Noob here, Cruise control problems

[RoGrrr]

Hi, All
I'm new to PSDs and to the board, too. Did a search on cruise controls and didn't find what I need.

I just got my 96 on the road - 7.3 turbo PSD, Auto, long bed, 31.5's, dual 5 inch stacks, EDGE programmer. and it has about 200K on it. Starts easily and is extrEEEmely strong. Well, compared to my old DUDge 360 gasser.

First, it only gets about 14 at 60 cruise, flat road on the Ohio interstate. I'm disappointed with that, since many others have said they get or exceed 20 MPG. I'd like to figure out what to do to get more out of it. BTW, at 60, it's cranking 2000 RPM. I'm not sure what rear end gears it has but 2 grand aint all that hateful so I would imaging it has something longer than 4.11s.

Anyway, with the cruise set, the engine surges between 2000 and 2200 RPM and it does this all the time. The speedo sets rock solid on 60. Now, I am familiar with cruise controls and automatics and I don't believe this thing is normal. My other vehicles don't surge at all, especially on flat level roadway.

Does anyone have any thoughts on my 2 problems ?

Roger
Central Ohio

 

[jr32560]

from what I've seen on here there is a recall for a defect on the wiring? but that is a fire issue so I've been told-I had an 88 351w motor and had a problem with no cruise and then it went to a almost like a bad choke pull off valve problem on a carburated motor was a sensor/relay on the driver side valve cover-a vacuum deal-the head mechanic said the code read egr failure-so it may be close to the same thing!!!

 

[d-kuzmen]

The 7.3 doesn't use the gas style cruise it's all controlled by the PCM. It almost sounds to me like the converter clutch in the trans keeps cycling on and off. At that speed with what ever gear you have in the truck might be right on it's programed "area" where it wants to see it on then once it's on there mabe too much change so it shuts if back off. How about if the cruise is set at a higher or lower speed?

 

[RoGrrr]

JR
Thanks for the heads-up. I'll call a dealer and ax them if this is subject to their recall.
I just 'lost' a DUDge to a fire and don't want to lose this Ford.
Roger

 

[Mil1ion]

http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528006ffa5

 

[RoGrrr]

I haven't driven the truck much and right now it's in the shop so I won't be able to test your theory. I will check it later in the week when I retrieve it. I do agree with your thoughts on the gray line of being/not being.
Thanks

The 7.3 doesn't use the gas style cruise it's all controlled by the PCM. It almost sounds to me like the converter clutch in the trans keeps cycling on and off. At that speed with what ever gear you have in the truck might be right on it's programed "area" where it wants to see it on then once it's on there mabe too much change so it shuts if back off. How about if the cruise is set at a higher or lower speed?