General

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. This cruise control system has the capability to cruise, coast, resume speed, accelerate, and tap-up and tap-down.

The main components of the cruise control system are the cruise control module, the actuator, the cruise control switch and the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS).

The cruise control module and the actuator are the two main components that allow the system to control and maintain the desired vehicle speed. The cruise control module monitors vehicle speed and provides the cruise control actuator with the necessary commands to maintain or change vehicle speed in response to inputs from the cruise control switch. Upon receiving a command, a DC servo motor inside the actuator turns a worm gear which, in turn, moves an accelerator cable to adjust throttle angle. The DC servo motor and the worm gear are mechanically connected only when a magnetic clutch, situated between them, is energized by the cruise control module.

Cruise control operation is disengaged when the cruise control module receives a cancel signal from the stoplamp switch, cruise control switch, the Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch (A/T), or the Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) interrupt switch (M/T). Upon receiving a cancel signal, the cruise control module de-energizes the magnetic clutch inside the cruise control actuator. With the magnetic clutch de-energized, the DC servo motor and worm gear are no longer mechanically connected and the throttle returns to the idle position.