Older Ford 7.3 cruise control issues

Replaced the switches today ( steering wheel ) and cured the problem. Don't know why I was dreading the job so. As some stated, it was a pretty simple job. I guess I was spooked by the thought of removing the air bag. Thanks to all who responded.

The recal for the cruise control deactivation switch was added after the original recall 05s28 which included the older excursions and F150s. They updated a new recall ,09s09 to include just about every other model that had that switch. The recall is to put a fused jumper harness inline of the connector if not leaking and replace the switch if leaking. If your switch is leaking it likely it's causing your problem. The button on the steering wheel are fairly easy to replace though if needed. Two caps on the back of the steering wheel and 2 5/16 screws and the airbag is out of the way and they are right there to replace. To test the switches turn the key to the on position while holding the off button. The speed control light will flash once to indicated you in diagnostic mode. then press on, resume,coast, then set/accel in that order. The speed control light should flash as you press each button to indicate they are working. The last flash is delayed. If multiple flashes occure afterward there are some other problems but I won't write a book here.

IIRC....there were two recalls on Ford MC PSI switches and Cruise Control

Both had fires associated with some of them

Maybe the Ford guys can fill that in...heck just did a quick search and found these:

Ford Recall: The Problem is the Brake Fluid in the Switch – The Solution is a Fuse


Yup, a legal site, but there are others and just chose the first one on the
search list
Ford Cruise Control Switch Fires

Ford Expands Cruise Control Switch Recall

Google how to check the cruise control switches. Some of the older Fords could be done by just pushing the buttons and watching the light on the dash.

Exactly the problem I had, once turned on every thing was Ok. About a$100.00 for the switch assembly. :(

tvman44 wrote:
I had problems with the switches in the steering wheel on my '02 F250. :)

That's exactly what I am afraid of and really what I didn't want to hear. Once I get it to engage the first time it will run with no problem until I turn the motor off. Brake lights work fine and it never disengages by it's self as a short would do.

May try the switch on the master cylinder and the Speed control sensor on the rear housing first as they are cheap and easy.

The only recalls that I remember on the truck pertained to wipers and the cam sensor. At the time I was told I was not included in the switch recall that was a fire risk, but I could have been told wrong.

Not looking forward to the switch deal. Thanks all.

I had problems with the switches in the steering wheel on my '02 F250. :)

X2 Brake switch.... or possibly the brake light switch. I've had both cause problems with the CC.

My brake light was going bad and would cause the CC to release while driving down the road. I didn't figure it out until the switch finally quit and someone told me the brake lights weren't working. I replaced the switch and now the CC works fine.

Have you had the recall done? Even though I had mine done my CC started working intermittently. I found the brake pressure switch under the Master Cylinder failed. this was intermittently shorting out the system (which is the need for the recall harness). replaced the switch and all is well again.