Replaced ClockSpring but now stiff steering

[fudge12]

Well title says it all. The clockspring installation went butter smooth, but now the steering is a heck lot stiffer than before. Is this related to the clockspring?

Also, even after replacing the clockspring, my cruise still isn't engaging. What other steps can I take to troubleshoot the cruise?

'00 v6 nonsport

 

[1LoudLS]

A) was it a brand new clock spring?

B) check the linkage at the throttle body. after the dealer replaces the coils on my 00 V6, they forgot to reconnect something and it caused my cruise control to not engage...

 

[fudge12]

yes it's a brand new clockspring with the ford oem box. Would your light illuminate when you had that problem? Mine isn't lighting up at all.

 

[LS4me]

Was the steering wheel absolutely straight when you installed the CS? I would suspect a faulty unit.

 

[fudge12]

Was the steering wheel absolutely straight when you installed the CS? I would suspect a faulty unit.

Yes the steering wheel was straight. We did use a lot of extra force when we were putting on the center bolt, would that cause it? I am able to do full wheel rotations lock-to-lock with all steering wheel controls working.

I would like to trouble shoot the cruise control system, can someone provide me with a layout of the entire cruise system? My friend says it may be a fuse but afaik, the gen1 LS dosen't have an electronic throttle body.

 

[joegr]

...I would like to trouble shoot the cruise control system, can someone provide me with a layout of the entire cruise system? My friend says it may be a fuse but afaik, the gen1 LS dosen't have an electronic throttle body.

I think you have that backwards. The gen II has electronic throttle, so there is no separate fuse for the cruise control. Gen I has a mechanical throttle, so it has a separate cruise control module, which does have a fuse. It also has a safety switch to cut power to the cruise servo when the brake is pressed. I've heard of a number of failures of the gen I cruise module/servo.

 

[fudge12]

I think you have that backwards. The gen II has electronic throttle, so there is no separate fuse for the cruise control. Gen I has a mechanical throttle, so it has a separate cruise control module, which does have a fuse. It also has a safety switch to cut power to the cruise servo when the brake is pressed. I've heard of a number of failures of the gen I cruise module/servo.

Where's the fuse located and is there any way to test the module? I do remember a far while back I did get an error code for Brake Switch Input Fault but I can't remember exactly what it was. Would that cause it too?

 

[joegr]

... I did get an error code for Brake Switch Input Fault but I can't remember exactly what it was. Would that cause it too?

Yes. Do your brake lights work correctly? Does the shifter interlock work (can't shift out of park without your foot on the brake)?

I don't have the gen I diagrams handy right now. Meanwhile, the fuse location should be in you owner's manual.
Yes, the module can be tested to some extent.

 

[LS4me]

I did have a brake switch fail once; I don't remember if the cruise quit. The switch is cheap enough...... It may also be loose on the brake pedal arm; or unplugged......

 

[joegr]

... or if he was doing a KOER test and forgot to tap the brakes at the right moment then a brake switch error will come up even if it is okay.

 

[fudge12]

How do I perform a koer test? Yes all my brake lights work. Those diagrams will be pretty helpful if you can find them joegr. Thanks!

 

[fudge12]

Well the stiff steering problem fixed itself when I was parallel parking. I heard a little click and all is well. I'm a little skeptical about it but all controls work except the darn cruise control. where is the cruise control servo located?

 

[joegr]

... where is the cruise control servo located?

Trace the throttle cable (the one that doesn't run to the gas pedal). If I remember correctly, it's somewhere near the front driver's side wheel well.

 

[fudge12]

I'm going to get a replacement brake switch and cruise control module/servo. Am I supposed to see the cruise light come on the dash if the car is in park? Or would it only turn on at a certain speed? (Pressing the Cruise ON but not set in both scenarios.)

 

[LS4me]

I'm going to get a replacement brake switch and cruise control module/servo. Am I supposed to see the cruise light come on the dash if the car is in park? Or would it only turn on at a certain speed? (Pressing the Cruise ON but not set in both scenarios.)

The cruise symbol only illuminates when the cruise is engaged.

 

[1LoudLS]

The cruise symbol only illuminates when the cruise is engaged.

this, there is no light to let you know that the system is turned on, only once you have set the speed. the light will not activate in park or if the car is going too slow (under 25-30)

 

[fudge12]

Thanks both of you. I'll report back with my findings soon.

 

[RigsLS]

Fudge,

I don't mean anything by this but you are aware that behind the steering wheel, on the left side, you have to enable the cruise and then set it up/down with the front pads?

I'm sure you do. <shrugs>

~ same idea on right side button for the radio station up/down

 

[1LoudLS]

Fudge,

I don't mean anything by this but you are aware that behind the steering wheel, on the left side, you have to enable the cruise and then set it up/down with the front pads?

I'm sure you do. <shrugs>

~ same idea on right side button for the radio station up/down

LOL, when I first got the car, I had to let the wife drive it, she called and asked how the hell to turn it on, she could see the buttons to set it but didn't see the "hidden" buttons

while I hate everything else they do, I really wish more manufactures were would do what honda does, and have a switch on the dash that once turned on will stay on until flipped off (this includes even if the car is shut off)