Engine Dies When Using Cruise Control

[Razorsharp]

I've got a 2005 Explorer and when the cruise is set, everything goes as it should. If I try to decrease the set speed using the "decelerate" button on the steering, the engine shuts down. It restarts every time and work fine until I decrease the selected speed using the cruise control. Every other function is fine, just that little thing kills the motor while in motion. Ideas? Thoughts?

 

[intelisevil]

Bump - Because this seems like a strange problem.

Dan

 

[iBrent]

I've got a 2005 Explorer and when the cruise is set, everything goes as it should. If I try to decrease the set speed using the "decelerate" button on the steering, the engine shuts down. It restarts every time and work fine until I decrease the selected speed using the cruise control. Every other function is fine, just that little thing kills the motor while in motion. Ideas? Thoughts?

This happened to me once as well. I had the cruise control set to 45 and started going downhill. The system used engine braking to try and maintain 45. I watched as the lights started to dim because the RPMs were less than 500, then it just died.

I took it to the Ford dealer and they upgraded the firmware. Hasn't happened since, even on that same hill. When I talked to them about it, they basically said, we can't determine what software version you have, we plug in the machine and it will either update or not. If it updates, we'll charge you, if not, no charge. The charge was 1hour (~90 bucks).

 

[pet575]

This happened to me once as well. I had the cruise control set to 45 and started going downhill. The system used engine braking to try and maintain 45. I watched as the lights started to dim because the RPMs were less than 500, then it just died.

Mine does this every time at that speed. I was told there was a recall on it or something but I never got it fixed. Just don't use it at speeds under 50MPH. Interesting that it was a firmware deal.

 

[fireball 440]

My 05 has done this 2 times as well.

 

[icepickjazz]

I had similar problem with my 04 when setting cruise control at 35 MPH. Never had the problem when not using cruise. However, there are some posts that indicate this could be problem with throttle body. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208041 Others have suggested check and clean all sensors and the Throttle body.

 

[cross6]

My engine would like to die while trying to go uphill with cruise control. Wouldn't do it if cruise was off. Ended up being the throttle position sensor but it also gave a cel/code saying as much at the same time. Maybe check for pending codes?

Sometime fords won't give a code, but when you clear the pcm and drive it some more it will throw. Check this out "How To Clear your PCM'S Memory on Fords"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZAsoqmqhdM

 

[fireball 440]

I have a MIL on but my code reader will not communicate with my Explorer. I have not had any problem with this code reader on any other vehicle, however it is a $45 cheapy from ebay.

 

[cross6]

I have a MIL on but my code reader will not communicate with my Explorer. I have not had any problem with this code reader on any other vehicle, however it is a $45 cheapy from ebay.

Autozone will pull it for free and give you the codes.

 

[fireball 440]

I know. The MIL went away 2 days after I had the transmission flushed and hasn't returned.

I have started shutting OD off when using cruise control at low speeds, so far no problems. I was watching with cruise set at 35mph and the tach is just over 1000rpm and a little twitchy, so figured that might have something to do with it.

 

[cross6]

I know. The MIL went away 2 days after I had the transmission flushed and hasn't returned.

I have started shutting OD off when using cruise control at low speeds, so far no problems. I was watching with cruise set at 35mph and the tach is just over 1000rpm and a little twitchy, so figured that might have something to do with it.

I think the owner's manual says something to the effect that cruise control won't work well/be accurate below 35 or 30 or somewhere around there.