FORD Cruise Control Problem

2007 FORD E350 V10
Intermittent problem with Cruise Control.
Difficulties turning it on. Goes off unprompted.
Nothing on internet search matching specific symptoms.
Repair technician using diagnostic tools found the problem was caused by faulty brake light sensor.  Sensor Switch remains active and cruise control is denied operation.
Interesting solution. Cures a moving traffic violation with brake lights remaining on that I was otherwise unaware of

Hmm, I'll  have to check this out.  I have the same cruise control problem with my 2004 2350.  Often doesn't want to resume after I've braked.

The replacement parts cured the Cruise Control problems.  The mechanic replaced the switch contacting the brake pedal first.  He explained that only after replacing the electrical sensor at the bottom of the brake master cylinder was the repair complete.
After three thousan miles since the repair, everything about the Cruise Control works as expected. And, it makes sense the CC issue was caused by brake light switch problems

Thank you!!!  Can't wait to get in there and change those out.

Thank you!!!  Can't wait to get in there and change those out.

Ford had an issue with the brake fluid pressure sensor back in the early 2000's.   It affected 2003 E350's and cruise control.  You may want to see if the recall was done on your unit presuming the Phoenix used both 2004 and 2003 cutaway to build 2004 vehicles.

That's good to know about - I will check with the Ford dealer asap.  Thank you!

The replacement parts cured the Cruise Control problems.  The mechanic replaced the switch contacting the brake pedal first.  He explained that only after replacing the electrical sensor at the bottom of the brake master cylinder was the repair complete.
After three thousan miles since the repair, everything about the Cruise Control works as expected. And, it makes sense the CC issue was caused by brake light switch problems

Do you know what the electrical sensor at the bottom of the master cylinder is called?  I'm trying to find it at parts websites to purchase one.  Thanks....

Ford had an issue with the brake fluid pressure sensor back in the early 2000's.   It affected 2003 E350's and cruise control.  You may want to see if the recall was done on your unit presuming the Phoenix used both 2004 and 2003 cutaway to build 2004 vehicles.

I checked and there are no outstanding recalls for my VIN, so I presume it had been done by the original owner.  Thanks!

Quote from: Taildragger on May 30, 2021, 11:35:06 am

The replacement parts cured the Cruise Control problems.  The mechanic replaced the switch contacting the brake pedal first.  He explained that only after replacing the electrical sensor at the bottom of the brake master cylinder was the repair complete.
After three thousan miles since the repair, everything about the Cruise Control works as expected. And, it makes sense the CC issue was caused by brake light switch problems

Do you know what the electrical sensor at the bottom of the master cylinder is called?  I'm trying to find it at parts websites to purchase one.  Thanks....

All I know is it's a pressure sensor.  It should show up on a parts blowup at Ford's website.

According to the Service Technician, the PCM controls Cruise Control operation.  The Powertrain Control Module, aka PCM, is your vehicle’s brain. It manages the engine, transmission and related systems. 

There are two brake light switches on the vehicle.  One is a normally open switch that powers the brake lights and and signals the Cruise Control cancel function.  The other is a normally closed switch mounted on the Master Cylinder that sends a 12V signal to the PCM when braking pressure is detected.  Both of these circuits need correct operation for the cruise system to engage and cancel normally.