The cruise control function on your 1998 Ford Ranger is a convenient feature, especially during very long drives, because it lets you maintain a steady speed without having to work the accelerator. If your cruise control fails to engage, it might be time to change the cruise control switch. The cruise control switch tells your Ranger to engage the cruise control function. If the switch fails, it will not engage your cruise control.
Open your Ranger's hood. Remove the negative battery terminal. Let the vehicle sit for about 20 minutes so the air bag system deactivates.
Locate the two screw covers on the back of the steering wheel. Pry them out with your key or a screwdriver.
Insert the socket set into the hole on the back of the steering wheel and remove the bolts there.
Unplug the airbag wiring harness from the back of the horn pad and set it aside
Locate the cruise control switches on each side of the steering wheel. Use the Torx screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold the left cruise control switch in place and remove the old switch. Place the new switch in and tighten the screws.
Remove the two screws that hold the old cruise control switch on the right hand side down and remove that switch. Put the new switch in place and replace the screws.
Re-attach the air brake wiring harness to the back of the horn pad and set it back in place.
Put the steering wheel back in place and replace the retaining bolts. Push the screw covers back in until you hear them click into place.
Re-attach the negative battery cable.
