Cruise Control: Description and Operation
The speed control system is designed to maintain vehicle speed above 48 kph (30 mph) when the ON switch is depressed. With the system on, depressing the SET/ACCEL switch will activate the speed control servo that will read the signal from the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) mounted in the transmission. The speed control servo is mounted in the engine compartment and is connected to the throttle body cam by the speed control actuator cable.
The air bag sliding contact provides the electrical interface between the steering column wiring and the speed control actuator switches in the steering wheel.
To increase a set speed, momentarily tap the SET/ACCEL switch. The vehicle will accelerate 1.6 kph (1 mph) for each tap. To decrease speed, momentarily tap the COAST switch. This will reduce speed in 1.6 kph (1 mph) increments. When the speed control system has been disabled by tapping the brake pedal, the resume switch can be depressed and the vehicle will return to the original speed if the vehicle is traveling over 48 kph (30 mph).
While driving up or down a steep hill, travel speed may be less than or greater than set speed. This is normal.
During downhill driving, the speed control system cannot reduce travel speed if travel speed has exceeded set speed. It may become necessary to downshift (from overdrive to the next lower gear, for example) in order to operate the vehicle safely.
During uphill driving, the speed control system will automatically disengage if the vehicle slows down more than 16 kph (10 mph) below the set speed. This is normal. Press the RES switch to re-engage the speed control.
The deactivator switch is provided as an additional safety feature. Normally, when the brake pedal is depressed, an electrical signal from the brake lamp circuit to the speed control servo will turn off the system. Under increased brake pedal effort the deactivator switch will open and remove power to the speed control servo, releasing the throttle control from the speed control servo.