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Old 06-01-2019, 12:42 PM   #1
comfortablynumb
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 163
Default Cruise not starting

G'day;

I have an ST LZ Focus. The cruise control won't start sometimes. Quite intermittanr and I can't find any repeatable situations that cause it. By the way, I mean it won't turn ON, not that it won't ENGAGE.

Any suggestions before I part with dollars?
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Old 07-01-2019, 08:54 AM   #2
LaserLikeFocus
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 54
Default Re: Cruise not starting

Check your fuses and invest in an OBD II reader ($$$), see if you can test the circuit that controls the cruise control function.

Check simple stuff as well like electrical contacts in the engine bay or the battery (I know...). Sometimes a lack of firm contact can play with the electronic components as the voltage and current can vary too much from their design parameters.

It could also be a PITA problem like a corroded wire.
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Old 07-01-2019, 08:57 AM   #3
LaserLikeFocus
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Posts: 54
Default Re: Cruise not starting

The OBD reader will analyse a lot of possible faults. They aren't costless, but they're not as comprehensive as the proprietary or high-end readers and the problem (component) still could be costly.
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Old 09-01-2019, 04:58 PM   #4
comfortablynumb
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Default Re: Cruise not starting

Quote:
Originally Posted by LaserLikeFocus View Post
The OBD reader will analyse a lot of possible faults. They aren't costless, but they're not as comprehensive as the proprietary or high-end readers and the problem (component) still could be costly.

After burning up about 300Gb in data (haha) and chasing a few dead end leads that sounded plausible, I think I've found where the issue is.

It is the clockspring in the steering wheel.

Unlock steering wheel adjustment and telescope wheel in and out. Cruise control then turns on. Replace to normal position, still works.

Figure I'll keep doing this till it won't work at all and then I'll take it to the man and get the clockspring replaced.
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Old 10-01-2019, 01:18 PM   #5
LaserLikeFocus
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Default Re: Cruise not starting

Thanks for the tip. This is good information for anyone with a similar issue.
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Old 10-01-2019, 08:06 PM   #6
gumby123
LW Focus TDCI
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 25
Default Re: Cruise not starting

Quote:
Originally Posted by comfortablynumb View Post
G'day;

I have an ST LZ Focus. The cruise control won't start sometimes. Quite intermittanr and I can't find any repeatable situations that cause it. By the way, I mean it won't turn ON, not that it won't ENGAGE.

Any suggestions before I part with dollars?
Sounds like what I have. There's something going on, in the steering column. If I extend/retract it, I can generally get the cruise going again.
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Old 11-01-2019, 11:05 AM   #7
jase_elxr8
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melb
Posts: 45
Default Re: Cruise not starting

Quote:
Originally Posted by comfortablynumb View Post
After burning up about 300Gb in data (haha) and chasing a few dead end leads that sounded plausible, I think I've found where the issue is.

It is the clockspring in the steering wheel.

Unlock steering wheel adjustment and telescope wheel in and out. Cruise control then turns on. Replace to normal position, still works.

Figure I'll keep doing this till it won't work at all and then I'll take it to the man and get the clockspring replaced.
The clockspring is behind the steering wheel and moves with the column. Might just be a bad wiring connection in the column instead?
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Old 17-01-2020, 12:30 PM   #8
rimmy181
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Diamond Creek Vic
Posts: 1
Default Re: Cruise not starting

We have had intermittent cruise issues for a long time on the wife's 2014 Focus. This has resolved our issue or at least I know what the problem is. Thanks guys.
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