What is the Cruise Control Switch all about?

As you drive down the interstate, maintaining a set speed contributes to safe motoring by reducing the need to constantly monitor the speedometer and reduces fuel consumption slightly by minimizing the throttle applications to recover speed. An added benefit is reduced driver fatigue when traveling long distances. Cruise control was developed in the spirit of covering all of these issues. On the steering column or steering wheel of your vehicle, there are cruise control buttons if your vehicle is so equipped. There is an on/off button or switch, a set button, a coast button, a resume button, and an accelerate button. Depending on your vehicle design, the resume and coast buttons may be combined, and the resume and accelerate buttons may also be combined. There is a cancel button on some designs as well. The cruise control on and off button does exactly that: when the cruise is turned on, it is able to be set, and when it is turned off the cruise control will not activate. The set button is pressed when you achieve the speed you would like to maintain. The coast button can be tapped to decelerate one mile per hour per tap, or held to slow down until the button is released. The resume button will return your vehicle back to the last cruise control set speed. The accelerate button will bump up your speed one mile per hour at a time or you can press and hold the button and the vehicle will accelerate until you release the button, where it will hold the cruise speed. If a cruise control switch isn’t working properly, any one of the functions of the cruise control can be affected.

Keep in mind:

• Cruise control can be electronically-controlled, vacuum-controlled, or both.
• Cruise control should be deactivated when driving up steep inclines or declines to maintain proper control of your vehicle.

How it's done:

• The cruise control switch is verified that it needs to be replaced. The battery is disconnected and the air bag is removed.
• The defective cruise control switch is disconnected and removed.
• The new cruise control switch is installed and connected.
• The air bag is reinstalled and the battery is reconnected. The cruise control switch is checked for proper installation.
• The vehicle is road tested to ensure proper operation of the cruise control switch.

Our recommendation:

Cruise control has many aspects and components that work together, including electrical switches, engine vacuum switches, hoses, and servos. If you experience a problem with your cruise control operation, do not use it until one of our expert technicians has inspected and repaired the faulty component.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Cruise Control Switch?

• Cruise control light doesn’t illuminate when turned on and its functions will not operate
• Vehicle will not maintain a set speed or accelerate properly

How important is this service?

Cruise control is a convenience feature on your vehicle and while it contributes to a safe driving experience, it does not make your vehicle unsafe if not operating properly. However, you should not use the cruise control until it is repaired. It can be repaired at your discretion.