Cruise control is a speed control system that maintains a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions. However, steep grades may cause variations in the selected speeds. The electronic cruise control system has the capability to CRUISE, COAST, RESUME SPEED, ACCELERATE, and TAP-UP or TAP-DOWN.

The main parts of the cruise control system are:

The cruise control system uses the powertrain control module (PCM) to maintain the desired vehicle cruise speed and operation. The PCM monitors vehicle speed and operates the throttle actuator. The throttle actuator motor moves the throttle blade. The PCM assembly contains a low speed limit which will prevent system engagement below a minimum speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). The PCM assembly is not serviceable.

The operation of cruise control is through the function control switches located on the steering column. The cruise control function control switches includes the Cruise Control ON, SET/ACCEL and RESUME/DECEL. The switch assembly provides driver control of the cruise control system.

The stop lamp switch, cruise control release switch or CPP switch if equipped, is used to disengage the cruise control. A normally closed cruise control release switch signal circuit and a normally open stoplamp switch signal circuit are used. The stop lamp, cruise control release and CPP switches are mounted to the brake pedal bracket . To disengage the system the driver presses the brake pedal or clutch pedal, if equipped. The speed of the vehicle at brake actuation will be stored in the memory of the PCM.

With cruise control, the vehicle can maintain a speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. When the driver presses the normally closed cruise control ON/OFF switch or turns off the ignition switch, the cruise control turns off. The vehicle speed stored in the memory of the PCM will be lost.

Ignition positive voltage is supplied from the cruise fuse, to the cruise control switch. The cruise control ON/OFF switch is on at all times, ignition positive voltage is applied to the cruise on switch signal terminal of the PCM. If the driver has not pressed the brake pedal or clutch pedal if equipped, ignition positive voltage is supplied through the switches, to the cruise control release switch signal and clutch signal, if equipped, terminals of the PCM. Cruise control is canceled when the driver presses either the brake pedal or clutch pedal, if equipped. The stop lamp switch closes, applying battery positive voltage to the stop lamp signal circuit of the ECM. Voltage is also removed from the cruise control release signal circuit and the clutch switch signal circuit, if equipped, at the PCM. When pressing the SET/ACCEL button on the multifunction turn signal lever, ignition positive voltage is applied to the set/accel switch signal terminal of the PCM. When pressing the RESUME/DECEL button on the control switch, ignition positive voltage is applied to the resume/decel switch signal terminal of the PCM.

When the cruise control switch is ON , and the driver presses the SET/ACCEL button, the signal circuit notifies the PCM that the cruise control is requested. The PCM then checks to see that the cruise control enable criteria is met. If the cruise control criteria has been met the PCM grounds the cruise indicator control circuit to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the cruise light.

The PCM will inhibit cruise control:

If the PCM determines that any of the cruise control inhibit conditions are present, the PCM will disengage the cruise control.