Cruise control does not work after replacing the steering column

KIMBERLY1227

MEMBER
2000 FORD F-350
7.3L
V8
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
300,000 MILES

A few months back I had asked this question. "My husband changed out the entire steering column in my truck. The old one worked with cruise control and all. Since he put the new one in cruise control it doesn't work at all. It doesn't even light up on the dash when you push the on button. Already checked the wires everything is hooked up right, just the way it was with the old steering column. Not sure why it's not working."

I got a reply back talking about using a multimeter to check the continuity in the cruise control switch simply because the steering wheel or column was the only thing different, so the issue has to be within the wheel.

Now as if today this is where I'm at.

Okay, so I've completely replaced the air bag clock spring that has the wires for the cruise control. But it's still not doing anything. Can't even get the cruise light to come on. After I checked the old cruise control switch and decided I needed to change it out and all I ended up just replacing like I said the whole airbag clock spring part. I don't know if this could've had any effect on the cruise control but the old air bag clock spring, I replaced was all to pieces inside of it. The clocks prong spiral cable part had started melting together.

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,268 POSTS

Hi,

Yes, the clock spring can play a role. Since you have replaced it, what is happening?

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 AT 7:42 PM

KIMBERLY1227

MEMBER
18 POSTS

Well, everything is fine/back to normal except still no cruise. Can push on but nothing even push set just to try nothing. But the airbag light went off.

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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 AT 8:22 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,268 POSTS

Hi,

I attached the wiring schematic below for the circuit. Are the brake lights working? Is there anything other (electrical) not working?

If you look at the pics below, it's straightforward. The PCM controls things once it's set. At the clock spring, there should be a light blue wire with a black tracer which is the signal to the PCM to actuate the system. Also, there is a return via a gray wire with a red tracer which is the return.

The one thing I noticed is there is a splice in the gray/red wire (S114) in the engine harness which could be damaged.

Let's look at it this way. First, check the fuse I highlighted in pic 1. In addition to checking the fuse, confirm there is power to and from it.

Next, we need to confirm there is power out from the PCM relay (red wire between relay and PCM). That should have power once the key is turned on.

If these check good, next we need to check for a voltage signal to and from the PCM to the clock spring. Note that the wire colors to be checked may change at the connection.

If there is power, then let's jump to grounds. There will be a pink wire with an orange tracer approximate center dash. Locate that and confirm it is in good condition.

Pics 3 and 4 show the CJB fuse location and the relay location in the battery junction box.

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)