2001 Ford F-250 Electrical system Problems

“We were notified by police and fire department officials that there was a fire in our yard. Our Ford 250 was on fire and had not been driven for around 4 hours. Upon investigation the fire marshall indicated the location of where the fire began and presumed it was the brake pressure switch based on its location. The car has been totaled and caught another vehicle on fire next to it.”

“While I was driving along a hilly, winding road the engine of my 2001 F-250 diesel 4x4 truck unexpectedly shut off. I lost steering and braking. There were no lights on the dash. There was no prior indication of any problem with the engine or electrical system. I've had the truck for 12 years at the time and never experienced any problem like this. I was very fortunate to have been able to get the truck to the road's shoulder. After the truck stopped I put the shift into park. The key was still in the run position. I simply turned it to the start position and the engine started right up. …”

“The truck burst into flames while parked. It had been sitting for over 13 hours at the time of the fire. It destroyed one car on either side of it. The fire investigator could not say exactly what caused the fire at the time, but made me aware of a recall on that year of Ford vehicles involving the speed control safety deactivation switch. Information on the recall says that the wire could heat up and cause a fire. The truck along with two other vehicles were completely destroyed in the fire.”

“Driving at night, tried to use cruise control (didn't come on) then overdrive on button started flashing, then speedometer began bouncing. Later truck would not go off when key was turned to off position. Next day a low beep was noted. Repair shop with scanner said it was an airbag warning beep. The following day the headlights came on at night although the key was to the off position and out of the truck. Subsequently all symptoms stopped and normal operation returned until a rainy day. Same symptoms. Day following that, normal operation. …”

“Fire in Ford F-250 pick-up truck. Parked in garage for about 2 hours. Owner saw initial fire in engine compartment on driver's side. Remains of cruise control deactivation switch were found and x-rayed; internal contacts were splattered from electrical arcing. Fuse #13 was a 20 amp device and was the only one blown. According to Ford wiring diagrams, that circuit fed the cds. The owner reported that the cruise control quit working last summer. The dealership told him it needed a new cc module and would cost $150.00. Owner elected not to spend the money at that time.”