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 Operation
The purpose of the cruise control system is to automatically maintain a vehicle speed set by the driver. When the cruise control is activated, speed is maintained or increased by means of an engine control module (ECM).
If driving conditions require sudden acceleration after the cruise control has been set, speed can be increased in the normal manner by manually pressing the accelerator. The cruise control is disengaged if the brakes (or clutch, with manual transaxle) are applied.
The minimum speed for setting the cruise control is 39 km/h (24 mph). When cruise control is operating, the CRUISE indicator lamp is on in the instrument cluster.
The ECM monitors the signal circuits of the cruise control switches The ECM uses the cruise control switch signal circuit in order to determine when to capture and maintain the vehicle speed. The ECM monitors the vehicle speed sensor signal circuit in order to maintain the vehicle speed. The ECM uses the throttle actuator control (TAC) motor in order control the vehicle speed.
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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.