Cruise control is not working....

[cannesdo]

I have a 2001 Ford F250 7.3L. Here's what I know so far...

Wire harness on the steering column looks good, in there good and tight.

No problems with any brake lights.

Cruise control module connections and cables leading out all look good.

The two fuses that look like they're associated with "speed control" are both good (under the driver side dash).

When going 40 mph, when I hit the "on" button for the cruise control, nothing happens. The light does not come on and the cruise control doesn't work.

I removed the harness on the cruise control module and with a neighbor tried to use a multi-meter to test the leads. (female part of the harness. The needle actually drops down below 0 when we do that. ?

I know the speed sensor on the rear differential is a possible culprit but that also affects ignition and fuel functions so if nothing is wrong on that front could it still be the speed sensor? (VSS)

That's where I'm at at this point. I read something about a spring that is in the steering column.... ? What would you check next?

[Beverley_Ken]

Thinking way back, late 90's, we had a new Ford Ranger. The cruise control was acting up, can't remember exact symptoms. The cause was over zealous cleaning. I was using Armorall or Pledge or something similar to keep the new vehicle new looking.
It turned out that the cleaner was actually shorting out the contacts in the steering wheel control buttons. Rather than use contact cleaner, Ford (dealer) replaced the button modules under warranty.
May or may not be the cause of your problem, just a thought.

Ken

[copeland343]

I had same problem on my 7.3 F250. Changed everything above nothing worked. I changed out the CPU (the computer) under the driver side dash. No more weird lights on the dash and cruse now works.

[cannesdo]

wing_zealot wrote:
Google the procedure for testing the cruise control system. You press the buttons in a particular sequence and it runs a self diagnosis test and a series of flashing lights will tell you what is wrong.

Great, thanks...I did that but the cruise light never comes on. What do you suppose that points to? My ABS light comes on for a few seconds when I turn the key to 'run'. As well as the "check engine light" which I've never seen before in 10 years of owning this truck. But both go right out again. Someone said the ABS light indicates the speed sensor needs replacing.

[wing_zealot]

Google the procedure for testing the cruise control system. You press the buttons in a particular sequence and it runs a self diagnosis test and a series of flashing lights will tell you what is wrong.

[cannesdo]

Is there anyway to check the clock spring?

[cannesdo]

braindead0 wrote:
Clock spring, for any buttons on the steering wheel that's always my first check.. that is presuming the controls are on the steering wheel.

http://www.acpartshouse.com/inventory/115551-new-airbag-clock-spring

If it was the clock spring would the air bag light be on? I don't have the air bag light.

[braindead0]

Clock spring, for any buttons on the steering wheel that's always my first check.. that is presuming the controls are on the steering wheel.

http://www.acpartshouse.com/inventory/115551-new-airbag-clock-spring

[Artum_Snowbird]

There is quite a few replies in the powerstroke forum under that 7.3 drive train problems. Check out in there, do a search. You don't have to join to search.