Just watching CNN and they announced that Ford had just released a recall for 3.6 million vehicles which included the 1998 through 2002 Rangers. I guess the cruise control switch can cause a fire.

 

So does that mean you can take it in and have it fixed for free? I bought mine used so that does that mean?

 

even if its used i believe you are covered seeing it goes by VIN number usually. The mazda b-series is a ranger technically for this right? it is all ford parts except a few cosmetic things

 

yes take it in, and they will fix it... its been announced before... theres a plastic peice in the control switch that can break and mix fuel with electric and BOOM! lol... well as far as i kno thats what happens.. somene correct me if im wrong...

 

Actually, the seal in the switch leaks, allowing the brake fluid in the master cylinder to conduct electricity to ground and overheat, which can cause a fire, even when the ignition is in the off position. Ford corrected this problem very late in the 2002 Ranger model year. Everything after that has revised wiring and the switch is not hot when the key is off.

The recall should cover all trucks in the range regardless of whether it was purchased new or used. Everyone who has an affected vehicle should take it in for the fix ASAP. Vehicles, garages and even houses have burned because of this.

 

oh alright bob, thanks for the correction... i was sorta on the right track

 

didnt this recall occur months and months ago?

 

Yes but the Rangers weren't included at that time. This recall has been expanded several times over the years to include more and more Ford models.

 

in other words cover your own ***

 

Not two months ago I bought the F-150 repair kit and replaced it. I guess I could have saved $15 by waiting. Oh well.

 

So I am just making sure but this is a new recall for rangers and I should take mine in and get it fixed.

They are not going to turn me away because of what mine looks like (far from stock).

 

Your truck will not be turned away for a recall. Modifications have nothing to do with the cruise control fix, and the dealer is obligated to do the fix. If you get any hassle about it, call Ford directly and let them know about the dealer.

 

ok guys,... is my b3000 counted as a ranger in this case?

 

Are they actually fixing them now? I have a friend with a 2000 Expedition, took hers in and all they did was cut the wires to the Cruise Control, never actually fixed anything. Another friend of mine got the same recall on his 01 Superduty, never took it in though because he didn't want the wires to just be cut.

Lucky for me though I don't have cruise... lol..

 

Do you think I should make an appointment or just walk in.

Also does anyone have a link or letter from Ford stating this so I can bring it with me.

 

Even if they replace the whole switch, it only takes a couple minutes. You should be fine without an appointment.

Just print out this CNN article and take it in.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/08/03/auto...ion=2007080317

 

They should be fixing them now. Ford has released both a fused jumper harness (for switches that are not leaking) and a replacement switch with an adapter harness (for trucks that have leaking, burnt, or otherwise damaged switches).

Even if you do not have cruise, you may have the switch.

 

Yes.

 

For anyone interested in doing the replacement themselves, here is a copy of the instructions from Ford...



OVERVIEW :
This program involves performing an inspection procedure to determine which repairs to the speed control system must be performed; either installation of a fused jumper harness or replacement of the speed control deactivation switch. A flow chart has been developed to direct you to the proper service actions.

NOTE: Disconnecting the battery is no longer required when performing these repairs.

INSPECTION - ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES
1. Disconnect the speed control deactivation switch located on the brake master cylinder and inspect the harness connector for the presence of brake fluid. See Figure 1.
a. If no brake fluid is present, install the fused jumper harness (Labor Operation D).
b. If brake fluid is present, disconnect the speed control servo and inspect the vehicle harness connector for heat damage. See Figure 2.
c. If no heat damage is found at the speed control servo connector (even if there is presence of brake fluid in the connector), proceed to Labor Operation E.
d. If the speed control servo connector is heat damaged, call the Special Service Support Center for further instructions.

LABOR OPERATION D - APPLIES TO VEHICLES WITH NON-LEAKING SWITCHES

1.a. Connect the fused jumper harness (14A411) to the speed control deactivation switch and the vehicle harness.
b. Position the harness alongside the existing harness, located below the master cylinder, so that the fuse holder is higher than the rest of the jumper harness. This will cause any water that enters the engine compartment and gets on the jumper harness to run downhill away from the fuse holder.
c. Secure the jumper to the existing harness with tie straps, making sure the fuse holder is positioned vertically with the cap facing upwards. Wrap the tie straps underneath, then over the top of the existing harness and verify proper fuse holder orientation.
2. Release the vehicle.

LABOR OPERATION E - APPLIES TO VEHICLES WITH LEAKING SWITCHES

1. Remove the speed control deactivation switch from the brake master cylinder. CAUTION: Do not allow any foreign material to enter the master cylinder port once the deactivation switch is removed.
2. Add a few drops of MotorCraft High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid, PM-1, to the fluid port at the threaded end of the new deactivation switch. CAUTION: DO NOT apply fluid to the electrical connector.
3. Install the new speed control deactivation switch into the master cylinder and tighten to 18 Nm (13 lb-ft).
4. With the speed control servo disconnected, use shop air only to blow the speed control deactivation switch harness electrical connector and the servo connector dry of any trace of brake fluid. DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF SOLVENT TO CLEAN THE CONNECTORS.
5. Apply Ford Electrical Grease F8AZ-19G208-AA into each cavity of the vehicle harness connector only. It is not necessary to apply grease to the servo side of the connector.
6. Reconnect the servo connector.
7. Install the adapter jumper harness by connecting it to both the deactivation switch and the vehicle harness. Using the provided tie strap, secure the jumper harness to a nearby component such as the speed control cable or another wire harness.
8. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and adjust if necessary.
9. Release the vehicle.

The part numbers are...
Fused jumper harness: 4W1Z-14A411-BC
Replacement switch and adapter harness: 1L1Z-9F924-AA

NOTE: If you do the repair yourself, the truck will NOT show up in Ford's database as having had the recall done.

Click here to contact Ford with questions or problems:
http://www.fordvehicles.com/help/contact/

 

So if your truck didn't come with cruise on it, then this doesn't apply to you?

 

Maybe, maybe not. Some trucks without cruise control use the switch as an ABS input.

Look on your master cylinder. If there is a switch in front of the brake fluid resivoir, and the top part (plastic part) is orange, you have a defective switch. If there is nothing in front of the brake fluid resivoir, the recall does not apply to you.

 

I believe that 98~2000 without cruise do not have the Deactivation Switch (AKA Brake Pressure Switch). All 2001~2002 have it, cruise or not, because it is also used by the 2001+ 4WABS.

To be on the safe side, you should check for a 2 wire connector to a switch toward the front of the master cylinder body (not on the fluid reservoir). If you have that switch, it needs the update.

 

Umm, that seems unlikely. Ford is not going to remove your cruise control. That doesn't make sense at all. They probably incorrectly fixed it?

 

Here is a reference picture. This is the REPLACEMENT switch installed on my truck.



I purchased the "brake repair kit" from Ford a couple months ago because I figured it might be a long time before they recalled Rangers. I guess I was wrong, but I have the new switch anyway.

Just for the record, my truck does not have cruise control. It did have the switch.

Also, I should note, if your switch shows no signs of damage, the dealer will likely install a jumper harness rather than replace it.

If anyone needs a picture of the old (defective) switch as a reference, I still have mine down in the garage and can take a picture. Just let me know.

 

can you just unplug the wires?