Community Forums

ukpajf · 11-22-2016, 11:03 AM

I had new brakes installed all around, including new front rotors. On the way home I noticed that the cruise control would not turn on. Can't stand that Ford or the coach builders decided not to add an indicator light so you could have a clue if the system is on or not.
Anyway, I checked the fuse and found it to be good but also replaced it anyway. Called the mechanic who says there was nothing he did that would have caused this to happen. I also pulled my foot up on the brake pedal incase it was leaning on the switch which might turn it off. Nothing is working and I've driven it over 100 miles while doing all of this.
Does anyone have any additional ideas tha might be a cause or that I can try? I'm leaving tonight for Thanksgiving with the family but will hate not have cruise for the 1600 mile round trip.
Thanks in advance and Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

tderonne · 11-22-2016, 11:40 AM

Where to start?

This site.

Just enter "Ford cruise control" in the search box above. Lots of threads about it.

Irv2.com search result

fletch460 · 11-22-2016, 11:48 AM

If you had brake work done,look on the master cylinder and see if any wires are off. There is a switch that when you press the brake, it shuts off the cruise. Good luck

ukpajf · 11-22-2016, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tderonne

Where to start?

This site.

Just enter "Ford cruise control" in the search box above. Lots of threads about it.

Irv2.com search result

Ugh, thanks. I had started to do a search but wasn't seeing anything that might have been triggered from a brake job.

ukpajf · 11-22-2016, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fletch460

If you had brake work done,look on the master cylinder and see if any wires are off. There is a switch that when you press the brake, it shuts off the cruise. Good luck

I will check this. I was thinking the switch was up under dash attached to brake pedal.

Steeler34 · 11-22-2016, 12:32 PM

The cruise control works via a sensor. If you have antilock brakes the antilock system works off the "Phonic wheel" at each wheel. Sometimes the sensor is on the drive shaft or the tail shaft of the transmission, but most of the time it tracks a "phonic wheel" . If they were wrestling your brakes, good chance they broke a wire on the sensor or bent the sensor or the wheel.
IMHO, I would take it back (if you were sure they are good mechanics) or take it to a Ford dealership.

Steeler34 · 11-22-2016, 12:33 PM

sometimes the phonic wheel is built into the rotors. They may have got the wrong rotors or not transferred it to the new ones.

ukpajf · 11-22-2016, 12:54 PM

Found a white connector on side of master cylinder that was just sitting there. Looks like they may have broken it when taking the mastcyl lid off when changing brakes. I dont know how i can get that thing out now. Looks pressure fitted.

ukpajf · 11-22-2016, 12:55 PM

Switch?

hydro45640 · 11-22-2016, 01:06 PM

It looks it could have been threaded since it was a hex head. Try an easy out to remove the broken part.

thunderjet · 11-22-2016, 01:15 PM

That is your differential pressure switch (kind of a float rod sensor)
not related to cruise control. it is more a abs type thing. Many vehicles have this broken off as it is not well supported or has short lead wires. still very drivable until replaced hard part is unscrewing broken threaded plastic bushing It can be picked out with a heated Awl. I cant think of any one that will sell direct to a owner as install needs a look inside of housing checked to be sure rod is adjusted right.

twinboat · 11-22-2016, 02:27 PM

You mention Ford so I'm assuming a gas engine. There may be fuses on the leads to a switch screwed into or nearby the master cyilnder.

It was a recall harness Ford put in vehicles around that year. The fuses are covered in rubber caps.

If one of the 2 amp fuses is blown, the switch will need to be changed.

I have also had the switch fail without blowing the fuse.

Can be checked with an ohm meter. I forget which, but either it closes with the foot on the brake or the opposite.

The switch is called the Cruise Control Cancel Switch. At Advance Auto and NAPA it's a CCS1.

twinboat · 11-22-2016, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeler34

The cruise control works via a sensor. If you have antilock brakes the antilock system works off the "Phonic wheel" at each wheel. Sometimes the sensor is on the drive shaft or the tail shaft of the transmission, but most of the time it tracks a "phonic wheel" . If they were wrestling your brakes, good chance they broke a wire on the sensor or bent the sensor or the wheel.
IMHO, I would take it back (if you were sure they are good mechanics) or take it to a Ford dealership.

The sensors in the wheels and rear diff. are for antilock brakes. 1999 probable didn't have separate rear wheel sensors.

The cruise uses the same sensor as the speedometer. On my 1999 it's in the trans. If the speedometer works, it's not the sensor.

johnhicks · 11-22-2016, 08:31 PM

That's the brake warning switch, has nothing to do with cruise. However, you need it working if you want the dash idiot light to warn you that you've lost half your brakes.

Up under the dash you should have a stop-light switch that triggers the stop light, cruise off and emergency brake booster if you have one.