How Bad Is It?

[tbird2731]

New owner of a 2002 Tbird. I need some parts, (cruise control cable), among others. Called my local Ford dealer. His response. Obsolete! Not available, Is this what Tbird owners can expect?

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[Motogeezer]

Dealer? No wonder 😉

 

[tbird2731]

Not so fast! I googled Ford parts, found a bunch of parts suppliers, and they either came up zero or they tried to sell me a throttle cable.

 

[Motogeezer]

I googled, found 3 or 4 different ones. When I'm actually at my computer I'll post a couple links 😉

 

[tbird2731]

I returned to my local Ford dealer today. After convincing him it is not a throttle cable he found the part number for the cruise control (xw4z9a825ba). Ford makes it no more. BUT, he found www.oepartsstore.com has it in stock. So hopefully I will have it before my road trip. BTW, I received and installed my trunk mounted luggage rack today. Beautiful, good quality and great price ($250)

 

[PhilD]

Fords web site is actual really good to find parts, I usually find the part number I need then google it to get a better price.

http://www.fordparts.com/Default.aspx

 

[johnwm1022]

You can find most, you just have to work at it and avoid Ford's overpricing when their is an aftermarket alternative that doesn't seem sketchy.

 

[tbird2731]

The saga continues, I got the correct cruise control cable. But it appears there is a connector between the end of the cable and the throttle. It doesn't come withe the cable. I searched but no luck yet. My road trip is getting close. Ideas? thanks

 

[tbird]

The saga continues, I got the correct cruise control cable. But it appears there is a connector between the end of the cable and the throttle. It doesn't come withe the cable. I searched but no luck yet. My road trip is getting close. Ideas? thanks

Any updates? Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[tbird2731]

I sent photos to a few suppliers. The supplier I got the cable from said there was no serviceable parts in the bag. I asked if a new throttle body came with the part. He said NO. The end of the cable has to fasten to a stud on the throttle body (just like the throttle cable). No one (so far) seems to know. I just used a short length of wire and fastened the end of the cable to the throttle. (In place of my missing part) and I now have working cruise control. I am on my road trip without the TBird. This obsolete parts business is worry some.

 

[tbird]

This obsolete parts business is worry some.

Yes, that's one of the drawbacks of a car that's not one of the top produced, and is and older model.