Chevrolet’s cruise control can be a great help when you’re driving on the highway. This system helps you maintain a constant speed, allowing you to rest your feet.
If the cruise control system in your Chevrolet isn’t working as it should, it can make your driving more tiring than ever.
How to fix Chevy cruise control troubleshooting? Let’s learn the causes and solutions when this system crashes.
What Is Cruise Control System?
Before learning about the causes and remedies when the cruise system fails, we should find about its operating principle and function. The cruise control system is capable of keeping the car at a pre-selected speed without having to put your foot on the gas pedal.
When needed, the driver only needs to step on the brake or clutch and the system will automatically turn off and return control of the accelerator pedal to the driver.
This system is especially useful on long distances on the highway or highway, helping the driver to reduce fatigue and foot pain when holding the gas for a long time. Besides, this feature also helps the driver to ensure that the vehicle does not exceed the allowed speed on the highway.
However, the cruise control system only works effectively on beautiful highways and has little traffic. When the traffic becomes crowded and the vehicle in front has to accelerate or decelerate continuously, this system is no longer effective.
Chevy Cruise Control Troubleshooting – Causes And Solutions
There are some common causes of cruise control not working. You can refer to some of the common causes below.
1. Brake Light Switch
The cruise control system is automatically canceled when the driver presses the brake by the operating principle. The brake pedal switch is what makes sure the brake light comes on when you brake. This switch is also an important part of the cruise control system.
Depressing the brakes turns cruise control off, and a broken switch can signal that you’re braking – even if you’re not.
In addition to not letting the cruise control work, a broken brake pedal switch can also mean that your brake light is constantly on. Therefore, you will not be able to start the cruise control system.
2. Power System
Fuses and relays are used to protect the actuator circuit of the cruise control. So if there is any power failure, blown fuse, or faulty relay, the system will not work.
Most cruise control systems use electrical or electronic components. So you need to thoroughly check the power supply voltage, harness, and connector. Anything loose or broken can completely disable the system.
3. Defective Speed Sensor
The speed sensor does exactly what it senses on the road. It is responsible for sensing how fast your vehicle is moving. If it is damaged, the cruise control system may not work properly, as the sensor result is incorrect and the set speed may be changed.
This sensor reads the magnetic field interrupted by the rotating output shaft. It forwards a variable voltage to the powertrain control module which is displayed on the instrument cluster as vehicle speed and RPM.
When there is a problem with the sensor or related wiring, the gauge hands can become erratic or not move at all. Warning signs are usually indicator light problems.
You can use a scan tool or digital multimeter to monitor the voltage level of the sensor as the output shaft rotates. The voltage level should fluctuate between 0.5-4.5 volts.
In addition to cruise control, a damaged speed sensor can affect your speedometer, so you should be fixed immediately to avoid speeding on warning sections.
4. Check Cruise Control On/Off Switch
This switch can be found on the steering wheel, although some switches can be found on the dashboard. If just one setting on your cruise control isn’t working, the switch is most likely the problem.
Test the switch in the same way as the brake switch. You will have to remove the protective cover on the control panel to inspect the switch and its connectors. Each terminal on the switch should have a low resistance reading of fewer than 0.3 ohms.
5. Vacuum Leak
Many car accessories consume vacuum from the engine to operate, including air conditioning, and cruise control systems. If there is a leak, such as a broken pipe or a cracked pipe, the system will not work.
Vacuum leaks cause engine temperatures to rise excessively and cause rubber and plastic parts to degrade rapidly. This is the most common cause of vacuum leaks.
Therefore, it is best to start vacuum leak testing at the rubber vacuum hose. These parts can become harder or brittle, and therefore more prone to cracking or breaking. Many fittings that connect hoses and hoses can also crack and break.
Conclude
The operating control system can have problems with the common reasons we mentioned above.
Also, don’t forget to check for problems such as worn wires, control switches, faulty spiral cables leading to open circuits, and cruise control which can be turned off if there is a problem with the engine or the gear.
If you have any questions, leave them at the bottom of the article to be answered in more detail.
Can adding a performance tune kit, def/cat delete kit cause cruise control to intermittently turn off?
Hi Joe,
It is possible that adding a performance tune kit, def/cat delete kit to a Chevy Cruze could cause the cruise control to intermittently turn off. This is because modifications to the engine or exhaust system can alter the vehicle’s performance and emissions, which can in turn affect the cruise control system.
The cruise control system on most vehicles is designed to operate within specific parameters, and any changes to the vehicle’s performance or emissions can potentially interfere with its operation. Additionally, modifications to the vehicle’s electrical system, such as installing a performance tune kit, can also affect the cruise control system.
If you are experiencing issues with your cruise control after making modifications to your vehicle, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified mechanic or automotive technician to diagnose and address the issue. They will be able to evaluate the specific modifications you have made and determine if they are the cause of the cruise control problem.
Goodluck
Greetings,
I am having a problem with the cruise control on my 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 RST. At times, after shutting the engine off, upon restarting the engine, the cruise control light on the panel will not appear. If I am lucky, pressing the On-button will illuminate the cruise control icon and the cruise control can be set, generating a green icon. For the most part, it will work flawlessly at that point until I shut the engine off again. Upon engine restart, the unset cruise icon (white) may appear, or it may not. I think I can remember one time where the system totally shutdown (no white or green icon) while underway with the cruise control set, but no more than one time.
My Chevy Dealer has performed a diagnosis on the cruise control but has not been able to identify a problem. In fairness to the Dealer, the unit worked when they started the diagnosis and as make be expected, everything checked out okay. I am having a problem scheduling a Dealer appointment, having the unit in a failed mode and not re-engaging so he can check for error codes.
Checks so far:
1) “a broken brake pedal switch can also mean that your brake light is constantly on”. Blake lights are not constantly on and appear to be working properly.
2) “any power failure, blown fuse, or faulty relay, the system will not work”. Any power failure would have to be intermittent. A blown fuse would mean that the system would not work at any time. Faulty relay is a question and do not have a clue as to which one(s) to check.
3) “In addition to cruise control, a damaged speed sensor can affect your speedometer”. When operating, speed is maintained properly at the set speed and there are not any other indications of speedometer problems.
4) “If just one setting on your cruise control on/off switch isn’t working, the switch is most likely the problem”. When the unit is working properly, I can cut the unit on and off multiple times and it will still work properly. Switch appears to be working properly.
5) “If there is a leak, such as a broken pipe or a cracked pipe, the system will not work”. No checks performed at this time.
Have you seen this type of problem in your experience? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Wayne