Cruise Control stopped working

[koda2000]

2000 V8 RWD. When I turn on the cruise control and hit the SET button (or either of the other 2 buttons) the SPEED CONTROL light on the dash illuminates briefly and the goes out. It worked last week and nothing's been changed. Is there a diagnostic mode? Seems to me I recall reading that there was. I had Ford install the CC jumper wire a couple of months ago. Any ideas?

 

[1998Exp]

Yes, there is built-in diagnostics - or at least was in 1998, with which I am familiar. Could provide you with the instructions from my FSM, but they are likely to be different for your 2000, so hopefully someone will chime in with the 2000 version.

One caveat: When the CC on my 1998 Limited failed, I learned the hard way that the diags described in my FSM only work for the version with just CC controls on the steering wheel, not the more fancy one with the CC on the left and audio/climate control on the right. Hopefully, not your case.

And by the way, what in the world is the CC jumper wire?

do

2000 V8 RWD. When I turn on the cruise control and hit the SET button (or either of the other 2 buttons) the SPEED CONTROL light on the dash illuminates briefly and the goes out. It worked last week and nothing's been changed. Is there a diagnostic mode? Seems to me I recall reading that there was. I had Ford install the CC jumper wire a couple of months ago. Any ideas?

 

[koda2000]

This vehicle does not have the steering wheel mounted audio and temp controls.

I'm beginning to think that this part might be my issue... it goes on the brake master cylinder.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcraft-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ad2a394d7&vxp=mtr

 

[1998Exp]

The infamous fire-starter deactivator switch? If you had the recall performed, there will be a fuse (or perhaps even two) in series with it in the little add-on harness. These fuses, rated very low (something like 100mA) were supposed to protect from fire, which may result when a defective deactivator switch shorts out to ground because of corrosion caused by hydraulic fluid.
Don't think that these fuses are replaceable, but you sure can trace that entire connection. If memory serves, the switch is supposed to open when you step on the brake pedal; otherwise it should pass 12V to the CC servo.

This vehicle does not have the steering wheel mounted audio and temp controls.

I'm beginning to think that this part might be my issue... it goes on the brake master cylinder.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcraft-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ad2a394d7&vxp=mtr

 

[koda2000]

The infamous fire-starter deactivator switch? If you had the recall performed, there will be a fuse (or perhaps even two) in series with it in the little add-on harness. These fuses, rated very low (something like 100mA) were supposed to protect from fire, which may result when a defective deactivator switch shorts out to ground because of corrosion caused by hydraulic fluid.
Don't think that these fuses are replaceable, but you sure can trace that entire connection. If memory serves, the switch is supposed to open when you step on the brake pedal; otherwise it should pass 12V to the CC servo.

the recall was to include replacing this switch along with adding the fused pig-tail, but only if the switch showed signs of leaking. Maybe I can try bypassing the switch to see if CC engages. I hate to spend $30 if it isn't the problem.

 

[1998Exp]

If you have a voltmeter, just probe both ends of the switch. Bypassing won't help if the fuses are blown.

the recall was to include replacing this switch along with adding the fused pig-tail, but only if the switch showed signs of leaking. Maybe I can try bypassing the switch to see if CC engages. I hate to spend $30 if it isn't the problem.

 

[koda2000]

If you have a voltmeter, just probe both ends of the switch. Bypassing won't help if the fuses are blown.

Yes I have a VOM. I don't think the fuses blew, because the CC light still lights momentarily. I'll figure it out when it's warmer out. It's not a high priority. Just annoying.

 

[1998Exp]

The line from the MC is not the CC power connection; it is just a (secondary) signal which indicates that the brake pedal has been pushed. Good luck with the repair!

Yes I have a VOM. I don't think the fuses blew, because the CC light still lights momentarily. I'll figure it out when it's warmer out. It's not a high priority. Just annoying.

 

[koda2000]

Well, I got to take a look at it today. The CC deactivation switch is soaked with brake fluid. As I just had the CC recall done about a month ago, I called my Ford dealership and asked if the switch was covered under the recall (I know it is if it's leaking at the time of the fused jumper install). After much checking, hemming and hawing, the service tech said that the switch was covered. I'm now waiting for him to call me back to see if they have a switch in stock and when they can replace it. So it looks like I may get Ford to fix the problem for free. If not, it'll cost me $30 for a new switch. In the meantime, I've unplugged the switch.

strange how the original switch lasted 15 years w/out leaking and then after doing the recall it started leaking. guess I should have just left it alone... (not really).

 

[koda2000]

Well, I got to take a look at it today. The CC deactivation switch is soaked with brake fluid. As I just had the CC recall done about a month ago, I called my Ford dealership and asked if the switch was covered under the recall (I know it is if it's leaking at the time of the fused jumper install). After much checking, hemming and hawing, the service tech said that the switch was covered. I'm now waiting for him to call me back to see if they have a switch in stock and when they can replace it. So it looks like I may get Ford to fix the problem for free. If not, it'll cost me $30 for a new switch. In the meantime, I've unplugged the switch.

strange how the original switch lasted 15 years w/out leaking and then after doing the recall it started leaking. guess I should have just left it alone... (not really).

Update: Ford is going to replace it for free on Friday. Cool - Just goes to show, it never hurts to ask.

 

[1998Exp]

You are lucky to have that fused jumper installed; that switch was a fire waiting to happen.

Update: Ford is going to replace it for free on Friday. Cool - Just goes to show, it never hurts to ask.

 

[koda2000]

You are lucky to have that fused jumper installed; that switch was a fire waiting to happen.

Oh I know. With all the press there was about possibly catching fire, it amazes me that 5 of the 6 trucks I've bought did not have the CC recall done. My Ford dealer is probably sick of seeing my face.

 

[swshawaii]

Wow, I honestly didn't know where that nickname came from. :scratch:

The 8 Most Infamous Car Recalls in History

1992-2004 Ford

Texas Instruments switches caused Ford vehicles built over two decades to catch fire, becoming a nightmare for Ford. From 1996 to 2009, Ford was forced to recall cars and trucks between model years 1991 and 2004. The vehicles operated with faulty cruise control deactivation switches that could short out and ignite. The total recalled vehicles reached 14.9 million vehicles. The recurring problem wasn't good for public perceptions of Ford's quality. The press unofficially dubbed the Ford Explorer, the "Ford Exploder."

"(Owners) would have their nice Lincoln or Mercury parked in their garage, and the thing would catch fire in the middle of the night," says auto safety expert Byron Bloch.

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/08/20/infamous-car-recalls-history/

 

[Flash]

Wow, I honestly didn't know where that nickname came from. :scratch:


http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/08/20/infamous-car-recalls-history/

I thought it came from the tyre debacle causing rollovers.

 

[koda2000]

I just got back from Ford. They replaced the CC deactivation switch and everything is working again. Best of all, no charge.