psvines
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2008
- Messages
- 14
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Vehicle Year
- 1997
- Make / Model
- Ranger
- Engine Size
- 4.0 V6
- Transmission
- Manual
Like so many of us have seen, my cruise control buttons had become deteriorated, broken, and very sticky. Thanks to this forum and a few others, and quite a few very helpful posters, I was able to replace my buttons in less than 30 minutes.
I purchased parts:
Motorcraft SW5928 (even though a few sites indicated it wouldn't fit a '97)
The steps are quite simple.
- remove new wiring harness from new switches. This was the hardest part of the project. Gently rock the plug side to side while pulling away from the switch. Hold the plug and not the wires. There is no reason to replace working wires, which I've read is way more complicated.
- disconnect battery to disable air bag.
- remove plastic plugs on each side of steering column.
- remove 8mm bolts on each side of steering column.
- carefully pull horn and air bag away from steering wheel and rest on top of steering column. No need to disconnect air bag.
- remove both screws on each button assembly.
- carefully remove the existing wiring harness plug from the old switches. Gently rock plug side to side while carefully pulling away. Note orientation of plug to switch before removing.
- attach new switch to wiring harness plug.
- attach new switches to steering column.
- return horn and air bag to original position.
- screw bolts into side of steering column.
- cover bolts with plastic plugs.
- connect battery.
- confirm operational.
I purchased parts:
Motorcraft SW5928 (even though a few sites indicated it wouldn't fit a '97)
The steps are quite simple.
- remove new wiring harness from new switches. This was the hardest part of the project. Gently rock the plug side to side while pulling away from the switch. Hold the plug and not the wires. There is no reason to replace working wires, which I've read is way more complicated.
- disconnect battery to disable air bag.
- remove plastic plugs on each side of steering column.
- remove 8mm bolts on each side of steering column.
- carefully pull horn and air bag away from steering wheel and rest on top of steering column. No need to disconnect air bag.
- remove both screws on each button assembly.
- carefully remove the existing wiring harness plug from the old switches. Gently rock plug side to side while carefully pulling away. Note orientation of plug to switch before removing.
- attach new switch to wiring harness plug.
- attach new switches to steering column.
- return horn and air bag to original position.
- screw bolts into side of steering column.
- cover bolts with plastic plugs.
- connect battery.
- confirm operational.