Cruise Control: Description and Operation

Cruise Control:

Cruise control system is engaged by depressing the "CRUISE MAIN" switch located on instrument panel, to the right of the steering wheel. This system has the capability to cruise, coast, resume speed, accelerate, and raise "tap-up" or lower "tap-down" set speed. It also has a safety interrupt feature which is engaged whenever the brake or clutch pedals are depressed.

The stepper Motor Cruise Control (SMCC) is a speed cruise control system that maintains the selected vehicle speed under normal driving conditions.

The main components of the SMCC system are the mode control switches, clutch switch, brake switch, vehicle speed sensor, cruise control module and a control cable that connects to throttle body.

The SMCC system uses a cruise control module to maintain the required vehicle cruise operation. Two important components of the module are an electronic controller and an electric stepper motor.

The controller monitors vehicle speed and actuates the electric stepper motor. The motor moves a ribbon and throttle linkage, in response to controller input, to maintain the desired cruise speed. The cruise control module contains a low speed limit which will prevent system engagement below a minimum speed of 25 mph (40 kPh). The operation of the controller is controlled by mode control switches located on steering wheel.

The clutch switch and brake switches will both disengage the cruise control system. The switches are located on brake and clutch pedal bracket. When the brake pedal or clutch pedal are depressed, the cruise control system is electrically disengaged and the throttle is returned to the closed position.

Cruise main switch
The SMCC system is engaged by pressing "CRUISE" button. Releasing "CRUISE" button releases throttle, clears cruise memory speed, and puts vehicle in a non- cruise mode.

Set/Coast switch
The SET/COAST switch located on lower steering wheel has two positions- "Normal" and "Depressed". The set position: When the SET/COAST switch pressed and released, the cruise speed will be set at the speed the vehicle was going when SET/COAST switch was released.

The coast position: With the SET/COAST switch fully depressed, the driver can lower the set cruise speed. To decrease cruise speed, the set/coast switch is depressed, disengaging cruise control system. When the vehicle has slowed to the desired cruise speed, releasing SET/COAST switch will re-engage speed at new selected speed.

Tap down: To lower vehicle speed, cruise must be engaged and operating. Tap down is done by quickly pressing and releasing SET/COAST switch. Do not hold set/coast switch in depressed position.

Tap down is a function in which cruise speed can be decreased by approximately 1 mph (1.6 kPh).

Resume/Accel switch
RESUME/ACCEL switch located on lower steering wheel has two positions- "Normal" and "Depressed".

The resume position: When the RESUME/ACCEL switch is depressed and then released, cruise control returns to the last programmed speed (before cruise control was temporarily disengaged by Cancel switch, brake or clutch pedal).

The accel position: When the RESUME/ACCEL switch is depressed and held in the vehicle will accelerate. When the vehicle has accelerated to required Cruise speed, releasing RESUME/ACCEL switch will re-engage speed at new selected speed.

Tap up: To increase vehicle speed, cruise control must be engaged and operating. Tap up is done by quickly pressing and releasing RESUME/ACCEL switch in less than 0.75 second. Do not hold RESUME/ACCEL switch in depressed position. Tap up is a function in which cruise speed can be increased by 1 mph (1.6 kPh).

Cancel switch
SMCC system is temporarily disengaged by pressing the "CANCEL" switch. Cruise speed canceled by this switch will be recovered by RESUME/ACCEL switch.

Interior light
Interior light provides light for entering and exiting of passenger compartment (doors open). It can also be used to provide light when doors are closed. It is positioned at center of headliner. It is both serviceable and replaceable.