Description & Operation

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint 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 in RESTRAINTS.

NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, information in this article applies to both Escort and ZX2. Escort may be referred to as Sedan, and ZX2 may be referred to as Coupe.

NOTE: Cruise control system may also be referred to as speed control system.

Major components of cruise control system are: speed control switches, speed control servo/actuator, Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), Brake Pedal Position (BPP) switch, deactivator switch, Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch (M/T) and related wiring. The air bag sliding contact provides electrical interface between steering column wiring and the speed control actuator switches in the steering wheel. This system does not require engine vacuum. An electronic servo/actuator actuates the throttle. All electronic control components are contained within the servo/actuator assembly.

Cruise control system is designed to maintain vehicle speed above 30 MPH, after ON switch is depressed. Depressing SET/ACCEL switch will activate speed control servo. Speed control servo reads signal from VSS mounted in transaxle. Speed control servo is mounted in engine compartment and connected to throttle control lever by speed control actuator cable. To increase a set speed, either depress and hold for continuous acceleration, or momentarily tap SET/ACCEL switch for one MPH acceleration increments. To decrease a set speed, depress and hold COAST switch until target speed is reached, or momentarily tap COAST switch for one MPH deceleration increments. Vehicle will maintain set speed until new speed is set, brake pedal is pressed, clutch pedal is pressed, or OFF switch is switched off. If system was deactivated by pressing brake pedal or clutch pedal, original set speed can be regained by pressing RESUME switch. When brake pedal or clutch pedal is pressed, a signal is sent to servo to deactivate the system. Deactivator switch acts as redundant brake signal.