Cruise Control: Description and Operation

The cruise control system uses mechanical, electrical and vacuum-operated devices to maintain vehicle speed at a setting selected by the driver.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The cruise control unit receives command signals from the cruise control switch. It receives information about operating conditions from the brake light switch, the vehicle speed sensor, the clutch interrupt and neutral switches (manual transaxle) and the automatic transmission mode switch and transmission control module (automatic transaxle).

The cruise control unit sends operational signals to the devices that regulate the throttle position. The throttle position maintains the selected vehicle speed. The control unit compares the actual speed of the vehicle to the selected speed. The control unit then uses the result of that comparison to open or close the throttle.

The brake light switch releases the system's control of the throttle at the instant the driver depresses the brake pedal. The switch sends a signal to the cruise control unit when the brake pedal is depressed; the cruise control unit responds by allowing the throttle to close. The clutch interrupt switch, the neutral switch or the automatic transmission mode switch sends a disengage signal input to the cruise control unit that also allows the throttle to close.

SYSTEM OPERATION

The cruise control system will set and automatically maintain any speed above 25 mph (40 km/h). To set, make sure that the cruise control switch is in the ON position. After reaching the desired speed, press the set switch. The cruise control switch is in the ON position. After reaching the desired speed, press the set switch. The cruise control unit will receive a set signal input and will activate the cruise control actuator.

Pushing the cruise control switch to OFF cancels the cruise control system. This removes power to the cruise control unit and erases the set speed from memory. The cruise control system also disengages when cruising speed is lower than the preset speed by 12 mph (20 km/h) or lower. If the system is disengaged temporarily by the brake light switch, clutch interrupt switch or the automatic transmission mode switch and vehicle speed is still above 16 mph (26 km/h), press the resume/accel switch. With the resume/accel switch depressed and the set memory retained, the vehicle automatically returns to the previous set speed.

For gradual acceleration without depressing the accelerator pedal, push the resume/accel switch down and hold it there until the desired speed is reached. This will send an acceleration signal input to the cruise control unit. When the switch is released, the system will be reprogrammed for the new speed. To slow the vehicle down, depress the set/coast switch. This will send a deceleration signal input to the cruise control unit, causing the vehicle to coast until the desired speed is reached. When the desired speed is reached, release the set/coast switch. This will reprogram the system for the new speed.