Fixing Cruise Control

[d_edge95]

I know there's a sticky about installing an electric cruise control, but I'm more interested in fixing the one I have, because I dont think I can afford a new unit
So, the cruise hasn't worked in my Ranger since I got it. It's not really an urgent issue, but I'd like to fix it up.
I'm not entirely sure what information I have to give here ... I don't know how cruise control works or if it is a vacuum issue, or even where the problem might lie. All I know is that I have a 1986 Ranger Single Cab 4x4, 2.9 v6. And when I press the 'on' and 'off' button on the steering wheel at the same time, my truck honks .
Any help which you can give (despite my lack of info) would be greatly appreciated. If you feel like I am missing something, I can easily check.

 

[fyre82]

Sounds like someone installed a cruise steering wheel and hooked up the horn to the buttons.
I have one that started out that way and there was no cruise stuff under the hood.

Make sure that stuff is there before you try to make something that doesn't exist work.
There will be a vacuum pot and a few vacuum hoses as well as an extra throttle linkage. No pics at the moment but you will know that it's there or not.

Good luck

Rich

 

[fastpakr]

Assuming all the equipment is there, grab a Mitchell manual for '86 domestic light trucks and vans. It will have the troubleshooting sequence for the cruise system on your truck.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

yours could be a 86 or a 87 system if your vehicle speed sensor is in the tranny you will want to use the 1987 schematic. the 86 is on the speedometer cable with wires coming out of it.

 

[ronclark]

I know there's a sticky about installing an electric cruise control, but I'm more interested in fixing the one I have, because I dont think I can afford a new unit
So, the cruise hasn't worked in my Ranger since I got it. It's not really an urgent issue, but I'd like to fix it up.
I'm not entirely sure what information I have to give here ... I don't know how cruise control works or if it is a vacuum issue, or even where the problem might lie. All I know is that I have a 1986 Ranger Single Cab 4x4, 2.9 v6. And when I press the 'on' and 'off' button on the steering wheel at the same time, my truck honks .
Any help which you can give (despite my lack of info) would be greatly appreciated. If you feel like I am missing something, I can easily check.

Did you ever figure out why your cruse was not working?
I have 3 cruse projects i need to get figured out.

 

[fastpakr]

Did you ever figure out why your cruse was not working?
I have 3 cruse projects i need to get figured out.

I mentioned this earlier in the thread, but if you go to your local library you should be able to find the Mitchell manuals for domestic light trucks and vans in the year of your truck. It will contain a step by step sequence for troubleshooting your cruise system. I used it to diagnose and repair the system in my old '94 Explorer and was able to pinpoint the problem precisely.

 

[Grunizzle]

I have 91 4.0l m50d with same problem. Cruise worked when I got it, about 6 months later it doesn't. Also pressing on/off at the same time honks my horn...