Cruise Control: Description and Operation

The Cruise Control Module contains a stepper motor which positions a cable connected to the throttle. The Cruise Control cable operates the throttle in the same manner that the accelerator (gas pedal) cable does. The Cruise Control cable is wound on a reel in the module and the stepper-motor turns the reel in one direction or another to control the position of the throttle and thus control vehicle speed. When the Cruise Control system is idle or disabled, the stepper motor is disengaged and the cruise control cable is free to move in accordance with motion of the accelerator cable. When Cruise Control is Set or engaged, the stepper motor will engage the cable and position the cable to maintain a minimum speed. Use of the accelerator to increase speed is permitted, but release of the accelerator will not decrease speed to less than set by the Cruise Control module. Also, the Cruise Control system will not limit speed when the vehicle coasts down a hill.

The Cruise Control Module is powered with the Ignition Switch in RUN by CRUISE Fuse 6 through the BRN (41) wire. This fuse also provides operating voltage for the Cruise Control Switch located on the Steering Column in the Multi-Function Switch. The Cruise Control Module is grounded by the BLK/WHT (451) wire at Ground G103.

The Cruise Control Switch consists of two switches and provides three separate inputs to the Cruise Control Module. The Cruise Control Switch consists of a SET CRUISE push-button and a three position OFF-ON-R/A slider switch. With the three-position OFF-ON- R/A slider switch in the center ON position, the ON input is delivered by the GRY (387) wire to the Cruise Control Module. This input enables Cruise Control Module response to the other two switch inputs. Placing the Cruise Control. Switch's OFF-ON-R/A slider switch in the OFF position while Cruise Control is engaged will disengage the Cruise Control System without retaining speed setpoint memory.