Cruise not starting

[comfortablynumb]

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?

[LaserLikeFocus]

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.

[LaserLikeFocus]

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.

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by LaserLikeFocus

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.

[LaserLikeFocus]

Thanks for the tip. This is good information for anyone with a similar issue.

[gumby123]

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

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.

[jase_elxr8]

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

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?

[rimmy181]

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.