Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Cruise Control System Description - Overview
The cruise control system maintains a constant vehicle speed without operating the accelerator pedal.
Operation
To operate the cruise control system, the driver must first turn on the CRUISE/MAIN switch. With the CRUISE/MAIN switch on, the cruise main indicator appears in the gauge control module, and the gauge control module will send cruise control commands to the PCM via the F-CAN line.
The speed value is set at the moment the driver releases the SET button on the combination switch. Once the speed is set, the cruise control system maintains this speed in the system memory until: A new speed replaces the current value, the CRUISE/MAIN switch is turned off, the brake pedal is depressed, the clutch pedal (M/T) is depressed for more than five seconds, or the CANCEL button is pressed.
The driver can also increase and decrease the set speed by pressing the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons on the combination switch.
To maintain the set speed, the PCM monitors the throttle actuator position using the throttle position sensor and controls the speed by commanding the throttle actuator to open and close as needed.
The system changes its cruise control throttle inputs depending on whether the vehicle's ECON mode is on or off.
When the ECON mode is on, the system limits the throttle position to prevent excessive throttle application to improve fuel economy when there is a change in vehicle load - for example, it will take longer for the vehicle to accelerate to the set speed or applying throttle to maintain speed when climbing a hill. When the ECON mode is off, the vehicle will accelerate quicker to compensate for the change in vehicle load.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.