Thanks Steve, you have bolstered my confidence. I assume one must disconnect the battery first?
Arnie

 

No. Just what I said before. It's all I've ever done, working at a few dealerships of various brands, and at independent shops, and on my own or my family-members' vehicles. The key to safety is unplugging the airbag ASAP, as this pic shows:


(phone app link)

Never cut the wires. Once unplugged, it's impossible for the blasting cap to get enough voltage to blow because of that shorting clip.

 

Steve, Again, many thanks. Maybe you would be kind enough to advise me on switch selection. In viewing multiple sources, videos, etc. there appears to be at least 3 possible switch types. I also seem to have a year F150 not covered in those many videos available. Most are years 1996/2002, or 2004 and up. According to Rock Auto, for the 2003, there are 4 possible switches. Is there nay way to tell which is the right one without removing the existing one first?
Arnie

 

I'd browse the local JYs for an identical switch from any Ford/L/M vehicle of any year. If the switch looks the same, it is. But you haven't posted any pics of what you've got.

This is the kind I'm using:


(phone app link)

 

Well, I ordered a switch from ROCKAUTO, and followed your instructions to remove the airbag. I did however disconnect the battery just to be sure. Installed the new switch, then performed the self test procedure per the instructions. It failed. I did get the cruise flash for both the off and on switches, but zero for set, resume an coast. I did do a road test, and was surprised to find the cruise works just fine. Which leaves me wondering why the self test failed.

 

It has been a while and the cruise control has been operating just fine. However, I have not been able to have the system pass the self-test. As stated previously, I do get dash light for off and on, but not the excel, coast or set. I have this uncomfortable feeling that my fix is only temporary. Am I being paranoid?
Arnie