Big pressure Switch under hood....what is it ?????????

[Pdwight]

I know this sounds stupid, but there is a large switch under the hood of my 94 Limited. It is on the drivers side just in front of the master cylinder next to the Cruise Control servo. when the hood is down it presses the switch which has a boot on it to protect it from the weather....and no it does not turn off the light under the hood....pressing it down with my thumb does nothing that I can find ??? and my 94 is completely stock.

Thanks
Dwight

PS if I pull the Steering Wheel do I need to get a new bolt or reuse the one I removed in the first place ??

 

[Darrman]

Well that sounds like a custom alarm pin switch, someone lifts the hood while armed, it goes off. Dunno tho, if its completly stock, I dont think the factory alarm offered that feature, but I have never looked a stock setup, so I dunno.

 

[Pdwight]

Doh !!!!!!!!!!!

Well that sounds like a custom alarm pin switch, someone lifts the hood while armed, it goes off. Dunno tho, if its completely stock, I don't think the factory alarm offered that feature, but I have never looked a stock setup, so I dunno.

Of course that is what it is, if the hood is up and you put a charger on the battery the alarm will go off....found it in the owners manual after I posted this...it is completely stock.

Now to figure that steering wheel removal thing

 

[stang99x]

If you say its in the manual then that may well be it, but thats a typical alarm or remote starter type pin

 

[gijoecam]

It's not a custom unit, it's a factory part, I'm sure. Mine has the same thing. I suspect (although admittedly never checked to be sure) it's a pin switch tied into the factory anti-theft system. I'm going to try messing with it at home tonight... set the alarm, wait the minute (or is it two??) then pop the hood and see if it sets off the alarm.

Don't know what else it could be...

-Joe

 

[l1k2gadd]

Yes, I would also say it is part of the Factory Anti-Theft System. Some car thieves would pop hoods to steal things from the engine compartment.

Test... With the driver's door open and the Explorer's ignition turned off open the driver's window all the way. Push the "Lock" button on the power door lock switch. Close the driver's door. Wait a few seconds (10-30) until the Anti-Theft light goes off (it should go from blinking when the truck is unlocked, to steady when you press the lock button and close the door, to off when it is armed). Reach in through the window and pop the hood release.

When the alarm goes off (blinking headlights and blowing horn) put the key in the door lock and unlock the driver's door with the key. The alarm should disarm itself.

 

[Pdwight]

Thanks

Now I need to find a Cruise Control Amplifier or Module that goes under the dash and right above the glove box....anyone have a spare ??

Thanks
Dwight

 

[l1k2gadd]

The thread you posted your other cruise control-related question on mentions someone finding a Cruise Control Amplifier (I am assuning this is the black controller box that has about 10 or more wire connections to it) in a F150 pickup. They are more than likely all the same in all Fords in the 1993 and 1994 year range. It's a matter of finding where Ford mounts them in other types of vehicles to remove it and try it in your Limited.

Most of the experiences I had with cruise-related problems through the 80s wound up being switches in the steering wheels. I didn't get down to the volt-meter type tests on my vehicles back then but the vehicles in the family that wound up having cruise related problems I fixed when I replaced the steering wheel switches.

If nobody gets back to you on the amplifier request, and you don't locate one in a wrecking yard, let me know. I have a couple of 1993 4x4 Explorers I had bought as spares thinking I was going to need an engine and / or transmission for another one I was fixing. I haven't started dismantling them because I am able to move them around my yard right now with them being whole vehicles (and I have been too lazy to start on them to get them out of here).

 

[Pdwight]

Thanks

I know its not the switches, did the VOM thing all the way through on those. My Cruise amp or module is green and has two connectors that almost look like 1 they plug in so close together ...it is located right above the glove box latch with two screws holding it in. Very easy to get out (one of the few things that is)

much appreciated

Dwight

 

[CDW6212R]

Yes, the hood switch is stock on all 93 and 94 Limiteds. It is part of the factory alarm. Regards,