Why Does My Cruise Control Work Intermittently?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most of the time this is caused by a

bad brake switch

. If the switch is shorting out, then it will cause the computer to think that the brakes are being applied, which turns off the cruise control. If the switch is fine, then it may have a bad speed sensor or the cruise control switch itself is bad.

How do I know if my cruise control module is bad?

Common signs include

speed surges and inability to maintain speed on cruise control

, as well as general engine performance issues.

Why does my cruise control fluctuate?

This commonly occurs due to the fact that

this engine is underpowered

. The smaller engine in your vehicle has a problem maintaining speed which causes this fluctuation.

Why does my cruise control randomly shut off?

One of the symptoms commonly associated with a bad cruise control brake release switch is a cruise control system that cuts off unexpectedly.

If the switch has any sort of contact or internal issues

, it may cause the cruise control system to cut off unexpectedly when activated, even if the pedal is not stepped on.

How do you test a cruise control module?

A quick way to diagnose this is to

try holding the brake pedal up with the top of your left foot at the same time as you are engaging the cruise control

while on a test drive. If the cruise control tries to set, then the brake switch will most likely need to be adjusted.

What sensor controls cruise control?


A radar sensor

is usually at the core of the adaptive cruise control (ACC). Installed at the front of the vehicle, the system permanently monitors the road ahead. As long as the road ahead is clear, ACC maintains the speed set by the driver.

Does cruise control damage transmission?

Hi, thanks for writing in. The cruise control uses some of the

same sensor inputs the transmission

uses and can indeed affect the transmission and cruise control. If the transmission is slipping then the cruise control may not control the speed steady.

Does the throttle body affect cruise control?

When you “Set” cruising speed, the cruise control module (CCM) records the current speed, then

takes control of the throttle body to maintain vehicle speed

.

Why does my cruise control turn off when I hit a bump?

It was caused by

the brake light switch

. The brake light switch is mounted under the dash, on the steering column with a plunger sort of thing that your brake pedal touches when depressed. Cruise controls are designed to turn off if you press the brakes… safety thing.

How do you test a cruise control switch?

To test this, simply

start your engine and press the “on” button on your cruise control switch

. If the cruise control light illuminates on your dash or instrument cluster, the switch should be working fine. The next step will be to complete a road test to truly examine if your repair was completed correctly.

What are the symptoms of a bad brake switch?

  • Your Brake Lights Don’t Light Up. Your brake lights are supposed to turn on when you push down on the brake pedal, giving a heads up to the driver behind you. …
  • Brake Lights Stay On Continuously.
  • Bad Cruise Control. …
  • Car Won’t Turn On.
  • ABS Warning Light Comes On.

Is there a fuse for the cruise control?


If your cruise control system is electronically controlled, it will have an associated fuse

. If there’s an electrical problem, the fuse will fail in order to keep other wiring from getting damaged. Try replacing the fuse. If it solves the problem and the cruise control keeps working, that’s great!

How much is it to fix cruise control?

Cruise Control Repair Cost

If you need to replace a cruise control or brake switch, you might spend

between $125 and $350

, including parts and labor.

Does speed sensor affect cruise control?


Cruise control does not work


Since

the transmission speed sensors monitor the input and output shaft speed, it also plays a part in monitoring the cruise control.

Is it bad to use cruise control at low speeds?

High Traffic Conditions –

cruise control is not suited for low speeds

, making it not suited for slow-moving traffic. When the road conditions require you to start and stop, such as heavy traffic, cruise control may cause you to rear-end another vehicle.

Does cruise control work off of vacuum?

Many cruise control systems use an

engine vacuum to operate

the cruise control that holds the throttle at a steady pressure so that the vehicle can maintain a constant speed or rate of acceleration.

What is a vacuum actuator?

A vacuum actuator is

a mechanism that supplies a switching or activation force to a secondary device via the vacuum-induced movement of an internal piston or diaphragm

. … Common applications for these actuators include various engine functions in automobiles and component activation in air conditioning systems.

Why cruise control is bad?


Sluggish reaction times

. We mentioned how cruise control makes it easy to get too comfortable and not stay alert while driving, but it can also lead to slower reaction times in the event of traffic coming to an unexpected stop, another driver cutting you off, or a pedestrian or animal crossing into your path.

What are the types of cruise control actuators?

TestNew stuff! What are the two common types of cruise control actuators? a.

electric and vacuum

.

What are the signs your transmission is going out?

  • Refusal to Switch Gears. If your vehicle refuses or struggles to change gears, you’re more than likely facing a problem with your transmission system. …
  • Burning Smell. …
  • Neutral Noises. …
  • Slipping Gears. …
  • Dragging Clutch. …
  • Leaking Fluid. …
  • Check Engine Light. …
  • Grinding or Shaking.

How do you know if your transmission clutch is bad?


Spinning Without Engagement

. If you step on the gas and your transmission spins without forward movement, you have a problem that needs attention right away. Your automatic transmission has a clutch, too, and spinning is a sign that the clutch is going bad.

Why is my adaptive cruise temporarily unavailable?


If any of the radars or the camera becomes blocked or misaligned

, an “ADAPTIVE CRUISE TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE” message may be displayed and the cruise will be disabled.

Do you have to press the gas on cruise control?

When you activate cruise control, your car will maintain the same speed without you having to push the gas pedal with your foot.

Can you accelerate while using cruise control?

Once you reach your desired speed, turn the cruise control system on. In most vehicles, the buttons that control the cruise control system appears on the steering wheel. … To accelerate while on cruise control,

most models will either have additional buttons or allow the driver to briefly engage the accelerator pedal

.

How much is a new cruise control switch?

How Much Does a Cruise Control Switch Replacement Cost? The cost of a replacement aftermarket cruise control switch can range from

a little less than $10 up to $400

. Major factors that affect the cost of this component include the exact model of your vehicle and the brand of the part.

How much does it cost to replace a brake switch?

A replacement brake light switch generally costs

around $30 to $75

, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Getting a brake light switch fixed at a shop will add typically $80 to the repair.

Where is the brake switch located?

The switch is located

right near the tip of your right foot near the brake pedal

, so it’s easy to access. The switch may actually snap into place without the use of any tools at all. $20-50 dollars should cover the labor costs on most cars.

Why are both brake lights out?

If one or more of your brake lights isn’t working properly, it could mean one of three things:

The brake light system fuse is blown

, the brake light bulbs are burned out or the brake light wiring switch is broken. All of these issues are easy to troubleshoot.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.