The main causes of breakdowns of cruise control in cars

Sponsored content

Cruise control is a useful technology for drivers, as it is designed to solve the problem of driver fatigue during frequent long-distance trips. However, it is also prone to breakage. In most cases, cruise control failure is due to a faulty brake or clutch pedal sensor. However, there are other problems that the driver should be aware of. If you are worried that you will have to use a scrap car value calculator in 2022 due to numerous car breakdowns, then this article is for you. Here are some tips for caring for such an important element of a car as cruise control.

Reasons why cruise control does not work in a car

There are five main reasons why cruise control does not work:

• fuse blown;
• breakdown of electrical contacts and wiring;
• failure of sensors, limit switches, and actuators involved in cruise control;
• breakdown of electronic cruise control units;
• part incompatibility.

You need to check the cruise control for performance at speed. In most cars, the activation of the system is blocked when the speed does not exceed 24,85 miles per hour.

Passive cruise control

Most often, passive cruise control does not work due to problems with contacts and limit switches. The ECU will not allow turning on the cruise control system even if it does not receive a signal from one of the sensors due to broken wiring, oxidation of the terminals, etc. Among the main causes of breakdowns of passive cruise control:

• button malfunction;
• damaged clutch pedal switch;
• misadjustment of the electronic accelerator pedal;
• any malfunction of ABS + ESP;
• malfunction in the brake system circuit (stop lights, brake pedal position, and handbrake sensors);
• cruise control drive failure;
• incompatible parts.

Often due to problems with cruise control, automatic speed control is not available for the following reasons:

1. The brake pedal is used to disengage the cruise control. If the system does not see its limit switch or stop lamps, it will not be able to receive a signal to turn it off. For safety, the launch of the cruise will be blocked.
2. The ABS sensors on the wheels provide information to the ECU about their speed. If the signals from the sensors are incorrect, different, or missing, the ECU will not be able to correctly determine the speed.
3. Problems with the brakes and ABS are usually indicated by the corresponding indicators on the dashboard screen. A diagnostic scanner will help clarify the cause of the error.

Adaptive cruise control

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a more advanced system, closer to autopilot. She knows how not only to maintain a given speed but also to adapt to the surrounding traffic, focusing on the readings of the distance sensor (radar, lidar) installed in the front of the car.

Modern ACC systems can determine the position of the steering wheel, wheels, and track road markings. This system helps the driver to maintain control with the help of the EPS to keep the car in the lane when the road bends.

The main ACC malfunctions are:

• breakage or oxidation of wiring;
• problems with cruise control radars;
• brake problems;
• problems with sensors and limit switches.

A cruise control speed limiter doesn’t work

A speed limiter is a system that prevents the driver from exceeding the speed set by the user in manual control mode. Depending on the model, the limiter may be part of a single system with cruise control or be independent. Drivers are faced with the fact that cruise control does not hold the speed limit. Also, cruise control may not work even if the speed limiter works.

Typical malfunctions of a speed limiter:

1. Misadjustment of the electronic throttle pedal.
2. Incompatible gas pedal.
3. Problems with wiring contacts and fuses.
4. Malfunction with the speed sensor.
5. Pedal adaptation failure.

Typical cruise control problems on popular cars

In certain models, cruise control often fails due to design flaws – unreliable or poorly installed sensors, weak contacts, etc. The problem is also typical for cars with high mileage and cars operated in difficult conditions. In such cases, the most vulnerable parts should be checked first.

Let’s look at the weak points of cruise control in some popular car models.

1. Ford Focus II and III (clutch position sensor, contacts of the button on the steering column, ABS module, brake signals (handbrake, stop)).
2. Toyota Camry 40 (cruise control buttons in the steering wheel).
3. Renault Laguna 3 (cruise control activation fails after software failure or ECU firmware update).
4. Volkswagen Passat B5 (clutch pedal switch, vacuum throttle actuator).
5. Audi A6 C5 (throttle vacuum pump and its pipes, clutch pedal switch, poor contacts in the cruise control unit).
6. KIA Sportage 3 (cruise control buttons, clutch pedal switch).
7. Nissan Qashqai J10 (brake and/or clutch pedal switches, ABS sensors).
8. Skoda Octavia A5 (steering column switch).
9. Opel Astra J (brake pedal sensor).
10. BMW E39 (clutch or brake pedal switch, automatic transmission selector position sensor, throttle cable drive).
11. Mazda 6 (cruise control cable, actuator, brake pedal switch).
12. Mitsubishi Lancer X (brake pedal sensor, clutch pedal sensor).
13. Citroen C4 (pedal switch, cruise control buttons).

How to quickly fix a breakdown

Most often, a cruise malfunction is detected on the highway when there is no diagnostic scanner or multimeter at hand. If the cruise control suddenly stops working, first of all, it is worth checking the main reasons for the failure:

1. Circuit breakers. A blown fuse is caused by a sudden increase in current in the protected circuit. If the problem does not disappear after replacing the fuse, you need to look for the cause.
2. Cruise control is automatically disabled due to a malfunction of the brake lamps and the appearance of a corresponding error on the panel. On some car models (Opel, Renault, and others), the lamp error may light up if the dimensions or reversing lights are broken. If the cruise control fails, it is worth checking them too.
3. Electronics failure. Sometimes the cruise may not work due to a software failure due to a power surge on the onboard circuit.
4. Radar blockage. On cars with ACC, you need to check the distance sensor (radar) installed in the area of the radiator grille and its wires. Cruise control may fail due to radar obstruction or poor contact with its connector.

Summary

Cruise control is an important technology for drivers who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. It is important to monitor the performance of cruise control and related components. If you have a car with broken cruise control, transmission, or engine, you can sell it quickly with JunkCarsUs. The company buys used, non-running cars, as well as cars after accidents. You can order the services of the company in any city in the United States.