How to replace cruise control buttons (w/ pics)

[SVTom]

@SVTom I'm not so sure of that. Can you post a picture of your 1997 ranger steering wheel with the instruments in the background. I'm thinking that your dash may look like the 1991-94 Explorers. The 1995-2001? Explorers or maybe later and the 1998 to 2010-11 Rangers dash and steering wheels look like each other.

I will,as soon as I can,but I've bought some switches,so I'll know soon enough.Thank you so much!

 

[allmyEXes]

If it looks like this it will work

If it looks like picture below it will not

 

[SVTom]

@SVTom I'm not so sure of that. Can you post a picture of your 1997 ranger steering wheel with the instruments in the background. I'm thinking that your dash may look like the 1991-94 Explorers. The 1995-2001? Explorers or maybe later and the 1998 to 2010-11 Rangers dash and steering wheels look like each other.

Yes I'll that in a bit,after breakfast. :-D

 

[SVTom]

@SVTom I'm not so sure of that. Can you post a picture of your 1997 ranger steering wheel with the instruments in the background. I'm thinking that your dash may look like the 1991-94 Explorers. The 1995-2001? Explorers or maybe later and the 1998 to 2010-11 Rangers dash and steering wheels look like each

 

[SVTom]

If it looks like this it will work
View attachment 340987
If it looks like picture below it will not
View attachment 340988

My dash looks exactly like the top pic,right down the the 5 speed!. I had an older Ranger 1992 that had that square dash,though. Ford changed the style of dash half way through 1993 ,I believe.

 

[Pete Deering]

To be clear, I'm talking about the soft button controls: To get at the bulbs the cover (the buttons) have to be carefully pried off the switch housing. As I said, beware, if your buttons are old they may crumble. If I recall correctly, the white plastic circuit board came out with the cover. When I did mine, the board's plastic retaining clips in the housing broke. This was not a big deal as I had a spare housing, but if I'd known the board would come with the buttons, I probably could have prevented the damage. I think you can get replacement bulbs from RadioShack, but they wont be green. If you're really lucky, you can sometimes remove the tiny green cover from the old bulb and transfer it to the new bulb, but don't could on it. Another good source for auto bulbs is www.autolumination.com but the shipping may be more than the bulbs.

The bulb have laser welded connection.

 

[Pete Deering]

The bulb have laser welded connection.

The procedure also works for a 1995..

 

[SVTom]

I will,as soon as I can,but I've bought some switches,so I'll know soon enough.Thank you so much!

 

[Blown]

I ordered and installed these new cruise controls: Amazon product ASIN B071L1B4WD
I thought better of spending time and money getting used ones at the wrecking yard that would fall apart as well..........................

 

[SVTom]

I ordered and installed these new cruise controls: Amazon product ASIN B071L1B4WD
I thought better of spending time and money getting used ones at the wrecking yard that would fall apart as well..........................

Good call there,Blown. My thoughts exactly. I purchased mine here,but not much difference in price. Mine were $19.25 with tax.
It took 20 minutes total to do.

Steering Wheel Cruise Control Switch For Ford Explorer Sport Trac Ranger 98-05 | eBay

2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. 1998-2003 Ford Ranger. 2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport. 1998-2002 Ford Explorer. 2001-2003 Ford F150 Truck Harley Davidson Edition. 1999-2004 Ford F150 Truck Lightning.

www.ebay.com

Anyone interested on what the switches look like inside here's a peek. The light would be a snap to change IF you could buy it and you can't get the covers off because they wrap under the circuit board that snaps over two blind hooks you can't get to with the cover on the switch. Catch-22!

 

[SVTom]

The procedure also works for a 1995..

Indeed it does. See my pic further down the thread. The holder is easy to remove,but you can't get it out of the holder. Or even get to the bulb for that matter. Save your self some aggravation,buy new switches,<$20.00.

 

[SVTom]

The bulb have laser welded connection.

Yes, see my pics.
Indeed it does. See my pic further down the thread. The holder is easy to remove,but you can't get it out of the holder. Or even get to the bulb for that matter. Save your self some aggravation,buy new switches,<$20.00.

 

[SVTom]

If it looks like this it will work
View attachment 340987
If it looks like picture below it will not
View attachment 340988

Thanks for the help and encouragement,allmyEXes!

 

[Pete Deering]

Thanks for the help and encouragement,allmyEXes!

I can't believe the price, I believe I purchase my from ford for $50 in the late 90s

 

[SVTom]

I can't believe the price, I believe I purchase my from ford for $50 in the late 90s

You are correct about that price. The first set of cruise control buttons, from a Ford dealer was in the $50.00+dollar range. I've had this Ranger since 2002,so the first purchase was many years ago,pretty pricey back then.,

 

[allmyEXes]

I think that I paid ~$22- for mine. If you buy 3 sets you now can get them for $16.56 per set. Free shipping!
1998 Explorer Cruise Button set

 

[SVTom]

I think that I paid ~$22- for mine. If you buy 3 sets you now can get them for $16.56 per set. Free shipping!
1998 Explorer Cruise Button set

I plan to keep to keep this truck forever so a multiple purchase is not out of the question.