Cruise Control: Description and Operation

Instrument Cluster:

The speed control system is electronically controlled by the Engine Control Module (ECM). A cable and a vacuum controlled servo are not used. This is a servo-less system. Control of the system is accomplished by a 4-position, instrument panel mounted switch.

Speed Control Switch Functions:

Switch settings are:
- 1. Set / Accelerate
- 2. Resume Set Speed
- 3. Set / Decelerate
- 4. Off
The system is designed to operate at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h).

WARNING: THE USE OF SPEED CONTROL IS NOT RECOMMENDED WHEN DRIVING CONDITIONS DO NOT PERMIT MAINTAINING A CONSTANT SPEED, SUCH AS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR ON ROADS THAT ARE WINDING, ICY, SNOW COVERED, OR SLIPPERY.

When speed control operation is selected by the speed control switch, the ECM (Engine Control Module) allows a set speed to be stored in its RAM for speed control. To store a set speed, press either of the SET switch functions while the vehicle is moving, and above 25 mph (40 km/h). In order for the speed control to engage, the brakes cannot be applied, nor can the gear selector be indicating the transmission is in Park or Neutral.

The speed control can be disengaged manually by:
- Stepping on the brake pedal
- Pressing the speed control switch to OFF
- Depressing the clutch pedal (if equipped).

NOTE: Depressing the OFF switch or turning off the ignition switch will erase the set speed stored in the ECM.

For added safety, the speed control system is programmed to disengage for any of the following conditions:
- An indication of Park or Neutral
- A rapid increase rpm (indicates that the clutch has been disengaged)
- Excessive engine rpm (indicates that the transmission may be in a low gear)
- The speed signal increases at a rate of 10 mph per second (indicates that the coefficient of friction between the road surface and tires is extremely low)
- The speed signal decreases at a rate of 10 mph per second (indicates that the vehicle may have decelerated at an extremely high rate)

Once the speed control has been disengaged, depressing the RES/ACCEL switch (when speed is greater than 30 mph) restores the vehicle to the target speed that was stored in the ECM.

While the speed control is engaged, the driver can increase the vehicle speed by depressing the RES/ACCEL switch. The new target speed is stored in the ECM when the RES/ACCEL is released. The PCM also has a "tap-up" feature in which vehicle speed increases at a rate of approximately 2 mph for each momentary switch activation of the RES/ACCEL switch.

A "tap down" feature is used to decelerate without disengaging the speed control system. To decelerate from an existing recorded target speed, momentarily depress the COAST switch. For each switch activation, speed will be lowered approximately 1 mph.