cruise control cable recall

[Stephane Bolduc]

I have an early '01 and received a few letters from Ford (that I keep on forgetting) about a recall on the cruise control cable or something like that.



The recall letter says "inspect/replace" cable.



Question : I rarely use my cruise control and I really hate to sit at a dealership all day (I never had anything done at Brandon Ford under 5 hours; even oil change). Good for them, they are busy as hell!



Should I waste my time for this recall or keep on ignoring it ? What is the real problem with this cable ? Because I can probably do the "inspect" myself. I don't have to wait 5 hours for somebody to look at it 4 seconds and say; "Yep, yours is good! Just sign this paper that says that we bill the manufacturer, (but not charged to you), 85$ for the inspection...."

 

[Fudged Undies]

take it in. If in the future you ever have a problem related to the cable it will be on you and not ford. I have heard of some Explorers catching fire due to the faulty cable. Not sure how the two are related but it has happened. If ever you use the cruise and it sticks (you can't un-engage it) again you screwed up by not having it fixed. If that dealer takes too long you can always go elsewhere but if you trust them, put up with the wait. If anything, I think it would be a poor choice on your part not to take care of the problem. There's obviously a reason it is being recalled. Just do it because it's free.

 

[TomT]

Have the same problem with my wife's Expedition. Rarely use it so I just unplugged it. Just don't have the time to put it in the shop for a day.

 

[Gypsy me]

I'd take it in, it doesnt cost you anything but your time, they should have you in and out 45 min tops if they are efficient. This way, you know all is well. and it's documented.

 

[Jim Burch]

Can someone send me a copy of the letter. Have a 01 ST and have had trouble with surging when going down a grade when on cruise control. Ford says nothing in the computor indicates a problem so that's the end of discussion. Thanks



Info in Library

 

[Kelly Traylor]

The problem is that the cruise control cable "MAY" stick and not disengage.



I keep a copy in the glove box handy in case I get pulled over for speeding... hehe



KatManT

 

[Stephane Bolduc]

Snoop, the letter is sent to you if you need it; even if it's an '01, based on your VIN (production date/options), you might not need it. You might have not receive it as well if they don't have your address.



The recall number is 03S03 - Speed Control Cable Inspection/Replacement



The letter says : "Please contact your dealer to schedule an appointment to have this important service procedure completed. If you do not already have a servicing dealer, you can access http://www.genuineflmservice.com for dealer addresses, maps and driving instructions".



Additional info on the letter :

Phone : 1-800-392-3673

Web : www.ownerconnection.com



My cruise control did get stuck once in a while; which is the reason I stopped using it; I didn't find it "reliable" when using up/down or off. I guess I'll get it fixed sometimes next week.



Thanks for the input.

 

[Jim Burch]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Larry Phillips]

I thought the catching fire issue was due to the brake/shut off switch on the brake cylander. A thin piece of material was all that keeps the brake fluid from contact with the always hot circuit. If you have a red one, it's the faulty one. If you have the silver one, you're good.

 

[Gypsy me]

I thought if we had the red one we're good and the silver one was the faulty one?

 

[Fer Echegaray]

The red one is the one recalled

 

[Eric Pennal]

Larry and Fer are correct. The red CC deactivation switch mounted on the brake master cylinder is the same one causing the (very few) fires on the F-150's.



That's a separate issue from the cable recall mentioned at the top of this thread, though.