1999 Ford Ranger Cruise Control Not Working
Driving a car can be an enjoyable experience, especially when you can take your hands off the wheel and cruise. However, when you have a 1999 Ford Ranger with cruise control not working, it can be a frustrating experience. The cruise control system in your Ford Ranger is designed to automatically maintain a constant speed, which can make your driving more comfortable and efficient. If your cruise control isn't working, you might be wondering what the problem is and how to fix it. This article will help you understand the common reasons why your 1999 Ford Ranger Cruise Control is not working and how to fix them.
What is Cruise Control?
Cruise control is a system that allows you to set a constant speed for your vehicle, which can be handy on long trips. It is a useful feature that can help you maintain a constant speed without having to use the accelerator pedal constantly. The cruise control system includes several components that work together to maintain a constant speed.
Reasons Why Cruise Control Not Working
There are several reasons why your 1999 Ford Ranger cruise control might not be working:
Faulty Vacuum Hose
The cruise control system in your Ford Ranger relies on vacuum pressure to operate. If there is a vacuum leak, then the system may not work correctly. A faulty vacuum hose can cause the cruise control to stop working. Check the vacuum hoses for any leaks or cracks. If you find any damaged hoses, replace them immediately.
Failed Brake Pedal Switch
The brake pedal switch is a crucial component of the cruise control system in your Ford Ranger. It is designed to deactivate the cruise control when you apply the brakes. If the brake pedal switch fails, the cruise control system may not work. To check if the brake pedal switch is causing the problem, try pressing the brake pedal while the cruise control is engaged. If the cruise control disengages, then the brake pedal switch is working correctly. If it does not, then the brake pedal switch may be faulty and requires replacement.
Failed Speed Sensor
The speed sensor in your Ford Ranger is responsible for detecting the vehicle's speed and sending the information to the cruise control module. If the speed sensor fails, the cruise control system will not work. To check if the speed sensor is causing the issue, use an OBD-II scanner to read any trouble codes. If the scanner shows a speed sensor code, then the sensor needs replacement.
Failed Cruise Control Module
The cruise control module is the brain of the cruise control system. It receives signals from various sensors and then sends commands to the throttle to maintain a constant speed. If the cruise control module fails, the system will not work. To check if the module is causing the issue, use an OBD-II scanner to read any trouble codes. If the scanner shows a cruise control module code, then the module needs replacement.
How to Fix Cruise Control Not Working
The first step in fixing a cruise control system that is not working is to identify the cause of the issue. Once you have identified the issue, you can take the appropriate steps to fix it. Here's how to fix the issues that can cause cruise control not working:
Fixing Faulty Vacuum Hose
Check the vacuum hoses for any leaks or cracks. If you find any damaged hoses, replace them immediately. Once you have replaced any damaged hoses, test the cruise control system to see if it is working correctly.
Replacing Failed Brake Pedal Switch
If the brake pedal switch is causing the problem, you will need to replace it. To replace the brake pedal switch, follow these steps:
- Locate the brake pedal switch under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the switch.
- Remove the switch by unscrewing it from the bracket.
- Install the new brake pedal switch by screwing it onto the bracket.
- Reconnect the electrical connector to the switch.
Replacing Failed Speed Sensor
If the speed sensor is causing the problem, you will need to replace it. To replace the speed sensor, follow these steps:
- Locate the speed sensor on the transmission.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the sensor.
- Remove the sensor by unscrewing it from the transmission.
- Install the new speed sensor by screwing it onto the transmission.
- Reconnect the electrical connector to the sensor.
Replacing Failed Cruise Control Module
If the cruise control module is causing the problem, you will need to replace it. To replace the cruise control module, follow these steps:
- Locate the cruise control module under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle.
- Disconnect the electrical connectors from the module.
- Remove the module by unscrewing it from the bracket.
- Install the new cruise control module by screwing it onto the bracket.
- Reconnect the electrical connectors to the module.
Conclusion
If your 1999 Ford Ranger cruise control is not working, it can be frustrating, but it's not something that you need to live with. You can troubleshoot and fix the problem by identifying the root cause and taking the appropriate steps. The most common reasons for cruise control not working are a faulty vacuum hose, a failed brake pedal switch, a failed speed sensor or a failed cruise control module. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can fix your cruise control and enjoy comfortable and efficient driving.