Cruise Control Description And Operation: Notes

Cruise control is a speed control system that maintains a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions at speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph). Steep grades may cause variations in the selected vehicle speeds.

The following are the main components of the cruise control system:

• The accelerator pedal
• The brake pedal position sensor
• The cruise on/off switch
• The cruise control cancel switch
• The coast/set switch
• The resume/accelerate switch
• The engine control module
• The vehicle speed sensor

The engine control module monitors the signal circuit of the cruise control switches, which are located on the steering wheel. The engine control module uses the status of the cruise control switch to determine when to capture and maintain the vehicle speed. The engine control module monitors the vehicle speed signal circuit in order to determine the desired vehicle speed.

Voltage is supplied to the cruise control switch via the steering wheel control switch reference voltage circuit supplied by the engine control module. The cruise control function switches are arranged in a resistive ladder design, with each cruise control function switch having a different resistance value. The engine control module detects a specific voltage value that is associated with the cruise control function switch being activated. The engine control module uses these switch inputs to maintain the desired vehicle speed.