Cruise control is one of those modern car features that’s easy to take for granted – until it stops working. If you’ve been enjoying the convenience of cruise control and suddenly find it not engaging, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. Don’t worry, I’m here to help explain the possible causes and what to do about it.
Symptoms of a faulty cruise control system
The most obvious sign of cruise control problems is that it simply won’t turn on or maintain speed when engaged. You may also notice:
- The cruise control light on your dash stays on even when the system is off
- The system disengages unexpectedly while driving
- Your car doesn’t maintain a steady speed with cruise control on
- Pressing the brake pedal doesn’t cancel cruise control
If you experience any of these issues, it’s best to stop using cruise control until the problem is diagnosed and repaired.
What causes cruise control failure?
There are several reasons your cruise control may have stopped working:
Blown fuse: The cruise control system is powered through a fuse. If that fuse blows, the whole system shuts down.
Faulty brake pedal switch: Cruise control is designed to disengage when you press the brake pedal. If the brake pedal switch is faulty, the system may think you’re constantly braking and refuse to engage.
Bad speed sensor: Cruise control relies on the vehicle speed sensor to maintain a steady speed. A malfunctioning sensor can’t provide accurate data, causing cruise control issues.
Damaged control switch: The buttons or lever you use to set your cruise control speed can wear out over time, preventing the system from engaging.
Wiring problems: Loose connections, frayed wires, or other electrical faults can disrupt communication between cruise control components.
Faulty throttle or actuator: In drive-by-wire systems, cruise control manages vehicle speed by controlling the electronic throttle body. Any issues with the throttle or actuator can impact cruise control operation.
Cruise control repair process
Diagnosing cruise control problems often requires hooking your car up to a scan tool to check for trouble codes. A skilled mechanic will also visually inspect the system components, test the electrical connections, and potentially replace faulty parts like the brake pedal switch, speed sensor, or throttle actuator.
Cruise control repair costs in New Zealand
The cost to fix cruise control issues depends on the root cause and the make and model of your vehicle. Replacing a blown fuse or cleaning a throttle body may only cost $100-$200, while more complex electrical repairs or replacing a control module can run $500 or more. As a rough estimate, expect to spend between $100 to $1000 to get your cruise control working again.
Get your cruise control fixed at My Auto Shop
If your cruise control has stopped working, bring your car to My Auto Shop for fast, reliable repairs. Our experienced mechanics will quickly diagnose the issue and provide an upfront, transparent quote. We use high-quality parts and pride ourselves on exceptional customer service. Plus, with our mobile service, we can fix your cruise control at your home or workplace for maximum convenience. Don’t let cruise control problems disrupt your driving – book an appointment at My Auto Shop today!