbs and I have not foudn them anywhere. They are very VERY unique and it ends up ford just replaced the whole cruise control switch assemble (Both switches). If you need more explaination, e-mail me.

n2knee · January 26, 2001

I experienced this as well. The buttons for my climite control lights up intermittently (sp?). I just hope it's just the bulbs and not my whole electrical system.

Brian Meier · January 26, 2001

Dash /Cruise lights

Sorry guys there is no fix as of right now for this problem. I have asked around my shop about this situation and found out that Ford knows there is a problem and they are working out a solution. It may have something to do with dash wiring harness, as for the cruise switches there is no replacement bulbs for it you have to buy new set of switches.

Bill Kemp · January 26, 2001

Travis, Does the factory kit come with both sides?

Stephen S · January 26, 2001

I'm glad to hear that Ford knows that there is a problem with the lights. I mean my dash lights are DIM. I can hardly see my fuel guage at all. If it is a problem with the wiring harness, I hope that they find a way to fix it. And with one side of the steering wheel lights working and not the other, it's annoying.

ryobi1 · January 27, 2001

Here is the part number for the buldb to replace the lights in the cruise control switchs. You don't have to buy the whole switch just to get the bulb. Here it is.

F32Z13466H Bulb A - for Cruise Control Switch

I called the ford dealer near me last night. They have it in stock. I hope this works for you guys. Replacement is really easy. If you need instructions email me.

Stephen S · January 27, 2001

Thanks for the info Ryobi. I just called the Ford dealer near me and they confirmed the part number as well. I'm gonna pull one of mu lights out and take it over there to see if it is the same bulb. Thanks again.

Stephen S · February 21, 2001

Well, the bulbs aren't the same and the dealer said that they could not get them. The man there was nice; he ordered that part number and two others that he stumbled across in the computer while he was looking. None of them had the right socket on them, they were all too big. He gave me some he had laying around so I'm thinking of taking them apart and trying to rig something up, but it may not work. The only other option is the junk yard.

jjr007 · January 11, 2002

The buttons have a raised area on them, just memorize where the buttons are and their relation to the raised area. My 93 Aerostar didn't even come with lights on the buttons but it is easy to tell by feel, where you are pushing.

ltools · January 12, 2002

Got a fix for you all with cruise control lights that are out, get part number E5RY*13466*BA , its from a ford contour, and fits perfectly, the bulb is slightly longer but in no way hinders operation. Take the blue (or whatever color) cover off the old bulb and put it on this one, and reinstall, To remove just pry the outside tword you, and you can access the bulb that way.. takes about 30 seconds.... small needlenose plyiers for the bulb, and presto..... you have working curise lights....

Doug

Stephen S · January 21, 2002

Thanks, Doug. I went ahead and ordered a couple of those bulbs you mentioned. I put them in yesterday. You're right, the are a little longer than the stock ones but they fit perfectly. The dealer dinged me $12 for them though. Well, it's better than them wanting to replace the whole switch when I first inquired about the burnt lights. Anyway, thanks for the tip!

spiper · January 21, 2002

cruise control lights

Is a 91XLT supposed to have lights in the steering wheel for the cruise control? How about lights for the power windows locks and mirrors? I bought mine used and never even thought about them lighting up.

01EB5.0 · January 21, 2002

Re: cruise control lights

Originally posted by spiper
Is a 91XLT supposed to have lights in the steering wheel for the cruise control? How about lights for the power windows locks and mirrors? I bought mine used and never even thought about them lighting up.

Hey welcome to the site! No the 91-94 explorers did not have backlit switches. they just have the recessed part and the part that is raised up so you can just feel which is which at night.

spiper · January 21, 2002

Thanks I guess I dont have any problem then

Steering Wheel Cruise Control Lights

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