Common minor problems...? Cruise/Gauges/Radio

[SuicideAxles]

Just curious if you guys know any fixes for common issues on these trucks...

- Fuel Level Gauge... Mine stays way over full all the time. Every now & then it will read the proper level. Nothing changes when I flip the tank selector switch. I'd really rather not rely on how many miles I've driven and risk running out of fuel. I know this is a common problem for these trucks. Is it the sending unit, or something else causing the gauge to read improperly?


- Cruise Control... Mine doesn't work at all. What could it be? I know this is common as my friend's '97 F-350 doesn't work either, as well as my dad's '91 F-250 Gasser. Could it be the servo, switch, relay?


- AM/FM/CD Player... My radio works, but sometimes the sound won't play if you change stations unless you hit the clock button. I popped a CD in it the other day and it wouldn't play and won't eject the CD. Normally I'd install an aftermarket unit, but I'd like to keep a Ford unit in this truck to help deter theft. Are there any other Ford stereos that are a direct plug-in for the '94-98 trucks?

I'm trying to not spend unnecessary money on this truck by buying stuff that won't fix the problem. Maybe some of you guys have got these issues fixed in the past. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[mschn99]

for the fuel gauge, odds are the sending unit has built up excessive resistance, but it would be worth trying this.....there is an additive available from chevron, their "techron" additive...try it in a few tanks and see if it helps. If it doesn, add one every third tank or so...if not, it is cheap enough to give it a shot...

as far as the cruise controll....first try honking the horn. If it wont honk, your clockspring is bad.

if that doesnt fix it, lets check your deactivation switch...its the one on the brake brake master cylender. One wire will always be hot. the othe wire will only have power when the brake pedal....and here is where i cant remember....it will either be hot with teh brake pedal depressed or hot without it depressed....one or the other. If its hot with the pedal depressed, it shouldnt have power if it isnt....bottom line is if both sides of the switch have power no matter what, pedal depressed or not, you know the switch is bad.......sam if that second wire never gets power...

make sure to check all your fuses as well....

[SuicideAxles]

Thanks for the quick reply Marc! I'll try the additive. Better than dropping the tanks and replacing sending units!

The horn works, I've looked over all the gauges. I rely on cruise control in my other vehicles, and I ended up getting a speeding ticket today, so it's time to address this cruise control issue! I'll do what you recommend tomorrow after work. Thanks again.