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Ford Cruise Control Troubleshooting & How-to Guide

Ford’s adaptive cruise control is a game-changer when it comes to safe driving. Not only does it help to maintain the approved safe distance from other cars, but it also helps you control your speed when on busy roads or the highways. This gives you a better driving experience overall and decreases your chances of getting into an accident.

How to activate cruise control on a Ford

• Press the ON/OFF button on the steering wheel.
• Then cruise to the speed you wish to be at and Press SET.
• Take your foot off the accelerator and press the car icon on the steering wheel to set the minimum desired gap.

Note: There are four different gap options from close to further away. The more lines on the screen, the further the distance.

• When the cruise control is active, green light with a clock, car, and arrow will appear on the dash.

How to use Ford cruise control with a start and stop

The adaptive cruise control makes driving easier because it eliminates the need to readjust cruise control speed constantly. It uses an intuitive system that automatically adjusts speed to maintain a set distance from slower-moving vehicles ahead. When traffic speed increases, the cruise control system resumes the designated speed.

Press the up and down arrows on your steering wheel cruise control switch to set a gap distance. Use the short, solid arrow above to decrease the following distance. Use the longer arrow below to increase the following distance.

You can cancel at any time by hitting the brake or pressing the cancel button on the steering wheel. They will then return the vehicle to its previously set speed and gap settings when pressing the Resume button.

Note: There are four gap distance settings. One bar indicates the shortest following distance available, while four bars indicates the longest distance.

How to Switch between Normal and Adaptive Cruise Control

• Use the arrow pad on your steering wheel to select “Driver Assist” on your vehicle’s information display.
• Select Cruise Control> Adaptive to enable Adaptive Cruise Control.
• Select Cruise Control> Normal to return to conventional cruise control.

How to deactivate Ford cruise control

Press the brake pedal or cancel on the steering wheel. Refer to the manual to locate the cruise control ON/OFF button.

What Ford models have adaptive cruise control?

Not all Ford vehicles come equipped with the Adaptive Cruise Control features. Additionally, the feature may have varying capabilities on different car models. Below is a list of Ford car models the have the cruise control either as a standard feature or an optional feature;

• Transit Connect
• F-150 Raptor
• F-250, F-350, F-450

How to safely test Ford cruise control

Press the cruise OFF button and hold it down. Then cycle the ignition key from RUN to OFF to RUN quickly without starting the engine. The cruise control indicator light will flash once to indicate that you have successfully entered the test mode.

Ford cruise control troubleshooting

The cruise control module can malfunction from time to time. When this happens, you should determine the issue before trying to fix it. This will enable you to figure out if the problem is as simple or a fuse or a vacuum leak.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot the cruise control;

Start by opening the fuse panel under the steering wheel. Pull up on the fuse panel release lever and then pull the fuse panel down.

Then check the brake lights and cruise control fuses. You can refer to the diagram on the fuse panel cover to locate these fuses. The cruise control system will not work if the cruise control module fuse is burnt or damaged. And the brake lights won’t work if the brake’s fuse is damaged.

Start the vehicle and monitor the vacuum lines on the intake and brake booster to check for a vacuum leak. This air leak will cause the cruise control system to malfunction as the cruise control will not control the vehicle speed efficiently. Also, check for a rough idle and a “sucking” sound coming from the engine bay while running. This is also an indication of a vacuum leak.

Then check to see if the throttle cable is damaged or frayed as this may also prevent the cruise control from working efficiently when controlling the throttle.

Finally, shut off the vehicle and disconnect the negative battery cable. Then loosen the retaining nut on the negative battery cable and slide the cable off the cable clamp. Remove the steering wheel column cover in place and pull the cover off the steering column with your fingers.

Unplug the electrical plug from the cruise control switch. And remove the screws holding the cruise control stalk to the steering column. Inspect the cruise control module and combination stalk. You use a working stalk to determine if the cruise control module or existing stalk is damaged.

Symptoms of a bad cruise control switch

This is the switch that controls various functions of the cruise control system. The switch is mounted on the steering wheel, and it houses all the other cruise control’s controls. When this switch is damaged, it may prevent the proper functioning of the cruise control. Here are the signs of a failing cruise control switch.

The cruise control light doesn’t illuminate

The light should light up immediately after activating the system to let the driver know that the cruise control system has been activated. If the light does not turn on, then the LED indicator controller may be damaged.

The vehicle cannot maintain set speed or acceleration

Irregular speed acceleration is a sign of a failing cruise control switch. The system is designed to control the vehicles speed at a predetermined speed. Lack of speed maintenance or speed acceleration beyond the set speed is a sign of a damaged cruise control switch.

Note: if your cruise control switch is damaged, have a trained professional fix or replace it. Running a self-diagnostic and fixing the switch may void the warranty. You may also end up damaging other components of the cruise control system.

Check this too: Popular 2017 Ford Escape Problems To Look Out For

Ford adaptive cruise control problems and their fixes

Here are some common cruise control issues and the most probable fixes when your vehicle is experiencing cruise control problems.

Issue: Your truck’s cruise control isn’t working at all

• Check the fuse, horn relay fuse, and cigarette lighter fuse to ensure they are not damaged.
• Inspect the throttle actuator cable to see if it is broken or disconnected from the throttle.
• Check the brake light bulbs to ensure they are not burnt out.

Issue: The cruise control won’t disengage when the pedal is pushed

Fix:  Check the brake light switch, fuse, and wiring.

Issue: Some switches work, and some don’t

Fix: Check the switches. They are the most likely culprit and need to be replaced.

Issue: The cruise control system loses speed up long or steep hills

• Turn off overdrive when going on up steep hills. It may help.
• Check the vacuum check valve in the Servo feed line if your truck loses speed on smaller hills.
• Check the vacuum reservoir tank for leaks.

Reasons Why the Cruise Control is Not Working

If your cruise control is not working, you can look at several items to verify the problem. This, in turn, makes it easy to repair. Below are the main reasons why your cruise control is not working;

Brake Light Switch – The cruise control system is automatically cancelled by depressing the brake. Some Ford vehicles can disengage cruise control if the brake light switch cannot be detected.

Brake Lights – The cruise control is designed to become disabled when the brake light is blown.

Fuses and Relays – A blown fuse or damaged relay will affect the cruise control.

Spiral Cable –A faulty spiral cable will prevent the switch from contacting the CCM.

Control Switch – If the internal contacts wear out, the cruise control switch may not contact the CCM. This might disable cruise control altogether, or it might not react to the cancel or accelerate functions.

Check Engine Light – This is an indicator of a failing engine or fuel pump, which may, in turn, affect acceleration while cruising.

Vacuum Leak – A vacuum leak may affect the vehicle’s ability to control the throttle body during cruise control operation. If there is a leak due to a cracked hose or tube, the cruise control system will not work.

Vehicle Speed Sensor – Ford vehicles are fitted with multiple vehicle speed sensors (VSS). The CCM might use a VSS feed from the ECM, instrument cluster, or transmission. If a speed sensor is damaged, the CCM can’t detect vehicle speed, thereby disabling the cruise control system.

Electrical Problems – Check for continuity to ensure power is remitted as it should.

Note: do not under any circumstance if it is faulty. If the cruise control system is defective, it may not cancel on demand, which will create a safety hazard for you or others on the road. Additionally, hire a trusted mechanic to carry out the diagnosis and repair of the cruise control system.

How do I know if my cruise control module is bad?

The most common sign is the inability to use it to activate cruise control. It may also fail to perform various adaptive cruise control functionalities such as distance and speed maintenance. The failure to deactivate cruise control is also a sign of a failing cruise control module.

Is it expensive to fix cruise control?

On average, it will cost you between $150 and $350 to repair the adaptive cruise control. This depends on the parts needed and the labour costs. The car model also affects the sot of the components required to fix your cruise control. The price may also vary depending on your location. Anticipate a higher price markup if you live in a big city.

Introduction

• About This Manual
• Symbols Glossary
• Data Recording
• Perchlorate
• Ford Credit
• Replacement Parts Recommendation
• Special Notices
• Mobile Communications Equipment
• Export Unique Options

Environment

• Protecting the Environment

At a Glance

• At a Glance - ST
• Instrument Panel

Child Safety

• General Information
• Installing Child Restraints
• Booster Seats
• Child Restraint Positioning
• Child Safety Locks
• Principle of Operation
• Fastening the Seatbelts
• Seatbelt Height Adjustment
• Seatbelt Warning Lamp and Indicator Chime
• Seatbelt Reminder
• Child Restraint and Seatbelt Maintenance
• Seatbelt Extensions
• Personal Safety System™

Supplementary Restraints System

• Driver and Passenger Airbags
• Front Passenger Sensing System
• Side Airbags
• Driver and Passenger Knee Airbags
• Safety Canopy™
• Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator
• Airbag Disposal

Pedestrian Protection

• Pedestrian Alert System
• What Is 911 Assist
• Emergency Call Requirements
• Emergency Call Limitations

Keys and Remote Controls

• General Information on Radio Frequencies
• Remote Control
• Replacing a Lost Key or Remote Control
• Creating a MyKey
• Clearing All MyKeys
• Checking MyKey System Status
• Using MyKey With Remote Start Systems
• MyKey – Troubleshooting

Doors and Locks

• Locking and Unlocking
• Keyless Entry (If Equipped)
• Power Liftgate
• Passive Anti-Theft System
• Anti-Theft Alarm (If Equipped)

Steering Wheel

• Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles With: Manual Adjustable Steering Column
• Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles With: Power Adjustable Steering Column
• Audio Control
• Voice Control
• Cruise Control - Vehicles With: Lane Centering
• Cruise Control - Vehicles With: Cruise Control
• Cruise Control - Vehicles With: Stop and Go
• Information Display Control
• Heated Steering Wheel

Wipers and Washers

• Windshield Wipers
• Windshield Washers
• Rear Window Wiper and Washers
• Lighting Control
• Instrument Lighting Dimmer
• Headlamp Exit Delay
• Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With: Configurable Daytime Running Lamps
• Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With: Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
• Front Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
• Adaptive Headlamps
• Direction Indicators
• Interior Lamps
• Ambient Lighting - Vehicles With: 8 Inch Center Display Screen (If Equipped)
• Ambient Lighting - Vehicles With: 10.1 Inch Center Display Screen (If Equipped)

Automatic High Beam Control

• What Is Automatic High Beam Control
• Switching Automatic High Beam Control On and Off
• Automatic High Beam Control Indicators
• Overriding Automatic High Beam Control

Windows and Mirrors

• Power Windows
• Global Opening (If Equipped)
• Exterior Mirrors - Excluding: ST
• Exterior Mirrors - ST
• Interior Mirror
• Moonroof (If Equipped)

Instrument Cluster

• Warning Lamps and Indicators
• Audible Warnings and Indicators

Information Displays

• Personalized Settings
• Information Messages

Climate Control

• Automatic Climate Control
• Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate
• Rear Passenger Climate Controls
• Heated Windshield
• Heated Rear Window
• Heated Exterior Mirrors
• Remote Start (If Equipped)

Interior Air Quality

• What Is the Cabin Air Filter
• Locating the Cabin Air Filter
• Replacing the Cabin Air Filter
• Sitting in the Correct Position
• Head Restraints
• Manual Seats
• Power Seats
• Memory Function
• Heated Seats
• Climate Controlled Seats (If Equipped)

Garage Door Opener

• Universal Garage Door Opener
• Auxiliary Power Points
• Wireless Accessory Charger (If Equipped)

Storage Compartments

• Cup Holders
• Center Console
• Overhead Console

Starting and Stopping the Engine

• Ignition Switch (If Equipped)
• Keyless Starting
• Starting a Gasoline Engine
• Starting a Hybrid Electric Vehicle System
• Engine Block Heater

Unique Driving Characteristics

• Auto-Start-Stop (If Equipped)
• Hybrid Vehicle Operation - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
• Hybrid Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

Fuel and Refueling

• Safety Precautions
• Fuel Quality - E85
• Fuel Quality - Gasoline
• Fuel Filler Funnel Location
• Running Out of Fuel
• Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
• Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
• Fuel Consumption

Engine Emission Control

• Emission Law
• Catalytic Converter

High Voltage Battery (If Equipped)

Transmission.

• Automatic Transmission

Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

• Using Four-Wheel Drive
• Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
• Electric Parking Brake
• Hill Start Assist

Reverse Brake Assist

• What Is Reverse Brake Assist
• Reverse Brake Assist Precautions
• Switching Reverse Brake Assist On and Off
• Overriding Reverse Brake Assist
• Reverse Brake Assist Indicators

Reverse Brake Assist – Troubleshooting

• Reverse Brake Assist – Information Messages
• Reverse Brake Assist – Frequently Asked Questions

Traction Control

• Using Traction Control

Stability Control

• Using Stability Control

Hill Descent Control

• What Is Hill Descent Control
• Switching Hill Descent Control On and Off
• Setting the Hill Descent Speed
• Hill Descent Control Indicator

Parking Aids

• Rear Parking Aid
• Front Parking Aid (If Equipped)
• Side Sensing System (If Equipped)
• Active Park Assist (If Equipped)
• Rear View Camera
• 360 Degree Camera (If Equipped)

Cruise Control

• What Is Cruise Control
• Switching Cruise Control On and Off
• Setting the Cruise Control Speed
• Canceling the Set Speed
• Resuming the Set Speed
• Cruise Control Indicators

Adaptive Cruise Control

• How Does Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go Work
• What Is Adaptive Cruise Control With Lane Centering
• What Is Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
• Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions - Vehicles With: Lane Centering
• Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions - Vehicles With: Stop and Go
• Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations - Vehicles With: Lane Centering
• Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations - Vehicles With: Stop and Go
• Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On and Off
• Setting the Adaptive Cruise Control Speed
• Setting the Adaptive Cruise Control Gap
• Overriding the Set Speed
• Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
• Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Lane Centering
• Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Stop and Go
• Switching From Adaptive Cruise Control to Cruise Control
• Switching Lane Centering On and Off
• Switching Intelligent Mode On and Off
• Adjusting the Set Speed Tolerance

Adaptive Cruise Control – Troubleshooting

• Adaptive Cruise Control – Information Messages - Vehicles With: Lane Centering
• Adaptive Cruise Control – Information Messages - Vehicles With: Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control – Information Messages - Vehicles With: Stop and Go

Driving aids.

• Driver Alert
• Lane Keeping System
• Blind Spot Information System
• Cross Traffic Alert
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Pre-Collision Assist

Drive Mode Control

• What Is Drive Mode Control
• Selecting a Drive Mode

Drive Modes

• Deep Snow/Sand

Load Carrying

• Rear Under Floor Storage (If Equipped)
• Luggage Covers (If Equipped)
• Roof Racks and Load Carriers
• Towing a Trailer
• Trailer Sway Control
• Recommended Towing Weights
• Essential Towing Checks
• Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels

Driving Hints

• Reduced Engine Performance
• Economical Driving
• Cold Weather Precautions
• Breaking-In
• Driving Through Water

Roadside Emergencies

• Roadside Assistance
• Hazard Flashers
• Fuel Shutoff
• Jump Starting the Vehicle
• Collision, Damage or Fire Event
• Post-Crash Alert System
• Transporting the Vehicle

Customer Assistance

• Getting the Services You Need
• In California (U.S. Only)
• The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only)
• Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)
• Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada
• Ordering Additional Owner's Literature
• Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)
• Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)
• Fuse Specification Chart
• Changing a Fuse

Maintenance

• Opening and Closing the Hood
• Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™
• Under Hood Overview - 3.0L
• Under Hood Overview - 3.3L
• Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™
• Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L
• Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L
• Engine Oil Check
• Oil Change Indicator Reset
• Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3L EcoBoost™
• Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L
• Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L
• Engine Coolant Check
• Automatic Transmission Fluid Check
• Brake Fluid Check
• Power Steering Fluid Check
• Changing the 12V Battery
• Adjusting the Headlamps
• Washer Fluid Check
• Fuel Filter
• Checking the Wiper Blades
• Changing the Front Wiper Blades
• Changing the Rear Wiper Blades
• Changing a Bulb

Vehicle Care

• Cleaning Products
• Cleaning the Exterior
• Cleaning the Engine
• Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades
• Cleaning the Interior
• Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens
• Cleaning Leather Seats
• Repairing Minor Paint Damage
• Cleaning the Wheels
• Vehicle Storage

Wheels and Tires

• Using Summer Tires
• Using Snow Chains
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Changing a Road Wheel
• Technical Specifications

Capacities and Specifications

• Engine Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoost™
• Engine Specifications - 3.0L, ST
• Engine Specifications - 3.0L
• Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline
• Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
• Transmission Specifications - ST
• Motorcraft Parts - 2.3L EcoBoost™
• Motorcraft Parts - 3.0L
• Motorcraft Parts - 3.3L
• Vehicle Identification Number
• Vehicle Certification Label
• Transmission Code Designation
• Capacities and Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoost™
• Capacities and Specifications - 3.0L
• Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline
• Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
• Bulb Specification Chart

Connected Vehicle

• What Is a Connected Vehicle
• Connected Vehicle Requirements
• Connected Vehicle Limitations

Connecting the Vehicle to a Mobile Network

• What Is the Modem
• Enabling and Disabling the Modem
• Connecting FordPass to the Modem
• Connecting the Vehicle to a Wi-Fi Network - Vehicles With: SYNC 3
• Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting - Vehicles With: Modem
• Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting - Vehicles With: SYNC 3

Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot

• Creating a Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Changing the Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot Name or Password

Audio System

• Digital Radio (If Equipped)
• Satellite Radio
• Using Voice Recognition
• Entertainment
• Navigation (If Equipped)
• Electric Vehicle Information
• SYNC™ 3 Troubleshooting
• Accessories
• Ford Protect

Scheduled Maintenance

• General Maintenance Information
• Normal Scheduled Maintenance
• Special Operating Conditions Scheduled Maintenance
• Scheduled Maintenance Record
• Electromagnetic Compatibility
• End User License Agreement
• Declaration of Conformity
• Declaration of Conformity - Vehicles With: SYNC 3
• Type Approvals

Adaptive Cruise Control – Troubleshooting - Adaptive Cruise Control – Information Messages - Vehicles With: Stop and Go

Owner's Manual Feedback

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2020 Explorer Owner's Manual

5 Reasons Why Your Cruise Control Stopped Working

• Updated: March 15, 2023

It would be difficult to find a vehicle on the road today without cruise control. This invaluable feature makes driving long distances easier but can also cause trouble when it malfunctions. Understanding the reasons your cruise control stopped working ensures that you can get the problem fixed quickly for a more enjoyable ride. 

While this fault can cause issues with the cruise control system itself, there could also be an effect on the acceleration of your vehicle. That’s why you want to have it looked at as soon as you notice a problem. Let’s take a quick look at the reasons your cruise control may have stopped working.

Reasons Why Your Cruise Control Stopped Working

The most common reason a cruise control stops working is due to a blown fuse or a defective brake pedal switch . It can also be caused by issues with the throttle control system or the ABS. In older cruise control systems, it can be caused by a broken vacuum line.

Here is a more detailed list of the possible reasons your cruise control is not working:

1. Blown Fuse

All electrical systems in the vehicle are controlled by fuses. Your cruise control system is attached to a fuse that can blow if there is a short circuit or fault. Without a good fuse, the cruise control system can’t work at all.

Thankfully, it’s not difficult to find and replace a blown fuse. Look in the owner’s manual to find the fuse that corresponds with the cruise control technology. 

2. Defective Brake Pedal Switch

The brake pedal switch is responsible for turning the brake lights on and off based on the pedal position. Cruise control systems are designed to disengage whenever your brake pedal gets pressed. 

Because the cruise control is wired into the brake pedal switch, any fault can cause it to stop working. When the brake pedal switch malfunctions, the car believes the brakes are engaged, causing the system to turn off automatically. Not only that, but your car’s brake light might also be stuck on, leaving confused drivers in your wake. 

3. Malfunctioning Speed Sensor

Speed sensors are located on every wheel or differential. The purpose of these sensors is to monitor the speed of the wheels to determine if traction control is needed. 

The speed sensors are also part of the cruise control system. When a sensor fails, the cruise control can stop working and the speedometer might act strange as well. 

If there is an issue with a speed sensor, it will often show with an ABS warning light or a check engine light on the dashboard.

RELATED: 3 Symptoms of a Bad ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

4. Electrical Issues

The cruise control system is electronic, with many components working together to make the system operate. If the cruise control fails to work, you want to check the wiring harness and associated connectors for a fault.

You also need to ensure that the voltage source is supplying enough power to the system. Even the smallest fault can cause defects with the cruise control. In many cases, there can be an issue with the cruise control lever or buttons causing the cruise control to not engage.

If your cruise control buttons are located on the steering wheel it could also be caused by a bad clock spring, which is located behind the steering wheel.

Check the system with an OBD2 scanner to look for any trouble codes related to the cruise control.

RELATED: 5 Symptoms of a Broken Clock Spring, Location & Replacement Cost

5. Damaged Vacuum Actuator, Hoses or Cable (Older cruise control)

If you drive an older vehicle with cruise control, you might have an issue with the vacuum actuator or the cable that connects to the throttle. If there has been damage done to the vacuum hoses or the actuator, the cruise control will stop working altogether.

Additionally, the cable linking the actuator to the throttle must be in good shape. If it has been broken, the cruise control will fail. 

What is Cruise Control?

Cruise control is a feature that is used when you are traveling at a consistent speed. Cruise control was first introduced for automobiles in the 1950s. However, it took many years before it became a staple in the modern vehicle.

This electrical system allows you to set a predetermined speed and take your foot off of the gas pedal. If you are on a long drive, there is less fatigue because you don’t have to try to maintain your speed. Cruise control can also benefit fuel economy because the vehicle uses less fuel when traveling steadily. 

In newer cars, you might be able to find adaptive cruise control , which is a smart technology. Adaptive cruise control allows you to travel at a predetermined speed, but it also helps to maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you with the help of sensors. With conventional cruise control, you need to take over when the car in front of you slows down, but that’s not the case with adaptive cruise control. 

There are also vehicles nowadays with not only cruise control, but fully self-driving vehicles . We will most likely see much more of this in the future.

Cruise Control Repair Cost

The cost to repair your cruise control system depends on what caused it to fail. If you need to replace a cruise control or brake switch, you might spend between $125 and $350, including parts and labor. However, the cost to change a fuse is only a few dollars and you can perform the replacement yourself in just a matter of seconds. 

On the other hand, when something major fails, such as the actuator, you could be looking at a much higher repair bill. In some vehicles, the cost to replace a cruise control actuator can cost more than $700. These costs rise if you drive a luxury vehicle or one that is difficult to get parts for. 

It might not seem immediately important for you to fix the broken cruise control, but this defective system can affect other performance aspects. You could start to notice issues with acceleration or have trouble with the speedometer. To play it safe, it’s always best to have the cruise control repaired as soon as you notice a problem.

Is there a fuse for the cruise control?

Yes. If the cruise control is installed from the factory, you should check your car’s owner’s manual for the fuse location. If it’s an aftermarket cruise control, you’ll need to follow the wires to find the fuse.

Does the brake switch affect the cruise control system?

Yes. The brake switch affects the cruise control system. The brake switch sends a signal to the cruise control system to let it know when the brakes are being applied for the engine to know when it should stop accelerating.

Will the cruise control work if the check engine light is on?

The cruise control function will be disabled when the check engine light is on in most car models, even if the cause of the check engine light is not the cruise control itself. This is mainly due to safety reasons.

Can a vacuum leak affect cruise control?

Older vehicles use vacuum to control the throttle for the cruise control, and in this case a vacuum leak can heavily affect the cruise control. However, modern cruise controls are fully electric and in most cases will not be affected by a vacuum leak if the check engine light is not illuminated.

Although many people may think that the cruise control system is unimportant and not worth spending money to repair, the problem can be caused by a faulty part that will affect the engine’s performance or durability. Therefore, it is best not to ignore the problem if your cruise control is not working without first diagnosing the car properly.

If your cruise control still isn’t working after trying all the tips in this article, it’s probably time to take it in for a professional opinion from a mechanic. It may be a more serious problem that requires replacement parts or repairs. In the meantime, drive safe and enjoy the open road!

Learn more:

• Brake Lights Not Working But Tail Lights Are? (How to Fix)
• Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are? (How to Fix)
• Brake Lights Stay On? (5 Causes & How to Fix it)

Categories: Electric , Troubleshooting

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• Ford Expedition Forum

cruise control not working

• Thread starter mustangrfast88
• Start date May 13, 2007

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• May 13, 2007

mustangrfast88

Full access members.

ok guys and gals here is the problem the cruise control isnot working and i need ideas of what i need to look at i am lost. it all started wife got rearended and it went to the shop and all and it worked fine before the accident now i dont know whats going on. well i got the cruise control harness recall done to it the other day and it still doesnt work. well what is happening is i turn it on and as soon as i hit the set button the cruise light comes on and goes right back out and the cruise doesnt set. any ideas i am open to try. or do i call the ford dealer that did the recall for me and see what they say and see if since it was working fine it maybe what ever cause the recall messed mine up and the harness didnt fix the problem thanks for the help  

• May 14, 2007

Supporting Member

I know this is probably not your problem, but I remember reading in a Ford manual something about the cruise control and the brake like fuse working together somehow. I'm guessing the cruise control shuts off when it detects power to the brake lights. Maybe something is engaging the brake lights?  

maybe i will have to look into that and i might talk to my freind that works for ford and see if maybe he cqan look at it if i cant figure it out  

• May 20, 2007

still havent found the problem going to call ford tommorow and talk to them and she what it will cost since it is part of the recall  

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MaritzCX moderates public reviews to ensure they contain content that meet Review guidelines, such as:

‣No Profanity or inappropriate defamatory remarks

‣No Personal Identifying information (e.g., customer phone number or email)

‣No Competitor references (e.g., another brand or dealership)

‣Dangerous behavior (e.g. threatening to harm employees or others)

‣Lack of adequate text (e.g., symbols, emoji’s and random letters)

Reviews on the product and not the customer’s Sales or Service experience

• Electric Vehicles
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• Update my SYNC
• Replace a Part

How do I use Cruise Control * in my Ford?

When activated, Cruise Control lets you maintain a set speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. You can use Cruise Control when your vehicle speed is greater than 20 mph.

The cruise controls are on the steering wheel. **

Setting the Cruise Control Speed

• Press  ON  on the cruise control switch on your steering wheel.

• Drive to your desired speed.
• Press  SET .
• Take your foot off the accelerator.

Changing the Set Speed

• Press  SET  to change the set speed in small increments.
• Press and hold either button to change the set speed in large increments. Release the button when you reach the speed you prefer.
• Press the accelerator or brake pedal until you reach the speed you prefer. Press  SET .
• Press the accelerator or brake pedal until you reach the desired speed. Press  SET .

Canceling Cruise Control

Press the Cancel   (CNCL)  or X button on the steering wheel or apply the brakes.

Resuming Cruise Control

To resume after canceling, press the RES  button.

Beyond Conventional Cruise Control

I f your vehicle is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control , it can let you maintain a preset speed and distance from the vehicle ahead.  

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go  technology not only lets you keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, it can also help you come to a complete stop.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering adds Lane Centering that can detect lane marking to help you keep your vehicle centered in the lane.

Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control  includes the features of Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering and adds Speed Sign Recognition, which can automatically adjust the set speed of your vehicle to the posted speed limit.  

Additional Information

What is Speed Sign Recognition?

  * Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. See your  Owner’s Manual  for details and limitations.

** Location and appearance of buttons may vary. See your Owner's Manual  for information specific to your vehicle.