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For 1990-2009 cars only

Cruise Control Inoperative/Malfunctioning L81

Diagnostic Aids

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

Disable the inflatable restraint steering wheel module when performing this diagnostic table. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.

Ensure that the following cruise control switches are not stuck in the engaged position:

    • On/Off switch
    • Set/Coast switch
    • Resume/Accel switch

Perform the following in order to avoid misdiagnosis:

    • Inspect for proper operation of the stop lamps. Refer to Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation in Wiring Systems.
    • Rotate the steering wheel to both steering stops and activate each cruise control switch separately. With a scan tool, observe the associated Cruise Control Switch parameter in the Idle/Speed Control data list. This will help eliminate the possibility of a internally open or shorted inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil.
    • EMI on the speed sensor signal circuit may cause erratic cruise control operation.
    • For an intermittent condition, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Cruise Control Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views in Engine Controls - 3.0L (L81)

1

Did you perform the Cruise Control Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Cruise Control

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  3. Turn the cruise control On/Off switch OFF.
  4. With the scan tool, observe the following Cruise Control parameters in the Idle/Speed Control data list:
  5. • Cruise Switch
    • Cruise Resume/Accel
    • Cruise Set/Coast

Do all of the parameters listed above display OFF?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 6

3

  1. With the scan tool, observe the Cruise Switch parameter.
  2. Turn the cruise On/Off switch ON.

Does the Cruise Switch parameter display ON?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

  1. With the scan tool, observe the Cruise Set/Coast parameter.
  2. Press and hold the set/coast button.

Does the Cruise Set/Coast parameter display ON?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 13

5

  1. With the scan tool, observe the Cruise Resume/Accel parameter.
  2. Press and hold the resume/accel button.

Does the Cruise Resume/Accel parameter display ON?

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 14

6

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the cruise switch.
  3. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  4. With the scan tool, observe the following Cruise Control parameters in the Idle/Speed Control data list:
  5. • Cruise Switch
    • Cruise Resume/Accel
    • Cruise Set/Coast

Do all of the parameters listed above display OFF?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 9

7

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the cruise switch.
  3. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the ignition 3 voltage circuit and a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 17

8

  1. Connect a 3-ampere fused jumper between the ignition 3 voltage circuit and the cruise control ON switch signal circuit.
  2. With the scan tool, observe the Cruise Switch parameter.

Does the Cruise Switch parameter display ON?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 12

9

Test the cruise control ON switch signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 10

10

Test the cruise control set/coast switch signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 11

11

Test the cruise control resume/accel switch signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 16

12

Test the cruise control ON switch signal circuit for an open, for a short to ground, or for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 16

13

Test the cruise control set/coast switch signal circuit for an open, for a short to ground, or for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 15

14

Test the cruise control set/coast switch signal circuit for an open, for a short to ground, or for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 15

15

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the cruise control switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 18

16

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 19

17

Repair the open, the short to ground, or the high resistance in the ignition 3 voltage circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 20

--

18

Replace the cruise control switch. Refer to Steering Wheel Control Switch Assembly Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 20

--

19

Important: Program the replacement ECM.

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.0L (L81).

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 20

--

20

  1. Enable the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  2. Operate the vehicle with in the conditions for cruise control operation.

Does the cruise control system operate properly?

System OK

Go to Step 2

Cruise Control Inoperative/Malfunctioning L61

Diagnostic Aids

Important: Perform the following in order to avoid misdiagnosis.

   • Inspect for proper operation of brake lamps.
   • Inspect throttle linkage for mechanical binding which could cause the system to malfunction.
   • Inspect cruise control cable adjustment, should have minimum slack.
   • EMI on the speed sensor signal circuit may cause erratic cruise control operation.

Conditions for Enabling Cruise Control

The vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h (25 mph).

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Cruise Control Schematics

1

Did you perform A Diagnostic System Check - Cruise Control?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Cruise Control

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the cruise control module.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the ignition positive voltage circuit of the cruise control module with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 29

3

Probe the ignition positive voltage circuit of the cruise control module with a test lamp that is connected to the ground circuit of the cruise control module.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 30

4

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Turn OFF the cruise control switch.
  3. Probe the on/off, set/coast, and resume/accelerate signal circuits with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate on any of the circuits?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Turn ON the cruise control switch.
  3. Probe the cruise control on/off signal circuit with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 15

6

  1. Probe the cruise control set/coast signal circuit with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.
  2. Press and hold the SET/COAST switch.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 17

7

  1. Probe the cruise control resume/accelerate signal circuit with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.
  2. Press and hold the RESUME/ACCEL switch.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 18

8

Probe the TCC/Brake signal circuit with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 19

9

Press the brake pedal while monitoring the test lamp.

Does the test lamp go out?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 20

10

Probe the stop lamp signal circuit with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 11

11

Press the brake pedal while monitoring the test lamp.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 22

12

Probe the cruise control engaged signal circuit with a DMM that is connected to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

B+

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 23

13

Check the speedometer for proper operation.

Does the speedometer operate properly?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Symptoms - Instrument Panel, Gages and Console in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console

14

Test the circuit that illuminated the test lamp for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 27

15

Test the cruise control on switch signal circuit for a open, high resistance or short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 16

16

Test the ignition positive voltage circuit for a open, high resistance or short to ground between the cruise control module and the cruise control switch. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 27

17

Test the cruise control set/coast switch signal circuit for an open or a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 27

18

Test the cruise control resume/accelerate switch signal circuit for an open or a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 27

19

Test the TCC/Brake signal circuit for an open or a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 25

20

Test the TCC/Brake switch signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 25

21

Test the stop lamp switch signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 25

22

Test the stop lamp switch signal circuit for an open or a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 25

23

Test the cruise control engaged signal circuit for an open, a high resistance, or a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 26

24

Test the speed sensor circuit for a open, high resistance or short to ground between the cruise control module and the PCM. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 26

25

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the stop lamp switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 31

26

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 34

27

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the cruise control switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 32

28

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the cruise control module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 33

29

Repair the ignition positive voltage circuit of the cruise control module. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 35

--

30

Repair the ground circuit of the cruise control module. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 35

--

31

Replace the stop lamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Lighting Systems.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 35

--

32

Replace the Cruise Control Function Switch. Refer to Steering Wheel Control Switch Assembly Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 35

--

33

Replace the cruise control module. Refer to Cruise Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 35

--

34

Important: The PCM must be reprogrammed after replacement.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 35

--

35

Operate the vehicle within the conditions for cruise control operation.

Does the cruise control system operate correctly?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2