Cruise Control Problems

Thanks again for all of your help.

Bill

The VSS isn't a switch, but YES, the VSS can cause cruise to not work and the ABS warning to light. That's why I suggested changing VSS (or at least cleaning it as Bryan mentioned).

Would this switch have anything to do with the ABS lite coming on?

That VSS is held down with one capscrew, 10MM head probably. It's sealed with an O-Ring under it, and has a quick-disconnect plug onto it.
Be sure the area isn't caked with dirt, and it's an easy Remove/Inspect/Replace. If I had one to do, I'd clean the area around it with a small wire brush and/or hose it down with Brake Parts Cleaner.
As I recall, a new VSS does not come with that O-Ring.

The upper right end goes inside the diff housing and it "looks" at the Ring Gear going around.
For $15 delivered to my door, I'd put a new VSS in the thing before I messed with the steering wheel switches, especially with that ABS warning in addition to the cruise issue.
Amazon Link for 1994 E350/7.5L VSS

deputysheriff wrote:
Thank-you j-d. It's funny you said the ABS light will lite. I'll drive for a few miles and the ABS lite will come on.

That is the exact symptom I would get on mine. The originals of that vintage did fail after a while, however in my case it was collecting metallic sludge from my limited slip clutches, so I would have to wipe it off occasionally. Also I ended up having to replace the wiring over the axle because it fatigued and broke internally. I ended up using a junkyard connector and pigtail, and spliced it at the frame.

A bit off subject, but I would suggest not using cruise control at all. Imagine what would happen if the driver had a medical emergency. The vehicle would just keep going forward without being steered and who knows where it would go and damage that might occur to life and property. Just my thoughts.

Thank-you j-d. It's funny you said the ABS light will lite. I'll drive for a few miles and the ABS lite will come on. You know, I tried to get answers from a bunch of different forums, including Ford and nothing. So, I tried the rest, now I finally went to the best.:B

The common "shotgun" approach is to replace the Vehicle Speed Sensor located on the top of the differential. But when that goes out, usually there's an ABS warning light, maybe it won't go into Overdrive, and possibly other symptoms.

I know of one OP who got cruise working by cleaning the contacts in the steering wheel. Unclear to me if he took the wheel off, or was able to get the switch area out of it with the wheel in place.

BUT BUT BUT I would agree with doing that ONLY IF it does NOT have Driver Side AIR BAG. The pad in the center of the wheel should be marked "SRS" or "Air Bag" or the like. I don't think an E-Series as old as a '94 has SRS for Driver or Passenger, but check. You don't want to risk an uncommanded airbag deployment!