Community Forums

N8XV · 08-03-2007, 11:15 AM

Ford will be recalling 1995 - 2002 F53 motorhomes for the Cruise control switch. Notices start going out on August 13.
Other models also recalled for same item see here: Ford Recall
UPDATE
The Recall link has expired. You may want to phone your Ford dealer to find out if your F-53 is on the recall list.

ISLAPP · 08-04-2007, 06:23 AM

Thanks for the notice, Bill. Looks like I'll be gettin a new switch!!
I think I will also feature this notice so it stays on top for others to see.
Mike

no18yes · 08-15-2007, 09:01 AM

Is there any way I can dismantle this stupid thing until it gets correctied?

SRT · 08-16-2007, 04:59 PM

Had it done at the local Ford dealer last Thursday. Took about 5 minutes (after waiting 1/2 hour). New wiring (fusible link?) plugs right in. Attached it under the master cylinder on one of the brake lines.

Myronlg · 09-11-2007, 04:48 PM

Received my notification last week - will be making appointment - will try to get an appointment to have work done at Joe Cooper Ford Truck Repair in Oklahoma City.

2000 Pace Arrow Vision on Ford F53

99pa36b · 09-22-2007, 12:32 PM

Hi SRT,

Do you know what size the fuse is?

Myronlg · 09-23-2007, 06:39 AM

Tried to make appointment at Joe Cooper Ford in Oklahoma City last week - they informed me they ran out of part - Ford would not have them available until November or December and for me to call back. Seems unrealistic Ford would send out all of these recall letters and not have materials for repair available.

99pa36b · 09-23-2007, 06:58 AM

I guess Ford are living up to their reputation: "Found On Roadside Dead" or "Fix Or Repair Daily".

This whole situation is silly, if you can't get parts, unplug the beastly thing; or if you like to use your cruise control, insert an inline fuse yourself. If you can't or won't do it your self, get an auto mechanic or friendly neighbour hood electrician to do it for you. Should take about 5 minutes. Inline fuse cost about 5 bucks, labor about a sixpack or beer.

jdr37 · 10-04-2007, 12:23 PM

I've got a stupid question. I'm told if the sensor leaks brake fluid that might cause a fire. How will a fuse prevent a leak from causing a fire??

Izzyblueye · 10-05-2007, 05:26 AM

jdr37: Good question. I don't have an anwer, but I sure will interested in any sage advice you get on this. I have wondered the same thing and in the end; aren't we just putting a band aid on a potential serious problem. So far I have not found one dealer in my 50 mile radius that has the fusable link in stock. They all say Dec/Jan. They all want to disable my CC, what a CYA. One dealer pulled a connection off the system and said I have no evidence of leaking right now. Put it back on and advised me to check it occasionally.

jdr37 · 10-05-2007, 12:39 PM

One of the dealer service guys I spoke with (as you say, they are all out of stock) told me to check the sensor and if there was no obvious signs of leakage not to worry about it. This was obviously unofficial info, but was appreciated. I did check and found no leakage. I'm going on a faily long trip in three weeks and will be using the cruise control.

Still hope some one can answer my stupid question!

99pa36b · 10-05-2007, 02:04 PM

Why does it catch fire? Well when the switch leaks, the fluid causes a short between the live wire and the grounded body of Master-cylinder and "lots of heat" is generated. If you have ever accidentally shorted the +ve and -ve terminals on a charged lead acid battery on your car or truck you will know that it causes quite a BANG and can burn through screw driver shafts and the like faster than you can say Jack Robinson. Hope this helps. The short term fix is to unplug the thing or install your own in-line fuse until Ford can get off their butts and get serious about this. A death or two and couple of law suits will wake them up smartly.

Jim · 10-05-2007, 02:43 PM

hi..would appreciate knowing where the sensor is and what it looks like..thanks,..jim

99pa36b · 10-07-2007, 03:44 AM

Hi Jim, The switch is attached to the master cylinder for the brakes.

If you open your hood, look for the master cylinder on the driver's side of the firewall/bulkhead. The switch should be attached to the front right hand side (when viewed from the front) of the master cylinder casting. It should be a light color plastic material with two wires which disappear into the wiring harness. If you feel uncomfortable about leaving it connected, you can unplug the connector. There is a small tab on the plug that you have to lift before it will unplug. The tab is typical of auto connectors to prevent vibration from shaking them connections loose. Hope this helps. If I can take a picture of mine today, I will post it later, if I can figure out how to do that.