So I was driving with cruise control from NC to IN and the dash started smoking, my windows no longer work my mileage tumblers quit and my windshield wipers don't work. I found the burnt fuse which controls that stuff, but I also read a story about cruise controls bring linked to engine fires in certain ford models, any knowledge on this matter?

 

I know there is a recall for something involving the cruise control on my 97 but don't know what other years are involved. I've really got to get that taken care of.

 

Yea needless to say after that my drive became white knuckle. I've replaced the fuse that it blew, but now every time I put a new fuse in, it pops it immediately I'm not sure what to do electrical troubleshooting has never been a strong point

 

The cruise control recall had to do with the deactivation switch that is mounted at the front of the master cylinder in the engine bay.

Your problem sounds like a short somewhere in the dash.

 

If it was smoking you probably burnt up some wires. You need to replace those wires before putting in a new fuse. You probably burnt down to bare wire and now have 2 wires touching causing it to pop those fuses. Also, check your owners manual to make sure you have the right sized fuse.

 

Well I guess I'll start chasing wires and report back with my findings

 

Well pulled the panels off below the steering wheel and found no burned wires, checked all the fuses on the inside and the fuse panel inside the engine bay all were good. I checked them with the fuse tester, or ohm meter what ever it's called. I also found the cruise control servo all those wires were good as well. WTF any other suggestions

 

After a pinpoint test it ended up being the dreaded GEM! $840 bucks later she runs just fine

 

Expensive! Sorry to hear that man. Did you have it fixed or did you fix it yourself?

 

Had to have them fix it, from what I understand they have to program those things specifically to your VIN.