FYI on my Cruise Control Problem

[Rjj]

Evidently, no one here is too interested in cruise control as I didn't get any response to my previous questions. Eventhough, I find this forum very helpful and I would like to update you on my cruise control repair.

The symptom was that when I applied the cruise control... it wouldn't work and I would hear a surging vacuum type noise until I deactivated it.

I purchased a new cruise servo unit from Ford ($177). It was an easy swap. I compared the two units and original one was definitely bad. By plugging certain vacuum holes the diaphragm should offer some resistance to movement. If you had it in you hands you would easily see the difference.

Test drove it, and blah, it still made the same noise and it didn't work. I screwed with the hoses thinking I had switched something. Don't do this LOL because when I started the engine it ran to WOT

I then disconnected the hose that goes into the firewall. I did the straw test and learned this hose was allowing air to flow freely. I plugged this hole on the cruise unit and everything worked great!!!

My guess is... this hose that goes above the brake pedal must be like a safety to turn off the cruise control because everything still works with the hose disconnected.

I would highly recommend to all Expo owners to test the cruise unit for possible vacuum leaks. I don't know what went first but both the cruise unit and the safety switch thingie was defective causing a vacuum leak and making my Expo run like crap!!!

Good luck to all Expo owners... My relationship problems with my Expo are in the past

ps. I haven't driven enough to determine if my MPG has increased but early indications are good!

SpeedSter240EFI
Rj

 

[JUST4X4FUN]

dose the cruse disconnect when you hit the brake
pettel ? whin your driving at 60mph... Larry

 

[Rjj]

Yes, it appears to work correctly

I thought to it would not deactivate but it does. I figured I would have to hit the button to shut it down, but when I tried the brake petal it worked fine.

I think the hose thingie is a manual backup in case the brake signal doesn't get sent to the cruise unit.

I installed a vacuum cap on the hose line. If the cruise doesn't deactivate... well, I guess I always have the emergency brake

Speedster240EFI
Rj

 

[JUST4X4FUN]

GOOD THAT COULD BE DANGORUS IF IT DID NOT STOP

 

[wlbowden]

cruise control

do you know where the speed amplifier module is located? i have looked everywhere under the dash and in the engine compartment and can not find the dang thing to replace it. please help

 

[Rjj]

I don't know what you are asking?

Speed Amplifier thingie... do you mean the cruise control unit? If so, it is located on the left wheel well and it has a cable connecting it to the throttle linkage.

SpeedSter240EFI
Rj

 

[wlbowden]

no it's not the cruise control unit on the wheel well. it's the computer module thing the dealear catalog calls a "speed amplifier" and looks like a plastic box 4" square 1 " thick with a circuit board inside and a stamped steel mounting bracket outside.

 

[Rjj]

No idea

Why do you want to find this speed device?

SpeedSter240EFI
Rj

 

[wlbowden]

so i can replace it since that was diagnosed as the problem by a dealer. by the way i found it. it's under the dash above the glove box and is green like the ford ranger although the new one is red. thanks

 

[Pdwight]

I need an amplifier as well....it is located above the glove compartment. Actually the catsh for the glove compartment is bolted to it.

Dwight

 

[Tbars4]

you are posting in a 6 year old thread...

 

[Pdwight]

In my best Homer Simpson

Doh !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tbars4]

doah, lmao...there are some recent threads from this last week and they are probably more up to date, lol...