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Repair Topics / Cruise
Control
Car Cruise Control Questions
and Answers This
category contains featured questions as
examples. They relate to most vehicles.

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: 1999 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:
2003 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:
1999 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:
1999 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: 2004 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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