No lights on cruise control buttons

[jlm_write]

I just noticed recently that the on/off button on the left side of my steering wheel and the other cruise control buttons on the right side of the steering wheel are no longer lit. The right side buttons were lit up a few nights ago, and then again last night but not this morning, so I'm suspecting a loose something or a short somewhere.

Any ideas where to being looking?

Thanks,

JL

1997 Ford Explorer Sport
4.0L SOHC

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

Bulbs are probably burned out. Do the switches work just fine?

 

[jlm_write]

Yes, the switches are fine; my cruise control works as advertised.

I assume there are bulbs (or fibers?) inside the switches. How do I go about disconnecting/opening these switches?

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

I don't think replacement bulbs are available from Ford. You will probably need new switches if you really can't live without the illumination. My right side cruise control is no longer lit up

 

[Stephen S]

I've been through this issue before and so have several others here on the site. I'll direct you to a few threads that deal with the matter. Bottom line, it's just the bulbs that burn out. They are not available through Ford...they want to sell you the whole switch to the tune of $150 each...no thanks. The bulbs are easily replaced if you find them, maybe at a junkyard. The rubber surface of the switch where the words are printed can be removed to expose the circuitboards and bulbs. But beware before you take them off, they are a REAL PITA to get back on! If you find somewhere that carries the bulbs, please let us know.

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[01EB5.0]

I ordered dash bulbs from Torrie@fordpartsnetwork.com and they looked the exact same as the ones in the cruise buttons. They are really cheap so I'd buy some of those and try that before you go buying a $47 set of switches. also a hint: After you remove the rubber covers on either side, to get it back in, pop out the curcuit board and place it inside the rubber first. then carefully press the assemble back in.
Good luck! Let me know if the bulbs work because I have had mone go out twice now and ford replaced them for full charge first time, they paid for parts second time and I won;t even bring it in for the third time.

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

Dash bulbs are 194s...aren't they a little too big for those switches?

 

[01EB5.0]

I never actually compared, but they looked similar from what I remember. my dash bulbs were pretty small and the way it mounts in the cruise it goes though the board so I would think it might work, no guerentees though

 

[Stephen S]

The dash illumination bulbs are MUCH too LARGE to fit in the cruise control switches. The switches have tiny little bulbs in them. You could have gotten the dash bulbs at your nearest auto parts store.

 

[01EB5.0]

Well, i guess I'm mistaken. I'm sorry.

 

[Steve94LTD]

should my 94 Explorer Limited have illuminated cruise control buttons?

 

[jjr007]

You can tell by feel where the buttons are. Memorize where they are by their relationship to the raised area on them, and then you never will have to look away from the road to actuate them.

 

[01EB5.0]

Originally posted by Steve94LTD
should my 94 Explorer Limited have illuminated cruise control buttons?

i don't believe the 94 or older had lights in the switches.