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Principles of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The speed control system is designed to maintain a selected vehicle speed between 48 and 200 km/h (30 and 125 mph).

Whenever the system is engaged and active, a speed control set indicator will be illuminated in the instrument cluster.

The brake pedal position (BPP) switch is normally closed. When the brake pedal is applied with the speed control system engaged, the BPP switch opens, putting the speed control in stand-by mode.

NOTE: A redundant brake deactivator switch is provided as an additional safety feature.
NOTE: The speed control module is integral to the speed control actuator.

Normally, when the brake pedal is applied, the speed control module deactivates the speed control system. Under increased brake pedal effort, the deactivator switch, a normally closed switch, will open and remove power to the speed control actuator clutch, releasing the throttle independently of the speed control module.

The clockspring provides the electrical interface between the steering column wiring and the speed control switches in the steering wheel.

The inputs to the speed control actuator are the:

The outputs of the speed control actuator are the: