Cruise Control Not working

mattbl · 03-12-2005, 04:49 PM

The cruise control is not working. I've haven't done anything different and it was working a couple of weeks ago when I used it last.
Ok so I've tested the brake switch and buttons on the steering wheel with a multi meter and they are ok.
The cruise control comes up on the dash but it won't set.
Are the units reliable? (the box under the bonnet)
Does anyone have any ideas of what else it could be?

Thanks

Matt

LOWAU · 03-12-2005, 04:59 PM

You should check all of your globes such as brake lights as i have heard it can cause the cruise not to work.

Dauphin · 03-12-2005, 05:02 PM

Yes, check the brake lights as I've had this problem a couple of times. If any of the twin-filament globes are blown, it'll disable the cruise control from engaging.

Casper · 03-12-2005, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dauphin

Yes, check the brake lights as I've had this problem a couple of times. If any of the twin-filament globes are blown, it'll disable the cruise control from engaging.

I had a blown brakelight on mine for ages, never effected cruise. Weird.

Dauphin · 03-12-2005, 05:07 PM

It's a strange one this because I've had four dead tail lights from memory and only twice have they effected the cruise control. One of the incidents made the cruise sometimes work and sometimes not work, before it finally stopped a few days later and the bulb was to blame.

stiddy · 03-12-2005, 05:38 PM

my cruise control stopped working once.. looked under the bonnet at the cruise control cable, (runs along side the accelerator cable) and where it actually clips onto the throttle body butterfly thing, it managed to unclip itself.. cliped it back on and it was fine..

mattbl · 03-12-2005, 05:55 PM

Nahh no good
The brake globes are ok I even disconnected them from the wiring harness and took it for a spin and no go.
Just had a quick look at removing the unit and doesn't look like a quick swap out. Looks as if the master cylinder needs to be removed????

Any more ideas??

mattbl · 03-12-2005, 11:27 PM

Has anyone had a control unit die?
I have been right through the car and the cruise still will not set.
So far checked:
Brake lights - Globes working
Brake light switch - Normally open, engage brake to close
Brake pressure switch - Normally closed, engage brake for switch to go open
Cable attached to the throttle body correctly
Just not quite sure about the resistance values on the steering wheel switches but they all show resitance (obviously different values for different functions).

More money for FTG Auto Salvage

:
I wonder if they will take it back if the module isn't the problem?

RG · 03-12-2005, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattbl

Has anyone had a control unit die?
I have been right through the car and the cruise still will not set.
So far checked:
Brake lights - Globes working
Brake light switch - Normally open, engage brake to close
Brake pressure switch - Normally closed, engage brake for switch to go open
Cable attached to the throttle body correctly
Just not quite sure about the resistance values on the steering wheel switches but they all show resitance (obviously different values for different functions).

More money for FTG Auto Salvage

:
I wonder if they will take it back if the module isn't the problem?

Well at least now I know that i'm not the only one.

carratt · 03-12-2005, 11:13 PM

I had this happen a few months ago. It was just a simple matter of popping open the fuse box and putting a new one in. If memory serves right it was fuse number 5 in the owners manual (a blue one).

RG · 03-12-2005, 11:21 PM

I've got what sounds to be the exact same problem in my EL. I've looked at nearly everything bar swapping the actual cruise module and i still have nothing, it's driving me nuts. If you find a solution please let me know!

mattbl · 03-12-2005, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carratt

I had this happen a few months ago. It was just a simple matter of popping open the fuse box and putting a new one in. If memory serves right it was fuse number 5 in the owners manual (a blue one).

Thanks I wish it was that simple

:

AnthonyQLD · 08-12-2005, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carratt

I had this happen a few months ago. It was just a simple matter of popping open the fuse box and putting a new one in. If memory serves right it was fuse number 5 in the owners manual (a blue one).

I was going to suggest a fuse!

Lightning Strike GT · 08-12-2005, 08:41 PM

I had the same issue but it was the brake light globes it will work with one out but it will not work with them both out but judging by the previous posts you have already looked at this, apart from the brake light and clutch (if you have a manual) switch I am at a loss to what it is
I think the fuse does the radio or interior lights as well
Good luck - I hate electrical faults.........

mattbl · 08-12-2005, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AU XR8

Good luck - I hate electrical faults.........

Thanks
I work on electrical / electronic appliances as a day job. This is what we call a 'bastard fault' in our industry!!

Sometimes you just have to walk away from it and re-visit later with a clear mind.
A mate of mine has an AU 1 tonner, he's bringing it over on the weekend and we'll swap parts over until we find it.

Cheers

mattbl · 09-12-2005, 09:35 PM

:

Found the problem.

I did some net surfing last night and found the installation guide from Fordmods for the EF-EL cruise. It looked like the same set up so got to work on it today.
The webpage has a trouble shooting flow chart with voltage and resistance values. So I got down to the end of the flow chart and everything was good on the car and it was pointing to the module.

I removed the module and opened it up and one of the plastic gears has broken away so the cable just springs back when the stepper motor is engaged.
Isn't servicable so looks like another one from the wreckers.

More unplanned expense

:

JC · 04-12-2005, 12:25 AM

Can't help with a solution - only with diagnosis. I assume that when you turn the cruise on the indicator stalk, the "Cruise" indicator comes up on the dash. If so, When you press the Set+ or Set- button, does the word "Set" appear on the dash display (ie while you are holding the button/s). If it does, then I would say the problem is under the bonnet somewhere. If it doesn't, then the problem is on the buttons on the steering wheel, or it could be the clock spring in the steering wheel/column. The buttons use the clock spring , but the indicator stalk doesn't.

mattbl · 04-12-2005, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC-XRWgn

Can't help with a solution - only with diagnosis. I assume that when you turn the cruise on the indicator stalk, the "Cruise" indicator comes up on the dash. If so, When you press the Set+ or Set- button, does the word "Set" appear on the dash display (ie while you are holding the button/s). If it does, then I would say the problem is under the bonnet somewhere. If it doesn't, then the problem is on the buttons on the steering wheel, or it could be the clock spring in the steering wheel/column. The buttons use the clock spring , but the indicator stalk doesn't.

Yep the control module is not dead so to speak. When you turn the cruise on via the stalk it shows (cruise on) on the dash so there is life there.

At this stage I'm with you and I'm going for another set of switches as this would probably be the most logical cause and also the cheapest fix. I had the clock spring in mind however the horn works fine. Can't fault find using the stereo controls as they're not hooked up.

I'm going to by a set of switches on Monday, will keep you posted.

Cheers

JC · 04-12-2005, 12:47 AM

One other thing - you are testing this by taking the car for a drive, and you are engaging the cruise doing more than 40km/h? Just thought I'd better check!

mattbl · 04-12-2005, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC-XRWgn

One other thing - you are testing this by taking the car for a drive, and you are engaging the cruise doing more than 40km/h? Just thought I'd better check!

Yep
The neighbors must think I'm doing drug deals I've been in and out that many times today!!

T2TL50 · 04-12-2005, 11:08 PM

Have you checked the little fuse in the pannel under the bonnet.. it is a blue 15 amp one.. not the big square ones.. just a little one down in the point..

it controlls the horn.. but the fuse also controlls the box under the bonnet for the module..

i have had this happen to me with the ess not working either..

try that!!

mattbl · 05-12-2005, 09:38 AM

Yep fuses under the bonnet look good.
I've sent off a couple of emails to local places last night as I need a couple of other things as well. Hopefully get the switches today and we'll see what happens.

Cheers

mattbl · 07-12-2005, 03:08 PM

Well I put the new set of switches in today and still no go. Cruise turns on but not setting. I'm going to buy the cruise control module next week providing they take it back if it still doesn't work after installation.

I'll keep you posted!

:

RG · 28-12-2005, 04:10 PM

well i've looked at all those things and mine is still not engaging. Any more ideas would be appreciated.

mattbl · 29-12-2005, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenEL

well i've looked at all those things and mine is still not engaging. Any more ideas would be appreciated.

I started another thread a couple of weeks ago for more help as I thought I had it fixed but the cruise control wasn't the problem.
Just to recap the cruise would turn on but not turn off, also the cruise would not set. The horn also would not work.
I must say without blowing my own trumpet that I've become an expert on AU cruise controls after 3 weekends on and off of looking!! and $250 in parts.

I went back to my mate's place today to measure some voltages under the steering column.

I found that the common/ ground (black wire) located in the 4 pin plug that connects to the clock spring was open. This is the ground return signal. If I bridged the ground from another ground source eveything would work fine. Where it was open, I couldn't find out until this morning.

The black wire in question runs from the clock spring to pin 6 on the cruise module. Every time I tested it with a multi meter there was continuity of the wire so this threw me off. The problem was the pins were not connecting when the plug was inserted into the cruise module and I was testing it by putting a paper clip into the plug socket which means it would always make contact that way but not when the plug was connected.

I guess the contacts in the plug have broken due to vibration as the cruise control went bad after driving down a corrugated dirt road. If anyone cares the horn doesn't work if the cruise control module plug is not connected as you need it connected to complete the circuit.

Anyway my fault fault finding was confirmed when I hooked up the multi meter to any number of pins on the the plug that connects to the cruise module and wiggling the plug showed an intermittant connection and unstable voltage.

The loom runs through the fire wall and doesn't look easy to replace so I may just buy another loom then cut and splice the replacement plug into the original loom.

So here are the most likely problems if your cruise control isn't working
1. Brake globes out /shorting
2. Brake switch faulty
3. Brake pressure switch
4. Switches on sterring wheel
5. Clock spring
6. Cruise module
7. Wiring / connectors

I'm off to put my car back together, I've got some work to do with all the wiring pulled apart under the steering column, fuse box out grill removed BEM removed, steering wheel off

:

mattbl · 28-01-2006, 09:35 AM

Finally fixed up the cruise yesterday. Found the problem a few weeks ago but got slack and just left it.
Given the wreckers wouldn't sell me a wiring harness without buying the entire cruise kit I was in no hurry to rush out and buy the wiring harness.

Purchased the wiring harness from Jefferson Ford. Thanks for the trade discount (15%). It must of been the squirming at $176 so I was feeling a bit happier at $148.
Took about 45 minutes to remove the old harness and fit the new one.
All good now

Any cruise questions fire them this way

:

GK · 28-01-2006, 10:18 AM

I'm glad you got to the bottom of it and got it sorted.

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, we are all better off for it. I personally benefitted from the thread you started, my problem was blown tail light globes.

I'm sorry your problem was much more serious. Hope it all goes well from here on in.

Cheers,

GK

TURBOTAXI · 28-01-2006, 12:10 PM

Mmmm our 5 speed EF wagon has cruise and the CRUISE comes up on the dash when you press on. but the set light does not come on when we try to set. The car was only a cheapie, and if the cruise never works again I will still be happy with the car.
I have replaced the globes after reading another thread, but still no luck. Anything else to look at on a 5 speed EF?

mattbl · 28-01-2006, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TURBOTAXI

Mmmm our 5 speed EF wagon has cruise and the CRUISE comes up on the dash when you press on. but the set light does not come on when we try to set. The car was only a cheapie, and if the cruise never works again I will still be happy with the car.
I have replaced the globes after reading another thread, but still no luck. Anything else to look at on a 5 speed EF?

My fault finding was based on the flow charts supplied by fordmods.com
The charts are based on the EL/EF model and the AU is the same set up from a wiring persepcetive to the cruise module.
I hear the E series had a problem with the brake switch. The clock spring is a common problem as well. There is no real reason for the buttons to fail unless one is stuck.
Really there are plenty of things it could be but I would certainly suggest trying here

Cheers