Hi. I'm new to the forum and have been trying to find info on the cruise control wiring for my 2003 Ranger XLT. Just wondering if it is not possible to bypass the ON/OFF switch for the cruise control. The plastic on both sets of controls is so hard that the On/Off module came off the steering wheel when I pressed it. It snapped back in place, but it's probably broken. In any event, I squeeze it between 2 fingers to turn it on now. Would like to get rid of that step if I can. My fear is that since it is a momentary contact, it is setting a relay and that relay is probably not mechanical, but in the cruise control module - meaning the answer to my question is no.

 

No, there is probably not a relay for on/off

The Cruise Control Amplifier is what you are controlling and it is all done on one wire, plus Ground.
It is voltage based, when you press the ON button it gets a 12v "signal", as you said momentary, that wakes up the Cruise Control Amplifier, it then waits for lower voltage signals, on that one wire, SET, COAST, RESUME, +/- each have a distinct lower voltage signal the Cruise Control Amplifier can ID, the OFF button Grounds that one wire, this puts Cruise Control Amplifier back to sleep(off).

So you do need a momentary 12v on that one wire and it can't stay on or it would block reception of the other signals.
You could setup your own relay to do that but my suggestion would be to replace the buttons.

Also your 2003 Ranger might need a new Brake switch on the master, there was a recall for 2001-2003 Ford Rangers, the switches leaked and could cause a fire, call a dealer and have them check your VIN for recalls.
This is part of the Cruise Control system which is why it popped up on my search.

 

Thanks for the kind and detailed reply, Ron. The best explanation I've read, even as it confirms my fear. New switches may indeed be the answer. I guess the world has progressed since then and gotten away from having to turn cruise on. And thanks for the tip on the Brake switch. Will do. Enjoy the holidays.
~Dale

 

The bad news is; you can't just replace the cruise control switches. You have to replace all the switches on the steering wheel. At least that is what Ford parts told me. I just have a little crack in the cruise control 'on' button. I was not willing to pay for a complete steering wheel switch replacement because of a little crack. I will try a little vinyl repair to see if that works.

 

i sent replacement pods with the circuit boards to multiple people because theirs were cracked/rock solid. They can be replaced.

 

Thanks, Gary and JD. I'll investigate the switch replacement further. May be more than I want to get into. At least they all work.
Merry Christmas and thanks again.

~Dale

 

Easily replaced. When you remove the steering wheel airbag (follow the easy procedure found on this site; search "airbag removal"), you will see the very common problem with these steering wheel switches; the "ears" break off the switches. These switches can be found used on eBAY. I bought a set for under 20 bucks shipped. Lots of folks scour the junkyards and remove them to sell if you are not into visiting one yourself.

 

Thanks, Kevin. I had bought a Chilton's manual for the truck for something to keep in the vehicle on the road. But, I finally broke down and added the Ranger to my other cars on Alldata diy. $30 for 5 years. I've used it for going on 10 years. I immediately found the correct part number and found the switches on Rock Auto, both with the ribbon cables for less than $80 brand new. With everyone's input here and the procedure on Alldata, it's just a matter of getting it done. Thanks to you all again and Merry Christmas.
~Dale