1997 Ford F-150: adaptive cruise control problems

Filed Jan 24, 2017 · Electrical · 189,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving at 68 MPH, the cruise control and windshield wiper blades stop operating, along with the driver side window inadvertently opening. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer that controls the cab needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The failures persisted and the vehicle was taken to another dealer where the contact was informed that the new computer was not operable and was told that the computer was on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 189,000.

Filed Sep 2, 2015 · Acceleration · 134,530 miles · CA · fire

On august 16, 2015, my 1997 ford f150 truck caught fire in my son's driveway while parked. The fire department was called and came out, however my son managed to put out the fire with a garden hose. One of the firemen said it appears to have started with the cruise control switch. The entire cab is burned up; operator and passenger side, dash, steering wheel, seats, windows blown out, etc. It is unrepairable. Since this is an older truck, I had liability insurance only, no comprehensive coverage. Research on the internet tells me this has happened to many ford owners. Ford should be held accountable, and I am seeking reimbursement for the truck. I have contacted ford corporation, and they have told me they forwarded the information to the ford's office of the general counsel. The "affected parts" are many more than is listed. The entire cab was affected by the fire.

Filed Oct 23, 2012 · Acceleration, Airbags · 35 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH the air bag warning light illuminated. Within a couple of weeks the cruise control was not operating while driving at approximately 65 MPH. The dealer was contact who stated that the vehicle was not under a recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 122,000. Updated 12/5/12 *cn the manufacturer was contacted but, did not offer any assistance.

Filed Oct 17, 2011 · Acceleration · 150,000 miles · KY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked next to a residential garage. Later that night, the contact discovered the vehicle engulfed in flames. The fire department was contacted and they advised him that the fire could have been caused by the cruise control switch. The vehicle was towed to a garage. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no immediate assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 150,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2011 · Acceleration · 125,000 miles · AR · fire

On january 8, 2011, 1997 ford f150 xlt lariat burned and totally destroyed our home and toyota tacoma in carport.fire marshall and firemen stated appeared to originate from f150 in carport. Forensic investigator from state farm (representatives from ford present after demand from state farm) stated fire started by defective cruise control component (confirmed by x-ray) after locating in debri under vehicle. Ford acted as if they could care less - guess not since not even an appology for our loss as much cannot be replaced. State farm now in the process of suing ford to recoop their loss. We were never notified by ford of this defect and nearly lost our lives.

Filed Mar 10, 2011 · Acceleration · 170,000 miles · MD · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked with the engine off when it caught on fire. The fire caused damage to the contact's home, garage, a second vehicle and other personal property. The fire department arrived tio extinguish the fire and a fire report was filed. The investigation concluded that the fire began within the cruise control safety switch. The manufacturer was contacted and stated the contact would receive a call back. The contact had not been contacted by the manufacturer. The VIN was unable. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Jul 22, 2010 · Acceleration · 308,854 miles · AL

Gas pedal is sticking wide open even if not pressed to full throttle when you tap brake pedal or the off switch for the cruise control it releases the accelerator. Does this no matter if cruise control is off or on. Truck has been in and repaired for the cruise control starting fires. But now cruise control is not deactivating. Has done this 11 times so far.

Filed Jun 2, 2010 · Acceleration · 62,528 miles · WI · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact referenced recall 05v388000 (vehicle speed control). The contact stated that on may 22, 2010, the vehicle was parked in the driveway when it suddenly caught fire where the cruise control switch was located. The fire spread under the hood and the vehicle was destroyed. There were no injuries. The current and failure mileages were 62,528.

Filed Oct 5, 2009 · Acceleration · 189,000 miles · CO

1997 ford f150, we were accelerating on the highway from 30 MPH out of a construction zone back to highway speed (65mph). The truck has an automatic transmission and cruise control. Cruise control was not activated. Suddenly, the vehicle stuck into full acceleration mode. Sharply applying the brakes had no effect in slowing the vehicle. The foot accelerator was down fully, the floor mat was not involved. The driver tried to lift the foot accelerator with her toe, but it was stuck down fully. It could not be lifted. Within 2 miles the vehicle was accelerating well past 100 MPH. Cars ahead were stopped at a traffic light. In desperation we repeatedly hit the brake hard and sudden with full effort. There was a pop and the accelerator came back up. The truck was pulled over and inspected there was no apparent issue with the accelerator petal. It moved easily and normally. The truck was started and test drove, and everything including the cruise control worked normally. We continued driving without any further incident. I assure you it was not driver fault there is something that actively pulls the accelerator down even when the cruise is not activated. Hitting the brake did not stop the activation. This was a close call and we have very credible witnesses and drivers to explain in detail what happened. The vehicle has about 189000 miles on it and has never done this before that we know of. We bought it used, and it is in original condition, no after market gaskets or alterations. James gibson

Filed Dec 16, 2008 · Acceleration · 113,000 miles · IL · fire

The vehicle had been sitting in the driveway and had not been driven in over 24 hours prior to the fire. We were awakened by our local police and fire departments, alerting us to the fact that the truck had been on fire. They were able to successfully put out the fire prior to it spreading to our home. The fire originated on the driver's side, under the hood, around the wheel well. This was documented by our fire department. The front end of the truck and the driveway have been melted, and the truck is no longer drivable or fixable. Coincidentally, we received a letter from ford this week stating that the recall on this truck had not been done and that it could result in fire. We purchased this truck from a private party on may 11, 2008 and this was our first notification of a recall. Of course immediately after purchasing the truck we registered it with the state of illinois to obtain plates in our name, and we were issued our registration. We owned this truck exactly 6 months to the date when the fire occurred. If we had been sent a notification prior to the fire, rather than afterwards, we could have had this cruise control recall addressed. At this point the vehicle is scrap. We are holding on to the truck, until we can reach a determination of ford's responsibility in this matter.

Filed Jun 29, 2008 · 174,892 miles · CO · fire

The 97 f-150 had been parked outside not started for 2 days. Sunday morning we went to go to the lake and the truck started but would not go out of park,an issue I have had before,but this time the ABS light was flashing. I have been in the automotive repair business for 15 years, so I had a good idea were to start looking. The first place I looked was the brake safety switch located on the top of the brake pedal itsel. Every thing checked out fine. That is were I have had the problem before so I thought it was another broken wire but that was not the case. So I decided to check brake fluid level,and noticed that the electrical plug located at the front of the master brake cylinder had caught fire and melted the entire plastic plug and wires. Now I don't know when this happened but I feel very lucky it went out by itself!I live in the colorado mountains and could not imagine the damage it could of caused if it would have gotten out of control, as it was parked by trees ,shed, jet skis,etc. At this time I am going to try to replace the plug and or wiring harness and the electrical component on front of master cylinder that I believe was the cause of the small fire. I will call ford dealer ship in morning to see if they have any info on problem. I have all old parts and have documented the issue with pictures. I have also noticed that the cruise control switch box is located about 3 inches from the electrical brake switch that caught fire. I do know about the cruise control recall and it makes me wonder if all of these tragic ford fires reported really did start from the cruise control switch?

Filed Jun 20, 2008 · Acceleration · AL · fire

My f150 truck was parked under the carport when the truck caught on fire as our family was sleeping. My daughter's car, parked beside the truck, began to burn as well and the car alarm system sounded. My family awoke as the windows of the house under the carport were breaking out and the house fire alarm began to sound. Everyone got out ok, thank goodness, and the house was saved, although damaged. We lost the truck, carport, riding lawn mower, 4 wheeler and several other small items. The inside of the house suffered major smoke and water damage. The fire was determined to have started with the cruise control part which ford has a recall on.