Purpose
The cruise control system is a speed control system that maintains a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions. The cruise control system has the ability to cruise, coast, resume speed, accelerate, and tap-up and tap-down vehicle speed.
The main parts of the cruise control system include the following components:
| • | The cruise control switches |
| • | The cruise control module assembly |
| • | The vehicle speed sensor |
| • | The cruise control release |
| • | The stop lamp switch assemblies |
| • | The powertrain control module (PCM) |
The operation of the cruise control module is controlled by the cruise control switches which are located on the cruise control actuator lever assembly. All of the cruise control functions are completed through this assembly.
The cruise control release and the stop lamp switch assemblies are provided to disengage the cruise control system. When the brake pedal is depressed, the cruise control system is electrically disabled. The cruise control module will remember what the cruise speed was set to prior to disengaging. After reaching the enabling criteria for cruise operation, depressing the resume switch will allow the vehicle to return to the previously set vehicle speed. The switch assemblies are mounted on the brake pedal bracket assembly.
Cruise Control Module Assembly
The cruise control module assembly is mounted on the engine compartment cowl. The cruise control system uses the cruise control module assembly in order to obtain the desired vehicle speed. Two important components in the module assembly help achieve the desired vehicle speed--an electronic control module and an electric stepper motor. The control module uses a vehicle speed input from the PCM in order to determine how to adjust the electric stepper motor. The motor moves a band and the throttle linkage in response to the control module in order to maintain the desired cruise speed.
The cruise control module and the PCM have a low speed limit which will prevent the cruise control system from engaging below a speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). The PCM will not allow the cruise system to operate under certain conditions. When the cruise control system is enabled, the cruise control module sends a signal to tell the PCM that the vehicle speed is being controlled. The cruise control module is not serviceable.
