Cruise Control Systems: Description

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system. Before attempting ANY repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.

Cruise control is a speed control system that maintains a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions. Steep grades may cause variations in selected speeds. System has capability to cruise, coast, resume speed, accelerate, and tap-up and tap-down.

The main components of the cruise control system include the cruise control module, functional control switches, Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), cruise control cable, cruise control release switch and brakelight switch. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS .

Ignition voltage is supplied from the CRUISE fuse, to the cruise control module. The cruise control module is grounded to the chassis. When the cruise control ON/OFF switch is on, ignition voltage is supplied to the cruise on/off terminal of the cruise control module. If the driver has not pressed the brake pedal, ignition positive voltage is supplied through the cruise control brake release switch, to the cruise release terminal of the cruise control module. When the driver presses the brake pedal, battery voltage is supplied from the stoplight fuse, through the closed stoplight switch to the brake signal input terminal of the cruise control module. When pressing Resume/Accelerate (R/A) on the control switch, ignition voltage is applied to the resume/accelerate terminal of the cruise control module. When the Set/Coast is pressed on the control switch, ignition voltage is applied to the set/coast terminal of the cruise control module.

The cruise control module receives a vehicle speed signal input from the PCM. In operation, the voltage varies 0-5 volts. The cruise control module, cruise engaged output terminal, sends a signal to the PCM when cruise control is engaged. The cruise control module, cruise inhibit input terminal, is a circuit used by the PCM to inhibit cruise control when conditions inconsistent with cruise operation are present.