Cruise control buttons

[adworden]

I was wondering if the cruise control buttons (On/Off, Resume. etc.) are supposed to light up when the headlight switch is turned on? If they are supposed to, any idea why mine do not? 1999 Explorer XLT. Thanks.

 

[koda2000]

Yes, they're supposed to light up but usually don't. They have tiny bulbs in them, but the problem is taking the covers off to get at the boards usually destroys the covers.

 

[bigred4x4]

I want to mine were replaced under a recall but I have a 96 and that was a while ago something to look into though free stuff is always nice

 

[koda2000]

I want to mine were replaced under a recall but I have a 96 and that was a while ago something to look into though free stuff is always nice

I'd be nothing short of amazed if Ford would still honor a non-safety related recall on a 18+ year old vehicle.

 

[chefduane]

Fairly simple to replace as long as you are slow and methodical. It requires removing the airbag module to get to the connectors underneath. You can find replacement sets at Ebay and Amazon and you maybe could find them at a salvage yard, but those have usually already been removed.

 

[bigred4x4]

Me too this was about 10 years ago for me but if someone takes there ex to the dealer for service then it might be worth inquiring about while they are there. I know the electronic steering in my friends Chevy went out and it was a recall they didn't honor it because of the mileage it had before it quite working and it was a 2007.

 

[koda2000]

Fairly simple to replace as long as you are slow and methodical. It requires removing the airbag module to get to the connectors underneath. You can find replacement sets at Ebay and Amazon and you maybe could find them at a salvage yard, but those have usually already been removed.

New switches start at around $20 and go up from there. Replacing the switches (and not installing the wiring they come with) is straight forward and simple, but there is a trick to unplugging the wiring from the switch. There is a lip on the bottom edge of the connector plug which prevents the connector from being removed from the switch. In order to get the connector to release from the switch you must insert a thin blade (like a stiff feeler gauge or even a butter knife) between the switch and the connector to get the lip to release.

I've bought several sets of used OE CC switches off eBay. Though they were in excellent condition, on one set the lights worked on the other set they did not. Personally I don't consider this a big deal and wouldn't spend even $20 (let alone, up to $116) to have working lights.

 

[239]

I was wondering if the cruise control buttons (On/Off, Resume. etc.) are supposed to light up when the headlight switch is turned on? If they are supposed to, any idea why mine do not? 1999 Explorer XLT. Thanks.

They're supposed light up whenever the parking or head lights are on. I got mine off Amazon about a year ago and they're still working fine. I bought motorcraft replacements.

 

[toypaseo]

My 2¢...

If the button covers are still flexible, consider yourself lucky, and live with the bulbs out.

If the button covers are hard, damaged, or worn out, consider replacing them with new, or used ones.

My ON/OFF button had a mounting tabs that was broken. Lighting worked in both. Both covers in mint condition. I found a pair in the junkyard, with decent flexible covers. I can't remember if I just swapped covers with mine, or if I swapped covers and internals. Either way, mine are both lit, and covers are flexible.

 

[96eb96]

Mine were lit until recently. They both went out, so I assume wiring. Since they are otherwise perfect they are being left alone. Not really worth my time diagnose either. Hope that is the worst thing that happens to the truck.

 

[koda2000]

FYI: I have managed to change a bulb in one CC switch, but it was nerve racking to remove the cover (which tend to achieve the consistency of Parmesan cheese with age) plus I learned that the circuit board comes out with the cover. I managed to break one of the plastic clips that held the circuit board in place, but had a spare switch body to replace it with. I don't recommend you attempt replacing the bulbs unless you do so fully expecting that the switch, or cover, may be destroyed. Not worth the trouble. If you must have the switches lit, buy new ones. While your at it I'm pretty sure your headlight switch doesn't illuminate either. Something else for you to obsess over.