Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Cruise Control

Several months ago, before inheriting my 95 GLX, my father took it to a Ford dealer to have the speedo fixed. The speedometer was fixed but the cruise control did not work when he got the car back; it worked prior to having the car fixed. I told him to take it back and complain, but he never did. Any ideas on what I need to do to fix the cruise?

Sounds like your VSS (vehicle speed sensor) was either broken or not reconnected properly by the dealer. Go back and tell them that your cruise is not working AFTER their work and that you believe THEY messed up your VSS! Just even hearing that you know what your VSS is should be enough to convince them you're not a sucker and they should do it. If they hem and haw, hold your ground! Bring your father with you to substantiate the problem.

My father passed away in August. That is how I came to inherit the car. The Ford dealer is down in Florida. I'm up on Long Island. I'll do a search on VSS to learn more about it (how to replace it, connect it up, etc.) - Thanks.

My deepest sympathy about your father. I know what thats like. I'm on the Island too. Whereabouts are you and what "stealership" are you using?

What is a GLX? ,,,, My mom took her taurus in for a recall once where the radio would cut out when in reverse and it came back with cruise control not working, but she realized too late.

I noticed you have a 95. In the very early 95's, the speedometer was driven by a cable from the vss to the speedometer. The cruise was driven by a few wires, which also originated at the vss. If your car was an early version (I think before February, 95, but don't hold me to the date) you will have a cable and also a few wires coming from the vss. If so, it is quite possible that the cable was connected to the vss (therefore the speedometer works) but the wires were not connected to the vss (therefore no cruise).

On the other hand, if you have a later version 95 model, the vss should drive both the speedometer and the cruise via the wires.

I must have an early '95 as there is definitely a two-piece cable coming from the firewall and going to the tranny. I have not had time to check the VSS wiring/connector yet; hope to get to it soon.

The GLX model seems to add some "deluxe" features such as fog lights, tach, sport interior, etc. Car definitely needs some new wheels (SVT?) and tires though. It has full wheel covers with 185/70-14s.

Located in Holbrook. Going to give Sayville Ford a shot.

I'm not familiar with Sayville Ford but if they turn out to be good let me know. I'm in Lindenhurst, but I would go out that way for a GOOD dealer! While your there, have them see if the wiring recall was done on your car! If not, have them inspect the harness for missing/ cracked insulation. I also have an early 95 and my wiring is falling apart! Going to probably replace the harness while I'm swapping engines.

Steve- Going to have the wiring and suspension checked out. My father had two letters from Ford covering long term warranty issues for those two items. I guessing that the wiring is OK as the car was in Florida for 8 years (no salt on the road in the winter). May not get to Sayville Ford for another week or so. We're in car hell at home.

'91 Ford Explorer (245,000 miles)- We did the water pump and serpentine belt yesterday (bad pulley was chewing belt up). Doing clutch (slipping) and rear main seal (leaking badly) next week.

'71 Datsun 240Z (original 56,000 miles)- We started fixing blown head gasket last weekend. Stuck at the point of disconnecting the timing chain. Sending away for a repair manual tonight.

When I say we, I really mean my 19-year-old son. He's a budding master mechanic with two years of BOCES behind him. Looks like he'll be heading for automotive college next fall. I just supply the money and hand him the tools as he works. Good deal though!!

I think the wiring tends to break down because of age and heat, rather than salt. I would check it very very soon, though. If I remember correctly there was like an 8 year limit on the free repair. I may be wrong, but I would check immediately just to see. A harness repair is very expensive if you have to pay it yourself.