Cruise control is a speed control system that maintains a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions. However, steep grades up or down 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 module assembly, function control switches, vehicle speed sensor, cruise control release switch, clutch release, and stoplamp switch assembly and the vehicle speed sensor. The cruise control system uses a cruise control module assembly to obtain the desired vehicle cruise operation. Two important components in the module assembly help to do this. The first is an electronic controller and the second is an electric stepper motor. The electric controller monitors vehicle speed and operates the electric stepper motor. The electric stepper motor moves a strap that is attached to the cruise control cable which moves the throttle linkage. The stepper motor operates in response to the electronic controller, to maintain the desired cruise speed. The cruise control module assembly contains a low speed limit which will prevent system engagement below a minimum speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). The operation of the electronic controller is controlled by functional control switches located on the multifunction turn signal lever.

The cruise control module assembly has an electronic controller and an electric stepper motor to vary the throttle in each different cruise control mode. The module assembly is not serviceable.

Cruise control function switch includes the ON/OFF, SET/COAST and R/A (resume/accelerate) switch. The switch assembly provides driver control of the cruise control system. The multi-function control switch assembly is mounted on the multifunction turn signal lever.

The cruise control release switch, clutch switch and stoplamp switch assemblies are used to disengage the cruise control. A release switch assembly and a stoplamp switch assembly, mounted on the brake pedal bracket, disengage the system electrically when the driver presses the brake pedal. The speed of the vehicle at brake actuation will be stored in the memory of the system.

The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is mounted to the automatic, manual if equipped, transaxle assembly and produces an AC signal. The frequency of this signal is proportional to the speed at which the automatic, manual if equipped, transaxle assembly output shaft rotates, which in turn is proportional to the speed of the vehicle.

The AC signal is supplied to the cruise control module assembly and speedometer assembly by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM converts the number of pulses per mile per second to determine vehicle speed. The signal sent to the cruise control module assembly and speedometer assembly is at a rate of 4000 pulses per mile.

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