Cruise Control: Description and Operation

Vehicle Speed Control Components:

The speed control system is designed to maintain vehicle speed above 48 km/h (30 mph) when the ON switch is depressed. With the system on, depressing the SET/ACCEL switch will activate the speed control servo that will read the signal from the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). The VSS is mounted in the transfer case. The speed control servo is mounted in the engine compartment and is connected to the throttle body cam by the speed control actuator cable. The speed signal is controlled by the speed control actuator switches, Brake On/Off (BOO) switch, Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch and a brake pressure switch.

The air bag sliding contact provides the electrical interface between the steering column wiring and the speed control actuator switches in the steering wheel. The speed control ground brush assembly provides an electrical ground path between the steering wheel and steering column tube.

The brake pressure switch is provided as an additional safety feature. Normally, when the brake pedal is depressed, an electrical signal from the brake lamp circuit to the speed control servo will turn off the system. Under increased brake pedal effort, the brake pressure switch will open and remove power to the speed control actuator clutch, releasing the throttle independent of the speed control servo.