Cruise control won't deactivate

[MBM]

New member here! Have an 02 EXP and occaisonaly the cruise control will stick on and I'll have to press on the brake pedal very hard to deactivate. I had the recall done but I think that was only to install an inline fuse?? Any thoughts, I think the switch on the brake pedal may be having issues? Thank you

 

[Joe Dirt]

If you can tap the off button and deactivate it with no problem, I agree is it a problem with the brake switch.

 

[fyrfyter612]

Check the brake lights. If you have to step on the brake pedal just as hard to get the brake lights to come on that might be the problem. But if I remember right the switch that kills the cuise control is mounted on the master cylinder. I had a problem with mine that when I was using the cruise at low speeds (35 mph) and when it was coasting the engine would stall. I replaced that switch which is a common problem and all's well now. I'd be willing to bet it's the switch out on the master cylinder.

 

[BigRondo]

X2^^^^^^

fyrfyter612 beat me to the punch!!

 

[MBM]

Could someone explain the cruise recall on the 2002? Was it just an inline fuse or was I supposed to get a new switch on the master cylinder. I used the search on this site and most had issues with their cruise not turning on, mine won't turn off occasionaly. Think Ford would fix it no charge due to it being a serious safety issue?

 

[BigRondo]

Recall Reason VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Recall Date OCT 13, 2009
Model Affected EXPLORER
Potential Units Affected 4500000

Recall Summary
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence
A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Notes
FORD MOTOR COMPANY 09S09

 

[MBM]

Recall Reason VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Recall Date OCT 13, 2009
Model Affected EXPLORER
Potential Units Affected 4500000

Recall Summary
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence
A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Notes
FORD MOTOR COMPANY 09S09

Thanks , I understand!

 

[MBM]

If I remove that switch on the master cyl do you loose fluid? Is the switch actually in contact with the brake fluid? Thanks

 

[2Fish]

I had the same problem with my 03 last year. I first noticed that the cruise didn't always disengage when tapping the brake pedal. Later I noticed that I didn't have brake lights. Mine was the brake light switch under the dash attached to the brake pedal.

The original was an enclosed plastic switch and I was unable to locate this style replacement. I finally went with a NAPA version and had to solder the wires. It was a very quick swap (30 minutes) and both problem were corrected. Good luck.