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.
Normal Operation
A reference voltage is sent from the PCM to the steering wheel cruise control switches. When a switch is pressed, the voltage is routed through a specific resistor value for each function. The PCM provides the ground for the reference voltage. The PCM uses this reference voltage to determine which control input function has been selected. When the brake pedal is applied the PCM deactivates the cruise control, if engaged.
The cruise control deactivator switch (part of the stoplamp switch) interrupts the voltage signal to the PCM when the brake pedal is applied. This is a redundant signal to the PCM.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle have an additional clutch pedal cruise control deactivator switch. The clutch pedal cruise control deactivator switch provides a ground signal to the PCM. When the clutch pedal is applied, the normally closed clutch pedal cruise control deactivator switch opens and removes the ground signal to the PCM which deactivates the cruise control, if engaged.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- PCM not configured for cruise control
- Stoplamp switch
- Clutch pedal cruise control deactivator switch
- Cruise control switch
- Digital Transmission Range (TR) sensor
- Vehicle speed signal
- ABS fault
- PCM
- Transmission Control Module (TCM)
NO RELATED
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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.