Replies

1. 
   BArnold | Oct 19, 2007 02:57am | #1

   I had my F150 updated shortly after receiving the recall notice several years ago. Didn't think much about it since it didn't cost anything. Then, a few months ago my cruise control quit working which prompted me to do a bit of research into all of the connections.

   The original fire problem was created by Ford engineers who designed the master cylinder cruise control shut-off switch for a fairly low current level, then fed the entire cruise control system through it. The over-current condition has caused fires under the right (wrong?) circumstances. The modification is a simple in-line fusible link that will protect the switch.

   The bottom line is that the master cylinder switch is a backup to the main cruise control cancellation which is the brake light switch. The failure of my cruise control was the master cylinder switch, so I simply put a strap across the cable that attaches to it. My cruise control works fine and there's no fire hazard because the switch is out of the circuit completely.

   Bill Arnold

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   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

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1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 19, 2007 06:37pm | #2

   The modification is a simple in-line fusible link that will protect the switch.Yes and the so called engineers did NOT fix the real problem. They bypassed it.. SO much for made in America!

1. 
   BilljustBill | Oct 20, 2007 04:06am | #3

   Will and Bill,

   Thank you for your information.  One of the service writers at a dealership said the fire problem came from the switch leaking...

   The brake fluid seeps into the switch mounted on the brake fluid master cylinder plastic container.  He said fire has more of a problem while the vehicle is dead still.  So, I wondering if the fuse answer will prevent the leaking switch from arcing in that split second?

   My other concern is WHEN are the parts going to be had?  Not one dealership has any for the recall even though FORD said they would get them in the Last Quarter of the Year...only 70 days left in the year???  Meanwhile those traveling long distances during the coming holidays have to deal the this PAIN...

     Any more info is appreciated,

   Bill

1. 
   BArnold | Oct 21, 2007 12:16am | #4

   Yes, a leaking switch contributes to the problem but the cause of the fires is a poor implementation of their design. The correct recall fix would have been to replace the switch with one that can handle the actual current (amperage) demand of the implementation.All that aside, if you were to do as I mentioned in my initial post there will be no issue. When the cable that attaches to the master cylinder switch is disconnected, there is no way for current to pass through the switch; therefore, no fire problem. However, with the cable simply disconnected the cruise control will not function. The switch is a NC (normally-closed) type and opens when the brake peddle places pressure on the master cylinder. Placing a wire strap across the terminals of the cable completes the circuit in the same way as the switch does when the brakes are not depressed.Of course, I'm not a Ford engineer so everything I have said is to be taken for what it is: my experience. Officially, the reason for the master cylinder switch is to help ensure that the cruise control turns off when you press the brake. As long as your brake lights are operating properly, the cruise control will cancel anyway.
   Bill Arnold

   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 21, 2007 04:40pm | #5

   The correct recall fix would have been to replace the switch with one that can handle the actual current (amperage) demand of the implementation.YES YES YES.. Bill, you would never make a design Engineer! You want it right not inexpensive!

2. 
   BArnold | Oct 25, 2007 01:30am | #6

   "YES YES YES.. Bill, you would never make a design Engineer! You want it right not inexpensive!"Duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..........:-)
   Bill Arnold

   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

3. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 25, 2007 01:32am | #7

   Duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..........It was a compliment Bill...

4. 
   BArnold | Oct 25, 2007 05:26pm | #9

   "It was a compliment Bill..."Thanks. I never questioned that.But, really -- I want it to be "right" AND "inexpensive". :-)
   Bill Arnold

   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

2. 
   Fotze | Oct 25, 2007 02:46am | #8

   Just had mine done. I asked the service guy what they did to fix it, and he said "We disconnected it"

   mark