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). The VSS is mounted in the transmission. The speed control servo is mounted in the engine compartment on a bracket with rubber grommets for noise reduction, and is connected to the throttle body cam by the speed control actuator cable. The speed signal is controlled by the speed control actuator switches, Brake Pedal Position (BPP) switch and a deactivator switch.

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. The speed control system is disabled by depressing the brake pedal or by depressing the OFF switch. The RESUME switch can be pressed and the vehicle will return to the original speed only if the vehicle is traveling over 48 kph (30 mph) and the speed control was disabled by pressing the brake pedal.

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 independent of the speed control servo.