Cruise control stopped working after having the brakes replaced

1IN0

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER
4.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
210,000 MILES

Brake shop claims they didn't do anything to my truck and cruise must have been broken to begin with.
I checked the steering wheel control to turn cruise on, the switch works to arm cruise control. However I was not able to check whether "set" works.
I checked the resistance of the VSS, 212 ohms so I think its good and I will soon be checking the VSS output tomorrow to see if it varies when the driveshaft spins.
I checked the sensor that disengages cruise when you hit the brakes on the master cylinder, its normally closed and opens when I hit brakes.
Only thing else I checked is I have a scan gauge which allows me to see what speed the computer sees, and its not seeing vehicle speed.
My SUV listed above has a cable to run the speedometer. So speedometer works, but computer is not seeing any MPH.

Any further suggestions?

5 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

Does the speedometer work on the dash and show speed?

If the scan tool is not showing speed, then a good chance there is no signal from the vehicle speed sensor itself.

I attached the description for you below.

There is no cable for the speedometer. It has been electronic for many years.

Roy

DESCRIPTION
The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is a magnetic pickup that sends the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) vehicle speed information.
The VSS sensor is mounted externally on the left-side of the transmission extension housing.
The PCM uses VSS information to help determine Electronic Pressure Control (EPC), shift scheduling and Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) operation.

SYMPTOMS
Electronic Pressure Control (EPC shorted to ground or failed low may result in a false VSS DTC. Diagnose EPC concerns first, then recheck VSS.
High EPC pressure, resulting in harsh engagements and/or firm/harsh shifts.
Incorrect shift schedules, unexpected downshifts may occur at closed throttle.
No TCC engagement.

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES:
P0500, P0501, P0503, P1500, P1501

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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 2:26 AM

1IN0

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2 POSTS

Yes, the speedometer works fine and yes it shows speed. I went to the junkyard and looked at the backside of the 1997 Ford Explorer XLT gauge cluster and I see it has appropriations for a cable driven speedometer or maybe that appropriation is the speed selection in the cluster? Vehicle was manufactured June 1997.
The TCC is not engaging for sure.

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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 6:39 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Okay, do you have a scan tool that can read the cruise control system and see live data?

You will need this to help find the issue. It could be the module but needs to be confirmed.

It is located on the front frame rail.

Roy

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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 9:08 AM

1IN0

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2 POSTS

Thanks, I do not believe my scantool is capable of seeing live cruise data. I took the truck to the transmission shop where they scanned it to verify the VSS is working and all the other speed sensors are working. They also verified the TCC is working and engaging. Only thing I have not yet checked is the "set" button on the steering wheel plus my scan tool can't see live cruise data.

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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:36 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Okay, I attached a close up of the switch. It goes through the clock spring on the steering wheel. You need to verify power at the feed to the switch and the output coming out of it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

These tests need to be done at the clock spring itself.

Roy

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