Cruise button Illumination

[skeneguy]

Hi,
I have the cruise control buttons on each side of the horn/airbag pad on the steering wheel on the wifes 96 XLT. These are illuminated but I've noticed on one side the bulb is out. How do I access the bulb, I don't see any obvious means and don't want to try and snap it apart.

 

[chrisis]

not 100% sure, but you need to replace the whole button.

to have access to it:

1) disconnect negative wire of the battery. and wait 30 minutes.
2) on the sides of the steering wheel you will see 1 bolt in each side.unbold them and remove airbag.
3)disconnect the wire from the airbag and you will also have access to disconnect the button and put another one.

don't afraid to do the job because have to remove the airbag.

good luck

 

[skeneguy]

Yikes...I'd hate to get a face full of airbag, I thought it might have to come off though...thanks.

 

[dogfriend]

It is possible to just replace the light bulb, see this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54734&highlight=cruise+control

 

[skeneguy]

Hey thanks dogfriend...good thread

 

[edhowell]

It is possible to just replace the light bulb, see this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54734&highlight=cruise+control

I have found the bulb number in this link does not fit my 1996 XLT.

 

[dogfriend]

I have found the bulb number in this link does not fit my 1996 XLT.

Really?

I would take the bulb to the Ford dealer and see if they can match it, because it was apparently used for applications (other than cruise control) in other vehicles. As a last resort, I might try the wrecking yard, but of course the bulbs would already have some hours on them.

The complete switch assy is about $80 from the dealer. I bought one recently for an unrelated problem with the cruise control.