Cruise Control Melted!

[kboyd62]

I have a 96 XLT Super Cab, 3.0 L, 5-spd, 130 K miles. Living in the Texas heat, the cruise control on/off switch has melted. It's the one with the soft rubber cover on the left side of the steering wheel. The other side is fine, but this one has slowly oozed off the steering wheel. It does still work fine, but covers my finger with black gunk when I turn the cruise on, until it cools off in the evening, or I cool it off with the AC.

Has anyone ever seen this problem before? How hard would that switch (or at least the cover) be to replace? I can't see any way it comes off.

Thanks!

[TrailLeadr]

lol, please forgive me, I'm just getting a mental image of that.



So anyway, does your truck have an airbag? If so that could complicate things, because the means to remove that switch is under the center cover of the steering wheel. Until you can get it fixed you could use some clear shipping tape to cover the switch and keep your fingers from getting black slime on them.

[kboyd62]

No problem, Trail. I trhink it's funny, too, at least as funny as a car problem can be. Never heard of one melting either. The other one on the right side is almost identical, but it didn't do that. Go figure!

Yes, it does have an airbag.

Tape, huh? lol

[kboyd62]

btt

[kboyd62]

My question is really: Does anyone know how to change that off/on switch, and where I can get another one?

[freeclimber]

You do have to remove the drivers air bag module.
It's a simple process, but you need to be comfortable and versed in dealing with the danger of working on airbags. If you want to give it a try, I can give more info.

[kboyd62]

Thanks, free!
I guess the first place to start would be a Hayne manual. But I'd really like ot hear what you say.

[freeclimber]

Disconnect positive AND negative cables from battery. Block wires with non-conductor (cardboard?) so they cant accidentally touch terminals while working.
Wait one minute for backup power supply to deplete.
Remove two screws, one on either side of steering wheel (under plastic plugs).
Everything comes apart pretty obviously after that (a few screws, electrical connectors).
Be careful with the airbag module!!! It's a ticking time bomb.

[kboyd62]

Thanks so much. Tell me, if you would, a lottle more about the airbag. If I avoid dropping it or bumping it should I be OK?

[freeclimber]

...and make sure you don't accidentally provide any electric current to it or it's wiring harness.
It's the same thing that's aimed at your face every time you drive, so don't worry about setting it off by sneezing.

[kboyd62]

Doesn't sound too bad, then. First I have to find that part. Haven't seen one floating around, but hopefully I can come across one soon.

Thanks mucho!

[timd]

kboyd62, My 2002 Ranger's switch covers dry rotted. (cracked and eventually got so bad I removed all of the rubber covering on both.) All the replacements I've seen online are for the whole switch assy (incl. the rubber covers) but expensive ($90) since I only need the rubber covers. I'm in Sugar Land.

[MikeCStig]

If the rubber covers are a separate part and they melt in the sun, why not just install the switch and leave the low-grade easy-melt rubber crap off?

[timd]

MikeCStig, it looks like crap!!!

[MikeCStig]

oh I dunno, it's got sort a bit of a minimalist vibe to it. I kind of like it lol.