How to Diagnose Ford's New PCM Based Cruise Control Systems: My Confession...

In this video we show you what to check when diagnosing Ford's PCM based cruise control systems.
Old Servo and Cable based cruise control system diagnostic tips-
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Cruise Principals of Operation-
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Inoperative Cruise Pinpoint Test-
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Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “FordTechMakuloco”) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. FordTechMakuloco shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by FordTechMakuloco and therefore, FordTechMakuloco does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge FordTechMakuloco or anyone affiliated with FordTechMakuloco, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@camshaftP16]

That's why a good mechanic is not expensive, he's priceless.

[@roystump6676]

ⁿìjjjjh

[@GregariousGiant]

This is why I watch you. Yes, the information is helpful even though I don’t currently have a Ford... But the reason is that you are thorough and trustworthy. That’s admirable, and watchable.

[@JT-lq4yd]

I am not a Ford guy but Brian has great info.

[@FishFind3000]

You just need a good honest mechanic. Working with independents allows you to build a relationship with the mechanic that is working on your car. We went to the Ford dealer to get a coolant leak fixed and needed a new water pump. They broke one of the fittings on the turbo inlet off and just jb welded it back on in a sloppy half ass job. And dripped jbweld everywhere. They didn’t say anything about this. They just assume we are some dipshit customers that won’t even pop the hood and look. Needless to say we won’t be going to them anymore. We resorted to them as we needed the truck backup and running immediately and Brian had a 1 week wait on appointments at the time.

[@JT-lq4yd]

@@FishFind3000 It is hard find a good mechanic. I was having the dealership do maintenance on my car while it was under warranty, that's no longer the case and I am now doing my own oil changes and repairs, if possible.

[@jamestkirk1631]

Honest men are hard to come by and we need all the examples we can get. Thanks for your humility and the explanation!

[@brucelott3583]

I had a semi truck years ago that wouldn't shift properly, couldn't find anything wrong. Called tech support for Meritor, was asked if the ABS light was on. I said no, but found out the bulb had burned out. It did have ABS codes, then I found out that particular trans used the ABS for vss. NOWHERE in the service or t/s manuals was that written. I replaced a wheel speed sensor for the ABS issue, the trans shifted ok. Why that was not covered in the manual I never found out. Good catch on this one.

[@prmayner]

You made my head hurt, I knew I shouldn't have watched this so early in the morning. Great Find!! I like your work ethic, YOUR NOT GONNA BEAT ME TRUCK. Never give up. Thanks for the post. Peace!!

[@donromine7669]

What a awesome moment when this hidden issue revealed itself to you! Now you know why folks come from afar to have you work on their Fords , YOU ARE THE BEST!

[@christhefistful]

That was some great diagnostic work on your part. Having that indicator blacked out and the owner not mentioning it along with the other issues he wanted repaired made for a tough repair. Thanks for all your great videos.

[@ThomisticAmerican13FOX]

Really appreciate your humility here, if I was in your area you would be the only guy to work on my 14 and Mustang GT, not that it needs it yet healthy so far. Whoever thumbed down this video shall be flogged!

[@fredsalter1915]

Absolutely outstanding video and great story! I was on pins and needles for 28 minutes straight! Thanks for sharing your discovery, sir!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cruisepix]

“Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome” Marine! I said it before if I had a few good mechanics, even half your caliber I'd be still have a shop! Your videos are more than educational they are inspirational! You sir are a credit to the industry! I'm 62 and still learning! AND I see 3 thumbs down, did they leave a comment as to why? It should be mandatory! Hope you and your family stay safe. Wesołych Świąt

[@chieft3357]

Persistence pays off. I like it because you never told your customer you couldn't fix it. Great work.

[@cheapers1952]

Unfortunately every now and then. We hit the wall hard but that is what makes you ONE OF THE BEST TECHS OUT THERE admitting you make mistakes (we all do) eating our mistakes (only pros do)and going the extra miles to find the problems! That's what makes you many steps above the rest! What I would like to know or have access to is the strategy the manufactures use. With a little help that you found about the cluster YOU were able to what I call" reverse engineering" the problems. Keep up the great work and I hope your customers truely realize that about you !

[@jaysonescoe5799]

Wow!!! Just wow... no matter what I’ll always be Blue Oval!!! Great info Brian. We have a 2010 f150 king in the fleet so be monitoring

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Excellent video.. The rule for modern vehicles is to fix everything that is broken, side effects can be very obscure. Someone at Ford must have thought it's a good idea to add that as a small code change after the main documents were written. Putting tape on a warning light is not acceptable, in fact, it's illegal in many areas.

[@ramfan2004]

Great video. You are one of the best. Takes a strong person to be humbled and admit mistakes. But you never gave up.I have been repairing vehicles for 40 years and have had my share of "failures", but I too never gave up. Stepping back and understanding how a circuit is designed can usually lead to a repair. I too have found that sometimes the repair trees aren't the answer. It makes me proud knowing that there is a younger generation of technicians willing to go the extra mile to perform repairs. Most of the "kids" I have worked with recently are too quick to throw their hands up and get on to the money jobs! I look forward to your videos, and have even learned some new info and techniques form you. So yes you can teach an old dog some new tricks. Keep up the good work.

[@mikethedonkey]

My father's 08 F150 had the exact same problem. Replaced all the switches. No luck. In the end, this was the issue. There's two main plugs in the cluster. One on the left and one on the right. If I wiggle the one on the left, i can get the light to go out. Then i read somewhere about the solder problem. Now after this video, it's pretty definitive.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yup definitely on the left side.

[@IKCS1]

Arguably probably the best automotive technician on the internet as always thanks for sharing! Your knowledge is invaluable Cheers I look forward to all your automotive content.

[@kat2641]

That is what I call a needle in the haystack.. great catch!!

[@Fireship1]

This was one of those 1 out of 99 things that you overlook when troubleshooting. Great catch and great lesson.

[@iancockerline2305]

I watched this video 3 or more times before I finally figured out what's up with my cruise. This is an incredible video because it shows every possible reason. Thanks!

[@mikechiodetti4482]

In the past on older vehicles I used the parking brake to help slow the vehicle during a "Drive Cycle" to set the monitors, because back then, the parking brake was NOT an input to the PCM. Times have changed.

[@dwp139]

I kid you not after watching this video, I went to my truck since I have this EXACT problem, and even replaced the switches on the steering wheel thinking a connection issue there. What was it...the parking brake was pressed barely 1/4 inch, JUST ENOUGH to engage but not drag the brake. So, now I gotta get the dash pulled out and have the soldering redone so my brake light will not be on anymore. Literally this EXACT problem, and the EXACT solution provided...gave me my cruise back after going 8+ hrs home from NC last weekend.

[@garysgarage3669]

I don't work too much of Fords but love watching your video's.

[@Redddie1337]

From you saying you haven’t seen a PCM fail on speed controls, I had a 2007 Mazda 3 that the only problems the vehicle had were the cruise light would not light, and no working cruise at all. Tested all my wiring, and there is one discrete wire from the clock spring to the PCM. Wiring worked perfectly all the way. Had a known good PCM in another car, swapped them (before spending the money) and the cruise light would now light (this was before programming so that I didn’t have to waste the time programming). I ordered a PCM from a salvage yard around me, installed it. Before programming I checked that my cruise light would light and with the salvage box it wouldn’t light either. I thought what are the odds that both PCM’s are bad? Turned out that’s exactly what happened. Got another PCM and it worked fine. This was my first run in with a PCM based cruise control not working, and it had actually been the PCM. I’ve seen cruise control inoperable because of a wheel speed sensor, but never one that was a failed PCM before.

[@alexanderalgora6958]

This video hits the nail in head. I have a 2010 f150 that I've added cruise buttons to, they light up with the lights on, but don't work at all when pressed. Forscan is useless as the blocks for speed control aren't present on 2010's. I'll have to see if I can get my hands on a vcm and ids to go through these steps... Too bad I'm not near you or I'd drive right up lol

[@markchislett5548]

Great lesson in diagnostics but you were always doomed by the electrical tape!

[@bk89able]

Wow! That one made you pull your hair out. You’re one of probably 100 mechanics that is sharp enough to find that! Good work!

[@mark98070]

I learned the hard way that using led brake light bulbs would stop the cruise control to quit working on my 95 f150xlt. Great video Brian!!

[@charlesball6519]

Did you add a resistor across the wires to get it to work again?

[@mark98070]

@@charlesball6519 I did not. Just used the incandescents instead

[@charlesball6519]

@@mark98070 Yeah, adding a resistor puts a load on the system, one that's generally missing with LEDs (regular bulbs are like 25-30 watts, vs 1 watt with LEDs). The load from incandescents is a feedback device for the cruise control system so it will work.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Seems like a diode would prevent the voltage feedback, but it could also prevent the PCM from getting some low voltage signal that it relies on for the cruise control subsystem to work properly. I drive a '98 F150 and now know to avoid the lure of LED brake lights until Brian tells us there is a fix for the problem.

[@billsimpson604]

Your videos are good to watch even if you don't have trouble, so that if something does go wrong, you know where to start and what to check first. That can often save a lot of time, frustration, and money. It helps to know the most common failures, then proceed from there. And even if you never fix your own vehicle, the more you know, the less chance of getting ripped off by whoever does the work for you. And if you sound like you know something, the less chance of someone trying to rip you off with unneeded 'repairs' or replacements.

[@martinballard2392]

Brilliant 👍. You should be very proud of yourself. Well done….

[@richardcranium5839]

nothing better than hearing a regional tech rep say "oh"

[@farming4g]

Yep, been there done that on many things... overlook simple things that may not possibly interfere with something, but sure enough is the culprit! Really is a good lesson for whatever working on, check simple things first, even if it "should not" have anything to do with it.

[@mikedaugharty5544]

its always a fun repair when si is not complete with the operation desc, or wiring errors.good job there!!

[@m3vt2seffn]

I never use my cruise control I don't even know how to use it but that little red light after I disconnected that little red light still comes on but I don't pay any attention to it anymore I never use that emergency brake so now you're telling me that there's a glitch behind the cluster oh okay now I understand it see you are a great teacher you and Scotty are the two people that I watch cuz you guys have got the most knowledge of how to fix cars like I said before thank you for all the knowledge that you have shared with me I've learned a lot from you guys

[@billrimmer5596]

Man that was a good one. Solder joints seem to have been a problem for about ten years. I wonder how they finally cured them. Thank u fir your honesty and humility!!

[@earl60446]

Old dealer trick. I bought a used car at a dealer when I was about 20, the parking brake light was always on so I told them to fix it before we finalized the deal. Their "fix" was of course to cover the indictaor light with black electrical tape. I did not notice it and went thru with the purchase. They even told me it was just a fuse. So maybe your customer was not the one who put the tape on it.

[@jimmysteichman5987]

thank you for being so honest,very hard to find a good mechanic who is honest. great video!!

[@skinlab4239]

The manual kind of actually tells you the problem. While not directly, always check the stupid shit. It told you the parking break is involved in the process, check everything it interacts with or is connected to. My ranger had an issue similar and I went through everything the vehicle knows about and got it solved. I have the workshop manual for it and I looked after fixing it and glad I didn't go by the book because it mentioned nothing about the actual fix. Btw, you are FAR superior the "mechanics" that are humble. You actually put out real videos.

[@PistonShack]

Thank yo so much for this video. I have been learning from you for over 4 years how to repair and maintain my Ford. Cheers!

[@MrDraftkid]

This guy is the only reason I still have my truck, It's a hate-love deal but FordTechMakuloco helps the situation. He's like my therapist when dealing with the pig, If only I could get the Ford program he uses.. :(

[@stevenfuchs2548]

Wow, sometimes happenstance or luck or frustration is the cure. Sure due diligence is the key, or is it diligence? Great job, explanation and sticktoitness!

[@Lake_Lover]

Great video. I live 2 hours south of you.If I ever buy another Ford product I'll drive the 170 miles to have you fix my vehicle. You're a good tech. Keep up the good work!

[@haroldplace4341]

Wow I have turned wrenches, 40 years, mostly on ford / or ford dealers, i have 2008 ford f-150 with cruise control issue mine you can set it , it work find the turn off and can't get it back on unless you stop, turn off the truck and restart it and then it fine sometime, again it will turn off while driving no matter what the speed, it been driving me nut check everything, ask you found the stupid brake light switch is on has been since i got the truck in March of last year. Now i know what the problem is! thank you for doing this video, it has giving what i needed, like all video do, it help me keep on what new and how to fix. i am retired but still have my Fords to work on and my son, were are both ford guys. could you do a video on how one would get to that board in the dash to fix that light problem.

[@garryr]

Thanks for sharing this. I have repaired a couple of clusters for the brake light issue but I had no idea that the cluster told the other modules the PB was on. I thought it was just a light on issue.

[@donreinholz8121]

That was a good catch Brian. Whoever put the electrical tape over the board which was a lot of work instead of fixing the cluster soldering failure.

[@woolval52]

What I got is that you are an excellent mechanic. You keep digging, do a lot of research, and are able to figure it out. A covered-up warning lamp??!! I don't think that was a Ford authorized repair... And I just learned that you can send the instrument cluster out for repair! Who knew... not me. I replaced mine in my 2002 Ford Explorer, didn't know any better. I'm extremely impressed with your troubleshooting skills again. Did the owner fess up to covering the brake light warning lamp?

[@rossknittel8408]

Maybe I'm blind but I don't see the link to the papers you were using. I love your teaching methods.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

In the description

[@on-site4094]

Thanks for sharing That ball busting diagnostics 👍 Probably cold solder joints

[@rodcarpenter849]

Wow....thanks for taking the time to make this video and others. Wish I lived closer so you could attack my 2006 Mountaineer 4.6L with broken manifold bolts.

[@volvo09]

Great video :) With these computerized systems troubleshooting can be pretty cut and dry, but when you don't have the right info for what the computer is looking for, it can be nearly impossible. Good catch!

[@Bostonguy222]

thanks for including a link to the description of operation and pinpoint tests, nice bonus info

[@jrwou1]

Had an intermittent cruise deactivation this past summer on '06 Mustang GT manual. The cruise would just spontaneously deactivate on the interstate and if I pressed the the resume button repeatedly it would re-engage some times for the duration or deactivate immediately. Sometimes it would go several days with no issues. I replaced the brake pedal switch first. No change. Replaced the brake lamp switch. No change. Replaced the clutch pedal switch. No change. Gave up on it for a bit. Then one day a buddy was following behind me on the interstate and when we stopped he told me my reverse lights would flash on occasionally. SMH! Replaced the reverse lamp switch on the transmission. FIXED!

[@charlesball6519]

You mean "brake" not "break"

[@edwardmyers1746]

Love your honesty and sincerity man, took the bite for you customers, good man.

[@thehemiolds455]

I'm not a ford guy but me watching him explain it,it makes it look easy as simple on bolting a bolt👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@mikeallensonntag]

You know what I love about your channel you really do good job explaining things...what I mean by that is you show us stuff not just by your opinion but like in this video actual operation of the system in depth and very detailed stuff that you wont find anywhere else. I don't even have problems with my f150 but I find it very interesting learning about how all these individual systems operate and what they look for. I know you actually have jobs to do but It would be very awesome when you run across more customer vehicles with issues to show us full blown run down like you did on this cruise problem.

[@nealevanfleet438]

GM had PCM based cruise on the 1994 up 6.5 Turbo Diesels with the electronic injection pump. Super reliable and very accurate and smooth.

[@50sled7]

Youre the man Brian...Above and beyond on the diag. as always!

[@truckingrcaddict1183]

Excellent video, this issue is a great demonstration of the difference between a technician and a parts hanger.

[@jmaxim80]

wow great work you used true problem solving skills on this one. congratulations not many people have that skill anymore. kudos

[@Antonyg2100]

Great video as always and another great thing to look for on my own truck if it stops working. This is the best ford channel on youtube!

[@jonathonsmith7694]

I relate to your work mindset lol I always figure it out. Ive been around these Ford since I was a child. I know em inside and out 😁

[@marksmith8877]

Awesome video of learning how to troubleshoot the cruise control on a Ford I’ve been working on stuff for many years and and I’ve been a Ford lover and I’ve been to become a Ford hater because of all the crazy things that they do to the vehicles still own but I’ll never buy another new one

[@4b131]

Nice, GM's operate the same way. I figured this out on a Grand Am but had the benefit of the brake light shining in my face. Gotta love the black tape trick! Always hate it when it was right in front of you, sort of!

[@fredbach6039]

Nice detective work. A bit late but we all know how some problems get pushed into the future.

[@scottdumont5935]

Wow! That was an amazing diag. Good on you to just keep digging and more important taking care of the customer!

[@davestewart9146]

Brian you are an awesome and honest guy, I honestly hate taking my vehicles to Ford, they always seem to damage or break something and yes I’m very anal about my cars, you are the only person I would totally trust in repairing my cars 👍😁❤️

[@MH-wo4be]

PCM based cruise control was first released in 1994 1/2 with the 7.3 PSD. Literally 10 years before the 2004 F150. Otherwise that was one of your best videos.

[@72soundguy]

Well done. I wish your shop was closer to me.

[@06mx5er5]

Your videos are truly amazing! You have helped me countless time and I thank you so much! I did watch the video and you were absolutely right about folks wanting to know about adding cruise on vehicles that didn't come from the factory with it. I'm sorry, I know you get tons of questions, and you tried to address already but, I have a 2011 E350 Eldorado Bus that does not have cruise. I'm wondering if you know if everything is already on that "Cab-Chassis" configuration as well? Do I just need the steering wheel controls, deactivator switch, and programing? Thank you so much again for all that you do!

[@oby-1607]

I have an old Kenworth dump truck and its cruise control is a throttle control knob on the dash that you pull out and turn it to the right to lock it in the desired rpm. That's its cruise control. I guess in your case, you need to add check black tape cover-up to your list of diagnosis.

[@brodavidb]

I would appreciate a video on 2016 or newer blend door actuator. Not just replacement, but locations on single and dual climate systems, recalibrations and also issues where the actuator motor is not the issue.

[@nathanbrooks4324]

Just awesome! So thorough! Thanks for making these videos. You’ve saved me so much time, frustration and money.

[@blackenigma1054]

Very good video on how things works as far as cruise control👍🏿

[@mikeaho4143]

Thanks for sharing this Brian. Very confusing case study especially when you're using the Ford specific shop manual.

[@ptrck6]

My 05 f150 same brake light on dash. Drove me crazy thought it was park brake switch nope. Thought it was level switch so replaced master cylinder nope. Smacked the dash board on top light went out bad connection but never got around to fix it. I sold it

[@wall4xxx]

Very well done 👍🏻 I’m just keep on learning something new everyday I work at independent shop I follow your videos it’s never too late to learn lol

[@noahnajor2408]

Dude knows his shit!

[@baxrok2.]

Wow is right! Outstanding diagnosis. Thanks!

[@TheThreeLeggedChair]

sometimes it takes time. thanks for the video.

[@robm3357]

Wow great find. You are one of the best in my book.

[@D2O2]

Great video from a great and honest tech!

[@pbalerig]

QUALITY TECH RIGHT HERE

[@adotintheshark4848]

Speaking of masking indicator lamps in a cluster, I've seen where the lamp will be covered in black silicone in its well! Dealerships were doing that especially to the money light. So the customer gets the cluster back with a check engine light that "wasn't there" before and they are pissed, at the dealer who sold them the car not at us.

[@anthonyhoward4752]

Bought a 07 F 150 3yrs ago the cruise didn't work. Watched a ton of vids to fix the problem, but never got around to doing. Watched this vid yesterday and problem solved. The spring on the e brake is wore or gone, after 3yrs I finally have cruise control $0 spent.

[@jwboilermaker]

You’d think a parking brake input would be an input to the PCM, but apparently not. It’s also nice to know that aftermarket LED taillights can back feed causing issues. I was thinking about putting some on my Ram, but might avoid them just for that reason.

[@Discretesignals]

It is an input, but it's not a hardwired input. It's a message from the instrument cluster over a network bus. I wonder if the parking brake status is in the PCM data stream somewhere.

[@lonniewilson7]

Some of the toughest cars I have worked on some one else had created a second problem trying to fix and could not

[@stuckinnj9554]

This is one of those times where interrogating the customer of prior work would have been helpful. That’s assuming this was the original owner. Based on the fact owner was willing to pay - just fix it, I’m thinking not the original owner. Seems like a used car seller trick of covering up the light or removing the bulb. The cluster self check would have been a clue but who actually watches that - not me! Great find and reminder of the basics. Love the vids. Keep up the good work. We ever going to see your son wrenching?

[@michaelsatterly634]

Like all your videos very informative thanks so much for putting them out

[@rubendawn7478]

Heck yeah!!! I will fix it after watching this. Thanks dude!!! I Iike the way how you go thru the process of troubleshooting. Update; Big fail: I have a "Speed Control Command Switch PID not Supported" my take is not enabled but couldn't figure it out how to enable it with the scanner I have. Anybody can help me with this? Thanks

[@PaulyD0859]

Good job finding that! Once you figure out a thing like that, you never forget. Looking for a recommendation. Where do you send your clusters? TIA.

[@johnmorell2663]

Your amazing 👏

[@PhillyDee215]

These cars are getting more complicated by the day🙄great advice👍

[@thekr1s85]

Wild goose chase when customers don't tell you the full story. Been there! Then later they tell you "oh yeah I forgot to tell you" Great! That info would of been helpful 6hrs ago lol!

[@johnallen1901]

I've repaired bad solder joints in the instrument panels for a 99 Windstar and a 08 Taurus X I owned, each time saving many hundreds of dollars a Ford service center would have certainly charged for replacing the units. In the case of the Windstar, there were a series solder joints on a ribbon cable that looked defective from the factory: virtually no solder - just enough to barely make a connection - so it was bound to fail sooner or later. It's not just Ford: I had a 2001 BMW 325 (what a nightmare) whose instrument panel went totally dead. For that I had success using a last resort trick where you literally bake the circuit board in the oven at 200F for 5 minutes or so to anneal the solder.

[@SamBrown3787]

interesting. Trying to solve a cruise control input voltage circuit A high code when my truck never came with cruise control. gave me some good info on where to start

[@j.r.martinez8101]

Awesome diagnosis my man. Enjoyed the video.

[@29auto30]

Great video,thank you. Be a Mechanic they say,it will be fun!...LOL! The black tape thing got me rolling.

[@reubenmiller7988]

Some of your best work yet!

[@brucel.6078]

Outstanding video. Thanks! All your presentations are excellent.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

Brian.... You are one of the few Channels that I believe DESERVE to be monetized! I have no problem with the commercials here. BUT YOU SHOULD KNOW, if you have any control over it - the last few Videos had CHEVY and RAM commercials!!! Don't know if you knew that. 😉

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I appreciate that!