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. The electronic cruise control system has the capability to perform the following functions:

The following list indicates the main parts of the cruise control system:

The cruise control system uses a cruise control module assembly in order to obtain the desired vehicle cruise operation. Two important components in the module assembly help to do this. The first is an electronic controller and the second is an electric stepper motor. The electric controller monitors vehicle speed and operates the electric stepper motor. The electric stepper motor moves a strap that is attached to the cruise control cable, which moves the throttle linkage. The stepper motor operates in response to the electronic controller in order to maintain the desired cruise speed. The cruise control module assembly contains a low speed limit which will prevent system engagement below a minimum speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). The operation of the electronic controller is controlled by function control switches. The function control switches are located on the steering wheel.

The cruise control module assembly has an electronic controller and an electric stepper motor in order to vary the throttle in each different cruise control mode. The module assembly is not serviceable.

The cruise control function switches include the ON/OFF, SET/COAST and R/A (resume/accelerate) switch. The steering wheel switches provide driver control of the cruise control system.

The cruise control release switch and stoplamp switch assemblies are used in order to disengage the cruise control. A release switch assembly and a stoplamp switch assembly are mounted on the brake pedal bracket. These assemblies electrically disengage the system when the driver presses the brake pedal. The speed of the vehicle at brake actuation will be stored in the memory of the cruise module.

The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is mounted to the automatic transaxle assembly and produces an AC signal. The frequency of this signal is proportional to the speed at which the automatic transaxle assembly output shaft rotates, which in turn is proportional to the speed of the vehicle. The AC signal is supplied to the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM converts the number of pulses per mile, per second in order to determine the vehicle speed. The signal is then sent to the cruise control module assembly and the speedometer assembly at a rate of 4000 pulses per mile.

With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. When the driver applies the brakes, or turns off the on/off switch, the cruise control turns off.