95 Towncar Speed Control

My Dad just bought a 95 Town Car. On the way home he found that the cruise control doesn't engage. I pulled the fuse and it's fine. Any suggestions what to check next ?
Thanks

Are there any other symptoms? --

The speed control system consists of:

speed control servo
speed control cable
vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
horn relay and bracket
speed control actuator switch
stoplight switch (BOO)
brake pressure control valve with integral deactivator switch
air bag sliding contact

[QUOTE=Towncar]Are there any other symptoms? --

Not that I know of. It's generally in nice shape and the old owner said he didn't know the cruise wasn't working. We looked at the manual, and followed the insrtuctions but whae you let off the gas it just starts coasting down.
Thanks for responding.
Bob

Check a few things before we dive fully into this:
1) Do the brake lights work?
2) Is the cable intact from the servo to the throttle cable?
2) Does the "Speed Control" indicator light up on the dash when you activate the system?

I may be able to print the entire diagnosis text from my 96 manual to PDF's if this becomes elusive.

BTW, What model is your Town Car?

I can't check the cable until later, but I know the brake lights and signals work. And I didn't see any dash light when we tried it.
Thanks

Sorry, forgot. It's a 95 Cartier.

I can't check the cable until later, but I know the brake lights and signals work. And I didn't see any dash light when we tried it.
Thanks


OK, there's a bit of a trick to activating the system, it dosn't come on immediately after pressing the ON button.

My terminology, "Come on" means the "Speed Control" text is displayed between the Odometer and the Speedometer. You can't miss that one :)

The system won't activate under 25MPH. Over 25MPH:
Press the ON button once, (nothing appears to happen)
Press the Set Accel button once, the "Speed Control" text confirms activation.
(See attached screenshot, click to enlarge).
http://www.MyOnlineImages.com/Members/sdhartney/images/thumbs/ClusterSpeedControl.jpg (http://www.MyOnlineImages.com/Members/sdhartney/images/ClusterSpeedControl.jpg)

If that sequence didn't work, we'll have to begin a diagnostic routine.

1st step in "Speed Control won't come on" is:
Verify proper horn operation.
Verify stoplamp operation.
Check circuit fuses.
Town Car - 3 fuses
Power Distribution Box fuse "L" (20A), Fuse Junction Panel fuse 7 (15A) and 16 (15A).

Thanks, I'll check the fuses when he gats back. I know the horn and brake lights were working ok.

Ok, an update. I noticed this evening that the 3rd brake light was working, but that the tail\brake lights weren't on. That was as he was leaving. When he got back I told him what I had learned here. He says the horn is working, but now the signals and emergency flashers aren't. I had noticed that a flasher unit is missing from the panel under the dash.
I guess earlier today he stopped by the mechanic he goes to and after a fairly quick check, was told that all the under hood stuff seems to be ok, including the fuse and cable.
I guess at this point with the signal complication I'll check all the bulbs, under dash fuses, and put in a flasher. There seems to be a problem with the passenger compartment elec. system and that's scary.
I'll post what I find.

Hey Bob...
The BOO (brake on/off) switch could be causing all these problems. It's interlinked to a few different systems, and if it's not functioning 100% you can get quite a few strange symptoms.

It's not common to have a bad BOO switch, but it does happen with the Town Cars.

In case you're wondering the price, I searched this one online:
Description-----------------------Year-----MSRP Price---Your Price
STOPLAMP SWITCH, Town Car-----92-03---$17.11-------$10.40

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll have him look at the bulbs and fuses and if they all look ok I can pick up a switch on the way home from work. We'll see how it goes.

I was finally able to put in a new switch but it made no difference. Everything seems to work fine except the cruise control. Unfortunately now I think he's going to take it to the dealer.

We got the answer I didn't want from the dealer. The wiring ring in the steering wheel is going bad. $350 installed, but that should fix it.

We got the answer I didn't want from the dealer. The wiring ring in the steering wheel is going bad. $350 installed, but that should fix it.

Damn, I hate when that happens !!!

Hi Towncar! The names Pete. Have a 96 TC Sig that the cruise control doesn't work. Found you post and wondering if you can help? Everything seems to work, as in you questions, but it doesn't. Light on dash comes on, but no cruise :<( The cable is connected and I'm asssuming the servo is the little box mounted up by the driver's side hood hinge? Where the cable goesinto the servo,clips off easily and you find the cable wrapped around a small white pully. All looks good, soasssumed the servo died or is burnt out. After reading this, figured I asked if there's other thing to check out before buying one. Have no idea how much it would cost to begin with and sounds like it could be something simple. Any idea on the approximate cost of one if it is that? Would appreciate any help you could povide to pin it down. Thanks! Take it Easy, Pete

It turned out that the servo under the hood, and the wiring ring inside the steering column had both gone bad. It totalled about $500, and 350 of that was the ring. Since that's kind of expensive, maybe you should take it and have it checked to see exactly what's wrong in your case. If you buy electrical parts and end up not needing them you usually can't take them back.

Hi Towncar! The names Pete.

Hi Pete !! :)

It turned out that the servo under the hood, and the wiring ring inside the steering column had both gone bad.

Ditto!!

If you've gone through all the obvious checks, Bob has some insight (and spent the $$) that may lead to your cure as well.

Hey Steve,
Thanks for getting back to me, just one thing though before spending the $$$ for the servo, where's the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) you mentioned and how to check it? That or since everything else "Seems" to be working, then the VSS isn't the issue??? Please let me know. Thanks! Pete

Hey Steve,
Thanks for getting back to me, just one thing though before spending the $$$ for the servo, where's the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) you mentioned and how to check it? That or since everything else "Seems" to be working, then the VSS isn't the issue??? Please let me know. Thanks! Pete


Hey Pete,
A thought just occured to me, you don't have the Factory Service Manual....
I can send you the 1996, official CD Version, of the Ford Factory Service Manual for your Town Car (and every other 96 ford, lincoln, mercury car) free. All I'll need is a mailing address in a >>> PM <<< (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/private.php?do=newpm&u=44517)

I'll look up that VSS in a few hours, I'm just getting up with a sore back :(

Hey Pete,
A thought just occured to me, you don't have the Factory Service Manual....
I can send you the 1996, official CD Version, of the Ford Factory Service Manual for your Town Car (and every other 96 ford, lincoln, mercury car) free. All I'll need is a mailing address in a >>> PM <<< (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/private.php?do=newpm&u=44517)

I'll look up that VSS in a few hours, I'm just getting up with a sore back :(
Is there any way you could send that to me as well ? I grew up with GM and still have to guess a lot with the Lincoln.
Bob

Is there any way you could send that to me as well ? I grew up with GM and still have to guess a lot with the Lincoln.
Bob

Sure thing Bob !
The your Dad's 1995 and my 1996 Service CD's should be 99.9% compatable.

All I'll need is a mailing address in a >>> PM <<< (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/private.php?do=newpm&u=44517)

I'll send out the copies as soon as I get that mailing address. One CD is the 1996 cars, and the other is the Systems, EVTM, Recalls, Wire Diagrams, ETC. I also have the printed version which is identical in information supplied. Both CD's need to be 'installed' seperately, the GUI calls for the appropriate CD when an option is selected from the icon bar or menus.

I sent the PM Steven. If it doesn't get there, let me know and I'll send it again. I appreciate the help.
Bob

Hello Folks, A newbie here, but after reading the thread I feel right at home. I am having the same problem with my 97 TC. I have checked all fuses, all OK, All other buttons on steering wheel work, speed control on dash comes on after pressing the on button, but will not activate in any mode. Press off button and speed control light will not come on. Cable is connected in both places. Took the lid off the box under the hood, which told me nothing. You talked about a brake light switch not working 100% where will I find that bugger. You mentioned a CD for a manual, would it cover a 1997 TC also. If it would I would like to obtain one. Don't expect it for free. Can't seem to locate a cruise control module on line anywhere, do you have a source? Thanks for any information you can provide. Feel like i'm:banghead: .

Hey Pete,
A thought just occured to me, you don't have the Factory Service Manual....
I can send you the 1996, official CD Version, of the Ford Factory Service Manual for your Town Car (and every other 96 ford, lincoln, mercury car) free. All I'll need is a mailing address in a >>> PM <<< (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/private.php?do=newpm&u=44517)

I'll look up that VSS in a few hours, I'm just getting up with a sore back :(

Well Rags, I hope you have better luck, but it was a couple things wrong with my Dad's car. There was an actuator inside the steering column, and a solenoid under the hood. All together, about $600.
Your best bet would be to pay to have it diagnosed, and then decide if you're up to the repairs yourself. Anything to do with the column involves the airbag, so you have to know if you can handle that plus the wiring of the ring.

....You mentioned a CD for a manual, would it cover a 1997 TC also. If it would I would like to obtain one. Don't expect it for free....

Hello Rags37 :)

I can help you get a 1997 Factory Service Manual in CD format.
If you have a good Internet Service speed, you can get one online, if you use dial up for Internet, I would be happy to send you the CD's.

Just send me a PM (private message) with the link above and we'll go over your options. No charge my friend, we're all in this together :)

Hello Rags37 :)

I can help you get a 1997 Factory Service Manual in CD format.
If you have a good Internet Service speed, you can get one online, if you use dial up for Internet, I would be happy to send you the CD's.

Just send me a PM (private message) with the link above and we'll go over your options. No charge my friend, we're all in this together :)
I have Charter Broadband 5 it should download rather fast. You are a gentleman and a scholar Steven. Thanks a bunch.

I have Charter Broadband 5 it should download rather fast. You are a gentleman and a scholar Steven. Thanks a bunch.

Well, in that case download directly from >>> here (http://www.fordcds.com/97CAR22.iso.zip) <<< ; the CD is coming to you in a Zipped ISO format. The zip size is just this side of 197mb, unzips to around 300mb.

The ISO can be burned to CD, or you can make your PC believe the CD's in a drive using one of the many CD mount softwares. Personally I have all the CD's I want on my hard drive, then I mount (sounds kinky) the one I need to access.

The CD has to be available to run the program, either physically or virtually.

So, grab your copy at the link herein, and give me a shout if you need help with it.

Well Rags, I hope you have better luck, but it was a couple things wrong with my Dad's car. There was an actuator inside the steering column, and a solenoid under the hood. All together, about $600.
Your best bet would be to pay to have it diagnosed, and then decide if you're up to the repairs yourself. Anything to do with the column involves the airbag, so you have to know if you can handle that plus the wiring of the ring.
I think you may be right Bob, I had somewhat the same problem with the 95 Merc marquis and they had to replace the control unit. Cost me $85.00. Not sure what the TC will cost. But I can't stand not having something work the way it is suppose to. Rags

Well Rags, I hope you have better luck, but it was a couple things wrong with my Dad's car. There was an actuator inside the steering column, and a solenoid under the hood. All together, about $600.
Your best bet would be to pay to have it diagnosed, and then decide if you're up to the repairs yourself. Anything to do with the column involves the airbag, so you have to know if you can handle that plus the wiring of the ring.
Bob what solenoid under the hood are you referring to??

Bob what solenoid under the hood are you referring to??
I really don't know Rags, I'd have to ask Pops. I just know that the column parts were about $300, not counting the $100 part the dealer broke getting things apart. And the Under-hood parts were about the same.
I'll have to ask him if he has hos receipts around anywhere.

It turned out that the servo under the hood, and the wiring ring inside the steering column had both gone bad. It totalled about $500, and 350 of that was the ring. Since that's kind of expensive, maybe you should take it and have it checked to see exactly what's wrong in your case. If you buy electrical parts and end up not needing them you usually can't take them back.
Hello Bob, I have a question for you. Where did you find the servo? I have looked online, and ebay, I am not able to locate one anywhere. Not for sure that is the problem but if it is I would like to know where I can get one. Thanks, Rags

I really don't know Rags, I'd have to ask Pops. I just know that the column parts were about $300, not counting the $100 part the dealer broke getting things apart. And the Under-hood parts were about the same.
I'll have to ask him if he has hos receipts around anywhere.
Thanks,,you mean the mechanic that broke a part made you pay for that also? That's crazy.

Well, in that case download directly from >>> here (http://www.fordcds.com/97CAR22.iso.zip) <<< ; the CD is coming to you in a Zipped ISO format. The zip size is just this side of 197mb, unzips to around 300mb.

The ISO can be burned to CD, or you can make your PC believe the CD's in a drive using one of the many CD mount softwares. Personally I have all the CD's I want on my hard drive, then I mount (sounds kinky) the one I need to access.

The CD has to be available to run the program, either physically or virtually.

So, grab your copy at the link herein, and give me a shout if you need help with it.
Got it, took a little while to figure out how to get to the information, but have it mastered now.

Thanks,,you mean the mechanic that broke a part made you pay for that also? That's crazy.
Found a servo at www.car-part.com (http://www.car-part.com), should have it by Monday the 26th.

Thanks for the updates :)

:grinyes: Received my servo yesterday afternoon, took about 10 min. to install, and now my cruise control works fine. I thought the cable might be bad, but the servo I bought had a cable on it that appeared loose on the end. I am wondering if there is some kind of vacuum that works on it also?????? It cost me a total of $65.00 for the servo including shipping.:2cents: The mechanic told me I would cost between $150.00 and $200.00 invested if I brought to him to fix.

:grinyes: Received my servo yesterday afternoon, took about 10 min. to install, and now my cruise control works fine. I thought the cable might be bad, but the servo I bought had a cable on it that appeared loose on the end. I am wondering if there is some kind of vacuum that works on it also?????? It cost me a total of $65.00 for the servo including shipping.:2cents: The mechanic told me I would cost between $150.00 and $200.00 invested if I brought to him to fix.
Turns out there is no vacuum involved, there is a takeup drum inside the servo that takes up the slack in the cable.

Pete, this is Rags, I had the same problem, contacted a mechanic friend and he said that 9 times out of 10 it is the servo. I bought a used servo at www.car-part.com (http://www.car-part.com) for $50.00, installed it and it now works fine. The mechanic said the computer board goes bad. Yes it is the box on the plastic tire cover that the cable is attached too. Took me all of 10 minutes to change it out. Hope this helps.

I can't seem to pull up the link for the 97 service manuals, are they still available, if so thanks. also I am having same problem, but being a newbie, I believe I started a new thread 97,towncar,cruise, sorry Here is a copy of that post below Thanks

My first post so sorry for mistakes. Anyway have a 97 town car. Cruise doesn't work. Already verified horn circuit and clock spring. All OK, horn now works again after finding shorted horn switch (airbag assembly replaced). Had problem with speedometer showing all sort of speeds after start. Read post about that, replace alternator, that now seems to be fixed too. Current symptom, I go 30mph or more, hit "on" then "set" on steering wheel. The speed control message lights up on the dash, but the cruise will not take over the cars speed. Brake light switch seems to be working OK as I tap breaks, cruise light goes off. I looked at module under master brake cylinder on fender, looks fine, I did get voltage to some of the pins. I am thinking however that this module, the motor in the module is bad, gears jammed whatever. Does it sounds like I'm going after the correct part? The speed sensor seems fine because it appears my speeds are accurate. Thanks

ford used a brake pressure switch in the brake proportion valve below the master cylinder.ford issued a recall to replace theses switches and add an additional fused harness because it was said that these switches were causing fires .understanding how the circuit works i disagree that this would cause fires.anyway that switch is a redundant backup to the brake pedal switch.should the brake PEDAL switch fail,the brake pressure switch will deactivate the cruise circuit.when the brake pedal , is applied,the brake pedal switch REMOVES power from the cruise control servo disengaging the cruise,should it fail,the brake PRESSURE switch takes over and APPLIES power to the servo which will also disengage the cruise servo.its common for the PRESSURE switch to fail stuck CLOSED when this happens its as though the brake pedal is applied and the cruise will not engage.removing this pressure switch can be a hassle.there is a simple but unsafe whay to correct this so i wont say.another method would be to bypass the PRESSURE switch and install a switch just above the brake switch at the pedal.the hole is already there for future design.get a switch from a 98 town car crown vic or grand marquis with the connector unplug the old pressure switch cut the plug off {after you disconnect the battery}run that fused circuit thru the fire wall splice into the plug with the new connector plug it in to the new switch you installed above the brake switch and the cruise control will work as designed by ford and will have the same safety back up

I am also having no luck in getting my speed control to engage
It’s a 95 executive series
When I got it it had a check engine light I had that read and they said it was the egr differential sensor I replaced that and pulled the negative battery cable to reset the system
The speed control worked for a couple of days then the check engine light came back on
I need to replace the egr.valve but I can’t get the speed control to work again
I have tried to reset the system again but speed control will still not work
Help please
Let me ask I had done the air suspension to coil springs and pulled the wire that lights the check air suspension warning light
Is there a comparator circuitry in the module behind the glove compartment