Why does Cruise Control (Cruise Control not work)? What are the causes and failures of cruise control ?
Cruise control is very helpful, especially for long trips. This feature allows for a steady speed and lets your leg rest. It reduces fatigue after long rides. It can also significantly improve fuel economy.
The result of a cruise control failure can be very annoying or dangerous.
Why cruise control doesn’t work?
There is no one answer to the problem with your car’s Cruise Control System. There are many cruise control systems that can be used in different vehicles. There are three types of cruise control systems: electronic, mechanical and adaptive. Each system may require a different type of repair and breakdown. You must perform a complete diagnosis to determine why your car’s Cruise Control system isn’t working. The main reasons it doesn’t usually work are:
Inappropriate Working Conditions
For your vehicle’s Cruise Control to function, it must have the right conditions. Most systems cannot activate below 40 to 50 km/h. Some systems won’t work if you cruise above a certain speed. To ensure you are properly using the feature, make sure to consult your owner’s manual.
Defective Brake Switch
The brake switch is defective and the system cannot function properly. The brake switch activates the brake lights once the brake pedal is applied. Cruise control systems can deactivate when you press the brake pedal, so the driver has control. If the brake switch fails, it will mistakenly think that the brakes have been engaged. This will stop the cruise system from functioning.
Fuse/Cable and Circuit Issues
There are many circuit problems that can stop the system functioning correctly, such as damaged wiring or blown cruise control fuse.
Electronically controlled cruise control systems will have a fuse. To prevent any damage to other wires, the fuse will blow if the system circuit is experiencing an electrical problem. You can try changing the fuse. You can use the feature again if the problem is solved. If the fuse blows again it could be an electrical problem that needs your attention.
Defective Cruise Control
Cruise control is the part that adjusts your speed. Your settings are transmitted to the engine controller unit or speed control module to stabilize your speed. The connections to the cruise control unit or module may become blocked if they are damaged. The system could be disabled completely in this situation.
Defective speed sensor or other related sensors
The speed sensor’s task is to measure vehicle speed. This data can be used for many purposes including regulating fuel flow, ignition timing, and activating cruise controller. An incorrect reading can cause the cruise controller to stop working properly. Additional sensors, such as the accelerator pedal position (APP), sensor in advanced cruise control systems can also cause problems.
Other symptoms that may occur if the speed sensor fails include the engine not starting or the speedometer failing.
Control Module Issues
Some vehicles use an individual module to manage the cruise system. Others utilize multiple modules to manage it. The cruise control might not function properly if one or more of the control modules fails.
Defective Throttle Actuator
In order to maintain the speed desired, older models usually use an electric actuator. For this purpose, newer models use an electrical motor. Either system can fail if the throttle actuator is damaged.
Let’s clarify these reasons.
- – Defective brake switching
- – The cruise control fuse is blown
- – Unsuitable operating condition (not working below 40 or 50 km/h).
- – Defective speed sensor
- – A defective accelerator pedal or throttle position sensor (on certain systems)
- – Defective cruise control module
- – Damaged cables or connectors, or circuit problems
- – Defective throttle actuator
- – Defective cruise control
- Cruise control can be disabled on some vehicles if there is an engine or transmission problem.
Is Cruise Control Repair Expensive?
It depends on the problem that is causing your car’s cruise controller to malfunction. The cost of having it repaired will vary. It could be as simple as a brake switch or a complex control module. The cost of repairs will also depend on other factors, such as year, make and type of vehicle.
