GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caution: Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads, steeply graded roads, or in heavy traffic of heavy or varying volume. Failure to follow these CAUTIONS could possibly cause you to loose control of the vehicle and result in damage to the vehicle and personal injury.

Cruise control is a speed control system that maintains a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions. Steep grades up or down may cause variations in the selected speeds. The cruise control system has the following capabilities:

    • Cruise
    • Coast
    • Resume Speed
    • Accelerate
    • Tap-Up
    • Tap-Down

The cruise control system consists of the following main components:

    • The multi-function turn signal lener
        The multi-function turn signal lener includes an ON-OFF-R/A switch and a SET/COAST switch
    • The cruise control module
    • The cruise control cable
    • The vehicle speed sensor
    • The cruise control release switch
        The cruise control switch disengages the cruise system.
    • The stoplamp switch
        The stoplamp switch disengages the cruise system.

The cruise control release and the stoplamp switches are mounted on the brake pedal bracket. When the brake pedal is depressed, the cruise control system is electrically disengaged by these switches. The throttle returns to the idle position.

MULTI-FUNCTION TURN SIGNAL LEVER

OFF-ON-R/A Switch


Object Number: 276101  Size: SH

The OFF-ON-R/A switch has the following 3 positions:

    • The ON position
        The ON position turns the cruise control system ON.
    • The OFF position
        The OFF position turns the cruise control system OFF.
    • The R/A position
        The R/A switch position has the following 3 main functions:
       - Resume
       - The system will enter the resume mode when the OFF-ON-R/A switch is held in the R/A (Resume/Accelerate) position momentarily. The vehicle speed must exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) at the time of activation in order for the cruise control operation to return to the last cruise speed setting.
       - Accelerate
       - The system will enter the accelerate mode when the OFF-ON-R/A switch is held in the R/A position for more than one second.
       - To increase the cruise speed, the vehicle must be traveling at least 40 km/h (25 mph) and the ON-OFF-R/A switch held in the R/A position until the vehicle reaches the desired cruise speed.
       - The system will maintain the new cruise speed when the OFF-ON-R/A switch is released to the ON position.
       - Tap-Up
       - This function increases the cruise speed by increments of 2 km/h (1 mph). One tap equals a 2 km/h (1 mph) increase. The cruise must be engaged and operating in order to use this function.
       - Press the OFF-ON-R/A switch toward the R/A position and release quickly or tap the lever in order to operate the tap-up function. Do not hold the lever in the R/A position or the system will go into the accelerate mode.

SET/CRUISE Button Switch

The cruise control SET/CRUISE button switch is located in the end of the multi-function turn signal lever. The SET/CRUISE button switch has the following 3 main functions:

    • Set
    • Coast
    • Tap-Down

The cruise speed sets when the following actions occur:

    • The SET/CRUISE button switch is depressed and released.
    • The OFF-ON-R/A switch is in the ON position.
    • The vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h (25 mph).

The cruise speed sets at the speed at which the vehicle is travelling when the button is released. The cruise speed will be within 2 km/h (1 mph) of the engaged speed.

The system will cruise until one of the following actions occurs:

    • The OFF-ON-R/A switch is moved to the OFF position.
    • The brake pedal is pressed.
    • The ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.

The driver can decrease the cruise speed by completing the following actions:

    • Fully depress and hold the SET/CRUISE button switch. This action disengages the cruise system and allows the throttle to return to the idle position.
    • When the vehicle slows to the desired cruise speed, release the SET/CRUISE button switch. This action will set the new cruise speed.

The tap-down function permits the driver to decrease the cruise speed in increments of 2 km/h (1 mph). One tap equals a 2 km/h (1 mph) decrease. The cruise must be engaged and operating in order to use this function.

Press and quickly release or tap the SET/CRUISE button switch in order to operate the tap-down function. Holding the SET/CRUISE button inward will cause the system to go into the CRUISE mode.

Press the accelerator at any time in order to override the cruise system. The vehicle will return to the last set cruise speed after the accelerator is released.

Cruise Control Module

The cruise control system uses a cruise control module to obtain and hold any desired vehicle cruise speed above a minimum speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). The module contains the following 2 components:

    • An electronic controller
        The electronic controller monitors the following operations:
       - The vehicle speed
       - The multi-function turn signal lener
       - The cruise control release inputs
       - The brake switch inputs
       - Operates the electric stepper motor
    • A stepper motor
        The stepper motor moves the internal band in response to the controller in order to maintain the desired cruise speed. The internal band is linked to the throttle lever via the cruise control cable.

Cruise Control Cable

The cruise control cable is adjustable. The cable provides a physical connection between the cruise control module and the engine throttle lever.

Vehicle Speed Sensor

The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is mounted to the automatic transaxle. The VSS provides a low voltage alternating current (AC) signal to the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM converts the AC signal to a pulse width modulated direct current (DC) signal. The signal is sent to the cruise control module at a rate of 4,000 pulses per mile.

Cruise Control Release Switch and Stoplamp Switch

The cruise control release switch and the stoplamp switch are used in order to disengage the cruise control system. The switches are mounted on the brake pedal bracket in order to disengage the system electrically when the brake pedal is pressed.

The brake pedal interrupts the flow of current to the cruise control module. The cruise speed of the vehicle at brake actuation will be stored in the cruise control module memory.

Improper cruise control operation can be caused by mechanical or electrical problems. Perform the following inspections in order to resolve any cruise control operating concerns:

    • Inspect the cruise control wiring for bare or broken wires.
    • Inspect for loose or backed-out terminals.
    • Inspect for a properly adjusted cruise control cable.
      • For the 3.1 engine, refer to Cruise Control Cable Adjustment .
      • For the 3800 engine, refer to Cruise Control Cable Adjustment .

If the preliminary inspections do not resolve the concerns or the system remains inoperative, refer to Cruise Control System Check .