Cruise Control: Description and Operation

The vehicle speed control consists of the following components:
^ Speed control actuator
^ Speed control actuator cable
^ Speed control actuator module
^ Speed control actuator switches
^ Brake Pedal Position (BPP) switch
^ Deactivator switch
^ Transmission control module
^ Speed control CRUISE indicator

Principles Of Operation

Speed Control System
The speed control system is designed to maintain vehicle speed above 48 km/h (30 mph). After the ON switch is depressed, depressing the SET/COAST switch will activate the speed control actuator. To increase a set speed, depress the RESUME/ACCEL switch and hold for continuous acceleration. To decrease a set speed, depress and hold the SET/COAST switch until the target speed is reached. When the speed control system has been disabled by tapping the brake pedal, the RESUME/ACCEL switch can be depressed and the vehicle will return to the original set speed if the vehicle is traveling over 48 km/h (30 mph) and the OFF or CANCEL switch has not been depressed or the transmission selector has not been placed in NEUTRAL or PARK.

Speed Control Actuator
The speed control actuator is electronically controlled by the speed control actuator module and uses a speed control actuator to position the speed control actuator cable. In turn, the position of the speed control actuator cable controls the engine speed.

Deactivator Switch
The deactivator switch is provided as an additional safety feature. Normally, when the brake pedal is depressed, an electrical signal from the stop lamp circuit to the speed control actuator module will deactivate the system. Under brake pedal application, the deactivator switch will open and remove power to the speed control actuator module, releasing the throttle independent of the speed control actuator.

Air Bag Sliding Contact
The air bag sliding contact provides the electrical interface between the steering column wiring and the speed control actuator switch in the steering wheel.