2000 Concourse cruise control issues

[Astrodokk]

I read the two threads on this site about cruise control and it seems that I may be spending some big bucks to get mine fixed, but it will be worth it.

To start, I had the recall done. On my invoice it's labelled as "speed control deactivation switch replacement recall".

Installed jumper harness wire assembly.

CC had worked intermittently, but is completely dead now. I called them to ask if the recall affected the cc and made it stop working. They had me bring it in and disconnected the speed control switch and said it still didn't work, so it wasn't that recall switch. They would have to diagnose the problem. I decided not to stay for that and research it further.

From what I've read, it could be the steering wheel switches, or the clockspring, or the brake pedal spacer, or something else. I am going to replace the cheapest things first and rule them out before the big dollar items get done.

I'll do the steering wheel switches next. I found out that although mine are not backlit, I can order a backlit set from Ford for about $350 and it's a direct replacement, or I can stay with the non lit one for $260, not including labor. I found a Motorcraft one on Rock Auto for $135. Hopefully this will fix the problem. If not, it will be the clockspring next, then so on. I will keep posting here will follow ups.

[Blue~Go]

Ooh, shiny backlit switches! I didn't know we could go with those. If I had I might have ponied up when I was having mine replaced (no need but kinda neat). But then too, the Ford switches have really good tactile patterns. I can't even think if the switches in my car are backlit or not because I don't even look at them. Same deal, they are easy to use by feel. (Friend's newer Ford pickup I swear you have to pull over and stare at the buttons for two minutes to figure them out - he put adhesive foam pieces on them to try to make sense of them while driving!)

[Astrodokk]

The only reason I am considering paying more for a backlit one is that at my age I need visual cues now.
I want to know when it’s actually on, even if it is in coast mode and not active or after I’ve used brakes. I’ve read that sometimes a vehicle will jump out and hit another in front while the CC is still on.

[SMan]

Sorry things went as they did. Dealing with anything automotive is so hit and miss.

When I got my Chinook the CC was on the fritz. The control module was replaced and expensive but it has been well worth it. No lights to tell me its working though.

[sm350bl]

I replaced mine with the back lit switches, did not regret doing that,

[Astrodokk]

Sm350, where did you find the backlit switches?
I’ve been comparing Motorcraft ones on eBay as well as Rock Auto. I hope I can find a place to install them if I buy them myself, because I don’t want to mess with the airbag.
Not sure how much a clockspring would be. Wondering if I should just get that done to as a preventive measure while the steering wheel is out for the switches.

[sm350bl]

Sm350, where did you find the backlit switches?
I’ve been comparing Motorcraft ones on eBay as well as Rock Auto. I hope I can find a place to install them if I buy them myself, because I don’t want to mess with the airbag.
Not sure how much a clockspring would be. Wondering if I should just get that done to as a preventive measure while the steering wheel is out for the switches.

I went with Motorcraft. I tend to use oem when I can for quality and fitment.
Installing isn't that bad. I did install mine, but I work with a fleet of Ford econolines so i am familiar enough with them to do this job. If you decide to do yours I can give you step by step instructions. I can answer from experience from my work fleet that the clocksprings failing isn't a typical problem. Most of my buses have 250k or higher on them ranging from 1996-2009. If it were me, I would do a fuse check then install the new CC switches and re-test, getting back into the steering wheel only takes a minute if one would have to go deeper into the column.
I only replaced my switches because I purely just wanted them to illuminate ( personal preference )

[Flame]

I did just get my switches replaced and it solved my problems. My mechanic said some models offer a back lit but mine did not. honestly I drive very little at night but when I have I cannot read the buttons without having the wife turn the overhead light on!! It is as bad as texting and driving trying to figure that thing out in the dark but....at least the switch did solve my problem. About $250 parts and labor. As Blue said...getting my blood pressure down after continuos beating on the steering wheel is worth $250 bucks!!