1994 Buick Century Cruise Control does not work anymore

3DGRAHAM

MEMBER
1994 BUICK CENTURY
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
118,000 MILES

I see two white tubular-type switches on a metal bracket with spring loaded pins pushing against the brake pedal lever. I'm guessing one is CC and the other is the brake light control.
My CC used to work. One day my brake lights stayed on after the car was turned off causing the battery to die overnight. A semi-knowledgeable friend resolved the problem by doing something around the brake pedal, however, the CC has not worked since. Not sure what he did.
One of the tubular-type switches has two male electrical plugs; one has an electrical plug on it the other does not. If this is the CC is there a missing female plug that belongs on it? I've looked but do not see another plug. The second tubular-type switch, above the first one, has only one electrical plug (brake light switch?) Will replacing the first switch (CC?) Make the CC work? What will fix this problem? Thanks!

2 Replies

3DGRAHAM

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Well I've determined that the top white tubular switch is the cruise control. I ordered a new one but I'm do not understand why it has a vacuum port on it's side. When the spring-loaded pin is compressed, the vacuum port is closed; no air can move through it. I am not able to find a vacuum hose for it under the dash. Should I continue looking for a vacuum line hose? The brake light switch has two male electrical outlets but only uses one. Does that indicate the CC vacuum port is not used or has no function?
Taking apart the CC switch I find that when the pin is compressed (pushed in) the circuit is closed, there is contact. Uncompressed, the circuit is open. I tested the switch for continuity and I hear a strong tone with the pin compressed; I believe that tells me the switch is operating as it should.
Still the CC does not work. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 AT 8:32 AM

3DGRAHAM

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Strange resolution. I removed the four small screws to the top of the large black box (the cruise control servo?) Directly behind the battery to discover no serviceable parts inside, just a circuit board with male connections to the circuit board inside the removed top. I replaced the plastic lid and screws. I also disconnected the electrical plug that attached to it. In the mean time I took the driver's door apart to add a piece to the window track. Guess I took too long because the battery died. Just took a jump start.

I reconnected the cruise control plug under the hood. Now the cruise control works. Not sure why. I speculate that perhaps losing power to the computer brain may have reset the cruse control.

I would like to pat myself on the back for getting the problem resolved but I since I don't know for certain the reason for getting the CC to work, I will just have to be happy that it does. I have a long trip ahead of me next week and it sure will come in handy!

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