2002 cargo cruise control OFF button doesn't work

[parkerb]

hi all,

my 2002 3.8L 150k miles, has the SCDS revised switch and pigtail. however the cruise control OFF button won't work (this is not a new problem, did it as well before the recall performed). no visible wear to the switch. can deactivate by pressing brake, but wondered if others have had this problem and if so what to expect?

anyone replaced the switch assembly on the steering wheel before?

tia,
parker

[joeuser742]

Yes, I have the same problem. I have a 2003 Windstar SE with the Message Center. When I put the cruise control on, then set it, the message center gets very dim. If I hit the brake, the cruise control deactivates, but is still on. I have to hit the "OFF" button multiple times to get it to turn off. Dealer said that my van does not have the faulty brake switch. My thoughts are...Bad ground, bad cruise control unit, or bad wiring; maybe a bad relay somewhere? Have you gotten yours fixed yet?

[joeuser742]

Cruise control "OFF" button fixed. I removed the "On/Off" switch from the steering wheel (Disconnect the battery, then just pop out the switch with a screwdriver), took it apart (3 screws), cleaned the contacts, put it back together, problem fixed. No need to buy a new switch.

[parkerb]

how is it holding together for you? ford wants $150 for the switch so i cleaned mine too.

for anyone wondering how it's held in place, image the back of the assembly with slightly raised ears around the curved portions. the flexible material of the steering wheel surround will give as you bring one end out. just take your time and use a flashlight (even though there ain't much to see).

[joeuser742]

Still working perfect. I also have a couple of spares I picked up at the junk yard.

[parkerb]

look at you. planning on going for a few more miles? after the sticker shock (and i've always been a believer in getting genuine parts, they even give me a 20% discount) it makes me rethink just how long i can afford to keep running this van. next on my list is the ABS ecu (may see my other posts), and it's $488 w/ core.

[CnlK]

Thanks joeuser742 for the tip, cruise "off" button in my van wasn't working.
I didn't have that small of a torx driver for the three screws on the back of the switch but was able to remove them with a very small flat blade driver. Cleaned contacts with alcohol and a cotton swab. Found a small screw driver was also useful for depressing the tab on the electrical connector when removing from switch. All was well when reinstalled.

[parkerb]

joe, you still have extra's laying around? mine's acting up again. no way of dirt/ water/ etc. getting in there. i've put on 2500 miles since february. must have been a QC issue at manufacturing.