Cruise Control doesn't activate / Speed Control Deactivation switch recall

[Arboc]

This post if meant to be informative since I couldn't find a solution very easily to my problem. I apologize ahead of time for the wall of text.

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I have a 2002 F150 Supercrew. This is one of the vehicles that was recalled due to a shorting switch that could cause a fire.

In 2006 I took the truck in to have the recall work done. I paid no attention to what they ACTUALLY did and of course, the recall notice doesn't give any details on the issue.

My truck worked fine until a few days ago. I noticed that suddenly my cruise control wasn't working. After searching here and several other places I was lead to check a switch located on the front of the master cylinder. It was obvious at first glance this was the problem.

The switch and harness were covered in brake fluid as was the oddly out-of-place fuse receptacle that had been spliced into the switch harness. After cleaning things up a bit I removed the harness and found a blown 2 amp fuse. Obviously this rig had been put in place to cut power to the switch and stop the brake fluid from igniting. By rigging things like this Ford also ensured that the under dash fuse (15 amp) wouldn't blow thereby disabling several other systems in the truck.

I called several local Ford dealerships. One (Jordan Ford) refused to sell me the parts, insisted the issue was not related to the recall and suggested I bring the truck in for service. Another (Jennings Anderson Ford) admitted it was recall related and would gladly replace the parts for me for a fee. They said parts replacement was only covered under the recall one time. Two other dealers I spoke with (Seguin Ford and Bluebonnet Motors) knew exactly what I was asking for and quoted me a cost of $23 for the parts kit so that I could take care of the issue myself.

I pick up the parts kit yesterday and had it installed in 5 minutes. My cruise control works and I am a happy Ford customer again. If you can plug in a lamp, and operate a crescent wrench, you can replace this part and should. Whereas the recall work that was done in 2006 was pathetic (a fuse?!!!) the new parts kit includes a replacement harness and a newly engineered switch that looks far superior to the old one.

Here's a image of the new replacement part package...


The old harness with blown 2 amp fuse...


The old Speed Control Deactivation switch (after much cleaning)...