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Car Cruise Control Questions and Answers

Question: 2002 Ford Focus mileage: 66,000. Having trouble with the cruise control on this otherwise good-behaving car. Started varying its speed when engaged (pulsating strongly), then would seem to disengage intermittently, but would occasionally come back on remembering its speed setting. Speed control amplifier was changed, and it worked for a while (two brief test outings); then completely stopped with no resumption. Servo was changed, then another speed control amp (junkyard variety -- good condition). I ohmmed out most of the connections, and nothing appears to be shorted to ground (steering wheel switches, etc. I have a Haynes manual with wiring diagrams). The big mystery to me is troubleshooting the Vehicle Speed Sensor: Where is it located and is this a possible cause of the trouble? Is it a simple connection to the speedometer or some other type of connection?

Answer: Yes, the cruise control problem could be the vehicle speed sensor. It is located in the end of the transmission. Replacing it should fix your problem.

Question: 1999 Ford Explorer XLT mileage: 80,000. While traveling 65 mph on the freeway the cruise control began to act up and when I pulled over to diagnose the problem it eventually turned out that the speedometer head and the ABS pump both showed electrical failure. The speedometer now jumps at speeds above 35 (checked the vehicle speed sensor it was fine and no codes showed for anything else) and I had to unplug the ABS because it engaged every time I put my foot on the brake. Any ideas on what caused this? Mechanic wants to replace instrument cluster and recheck ABS but I don't want to unless I am sure it is not going to burn out again.

Answer: Sounds like your mechanic is on the right track by replacing the instrument cluster first before doing anything about the ABS problem. Replacing the instrument cluster will most likely fix the ABS problem.

Question: 2003 GMC Suburban mileage: 31,000. When I first start with the car cold the Cruise Control works OK for about 15 miles and then cuts out. I turn it OFF and immediately turn it ON and it will work OK for maybe 3, 5, 10 or 15 miles and cut out again. I then turn it OFF and immediately ON and it works OK again for a variable length of time and then cuts out. The Control Module shows no sign of overheating or burn, I have adjusted the Vacuum Release valve and the Servo appears OK. Boone

Answer: Replace the cruise control module.

Question: 1989 Dodge Caravan mileage: 72,000. I had the speedometer fixed since it worked intermittently. The cruise control worked prior to having the speedometer fixed. Now the cruise control does not work. I checked the fuse and it is OK. Thought this was strange. Spoke to the mechanic about it and told that there is no connection between what he did and what happened to the cruise. Can there be an easy way to check for a loose connector or switch?

Answer: The cruise control and the speedometer are related. We would suggest the mechanic recheck his work and see if there is a loose connection or an unplugged wiring loom.

Question:   1999 Buick Century mileage: 58,500.  The first sign of trouble was while driving with the cruise control on.  Suddenly, the cruise cut off, and the car de-accelerated as if it were going to stall out.  It didn't, and the car continued to run just fine, but I didn't try turn on the cruise control again.  Then, at the end of this same trip, in a parking lot, the car began to sort-of buck and surge as I was braking, but not until I slowed to about 40 MPH and below.  Next, I was driving at about 40-50 MPH and the car cut off twice.  Since then, the car has been OK, but I have been driving very gently, and the only symptom at this point is that as I approach idle while braking, the car surges and bucks a little bit, as if it is either a) not getting a continuous flow of gas, or b) having trouble coordinating downshifting and running at the same time.  The car has an automatic transmission; unfortunately, I don't know the engine type.  I think it is a 6-cylinder engine.

Answer:   A fuel pump failure or possibly a lock-up converter in the transmission is failing to disengage at lower speeds.  However, without actually "diagnosing" your vehicle and driving it, it is difficult to diagnose the problem.

Question: 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix mileage: 16,800.  One day I was driving along when I shut the cruise control off. When I tried to use it afterwards it did not work and has never worked since.  I have checked the fuse, replaced the servo and the whole blinker switch assembly.  I am out of answers.  Do you have any advice?

Answer: There is a switch on the brake pedal that may have become out of adjustment that could be causing your problem.

Question: 1992 Ford Econoline E150 mileage: 43,000.  Thank you for taking the time to consider my questions.  1) Recently while driving during windy conditions on the Interstate the cruise control went off a couple times and then went off for good.  I have checked the fuses listed in the owner's manual but have found none that need replaced.  Do you have any suggestions?  I am reticent about taking the van to an auto repair shop.  I do most of the service and repair on my vehicles.  2) Do you have any suggestions about how to improve the gas mileage for this vehicle?  Again thank you for any and all information you may be able to provide.

Answer:   Try replacing the cruise control transducer, it may have failed.  A major tune-up if not done recently, will help the fuel mileage.

Question: 1989 GMC 2500 mileage: 93,000.  Is it possible to disassemble the turn signal lever to get at the cruise control switches?   I had to do some repair of the tilt steering wheel mechanism, and in the process, I must have disrupted the cruise control circuitry as the cruise no longer works.  I have checked for electrical continuity back through the switches by checking at the 4-wire connector under the dashboard and have none.  I am hoping that it is possible to disassemble the so-called multi-function lever so that I can see what the problem is.  (All other functions that are on the turn signal lever are operational)  Thanks for your help!

Answer:   Sorry, the assembly must be replaced.  It is not a serviceable part.

Question: 2002 Lincoln Town Car mileage: 82,000.  When I accelerate at a slight rate or go up an upgrade while in cruise control my car cuts out.  If I push down on the pedal, I have good response or while on flat ground just maintaining speed - no problem.  I recently replaced the plugs, but that didn't make much difference.  What should I do?

Answer:  Check cruise control module.

Question: 1983 Mercury Cougar mileage: 98,400.  I was driving home, had the speed control set, went up a small hill then I felt the car speed up to adjust the speed I heard a small pop the my speed control quit working.   The engine sounds fine no missing and I don't hear any air sucking so I don't think it's a vacuum hose but what else could it be?

Answer: Check the fuse box for a blown fuse.

Question: 1997 Chevy Cavalier mileage: 22,000 The engine races on its own. Also accelerates from about 45 up to 90 mph maximum throttle on its own; brakes don't stop it, have to shift to neutral and turn off ignition switch. Intermittent situation can't prove it to dealer. Sometimes engine will stall while driving 35 to 60 mph. Could this be the cruise control? Have you heard this before?

Answer: Yes. The cruise control could cause your problem - acceleration on its own. The cause of the engine stalling 35 to 60 mph could be many things. Your car is equipped with a computer controlled engine management system. The computer will store any fault or error codes. Having it scanned will retrieve these codes and pinpoint the malfunctioning component.

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