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Ford Switch Fire: The Alleged Defect Explained

The Ford Speed Control Deactivation Switch, also known as a "brake pressure switch," which costs about $21. The switch shuts off the cruise control when the driver firmly steps on the brakes. The switch is located under the hood of the vehicle and is attached to the brake master cylinder on one end and wired to the cruise control on the other. This position places it above flammable reservoirs of brake fluid.
On most of its models, Ford designed the switch to be powered -- or "hot" -- at all times, even when the vehicle is off and the key is removed from the ignition.
Inside the switch, a thin film barrier separates brake fluid from the switch's electrical components.
Investigators say fires can break out under certain conditions, such as when the film cracks and brake fluid from the master cylinder seeps into the electrical side of the switch. This can cause a fire, even when the engine had been turned off and, in some cases, idle for days.
The following signs could indicate that you have a problem with your cruise-control switch: cruise control is not working properly; brake fluid is leaking around the switch; fuses are blown near the switch; or the fuse for the speed control cannot be opened.
Ford Switch Fires: Introduction
Detailed info about the cruise control defect and the possibility of fire
Ford Fire Recall Lawsuit
Information about current fire litigation against Ford
Ford Fire Recall
Up-to-date information about current and past safety recalls
Ford Fire Defect Explained
Explanation of the problem with Ford cruise control switches
Ford Fire Vehicles List
Comprehensive list of recalled vehicles and unrecalled vehicles using similar or the same switches
Ford Fire News
Recent press articles about switch fires accidents and recalls
Ford Fire Investigation Info
Explanation of how investigators determine origin and cause of a fire
Ford Fire Victim Resources
Links to additional resources for burn victims and fire survivors
Vehicle Fire Attorneys/Lawyers
Owners of the Ford vehicles who lost their vehicle due to fire and also suffered other significant property damage (such as the loss of their house) or were personally injured, are welcome to contact an attorney at Lieff Cabraser experienced in handling fire recall claims against Ford by clicking here. There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case.
You may also contact us by telephone toll free at 1-866-313-1973 and request to speak to Ford fire recall attorney Mark Chalos. We will also investigate vehicles made by other manufacturers that caught fire and led to an injury or significant property damage.
At this time we are only accepting cases involving vehicles that caught fire and in addition to the vehicle being destroyed, other significant property damage occurred or persons were injured. Owners who wish to obtain more information about the Ford fire recall should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 or NHTSA's auto safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
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Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, is a national law firm of over 50 lawyers with offices in San Francisco, New York and Nashville.
 Our attorneys are recognized for the successful prosecution of lawsuits involving deaths, personal injuries and property damage due to defective products, including in the field of vehicle safety.
Currently, we are prosecuting multiple personal injury lawsuits involving car, van, pickup truck, SUV and other vehicle accidents. We represent persons injured and the families of victims of fatal accidents involving SUVs, 15-passenger vans, pickup trucks, heavy trucks, and other passenger vehicles. To learn more about the firm, click here.
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     About Lieff Cabraser: Drivers and passengers injured in auto crashes and pickup truck and SUV rollover accidents, or families of loved ones who died, may be eligible to file lawsuits against other drivers at fault or against the manufacturer of their vehicle if the accident was due to a safety defect. Safety defects can include a high risk of rolling over, tire tread separation, seat belt failures and other defects. Learn more...
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