2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

How does cruise control work?

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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 05:33 PM
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SAiamNE's Avatar
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How does cruise control work?

Just got my car up and running.
I was trying to set the cruise control on a long playground road but can't get it to work for the life of me.
Could someone properly tell me how to set it?
Thanks
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 05:50 PM
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From: va beach/blacksburg 4 school
well if its like my auto then press the circly button to enable it then click the button on the right to set it
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 06:55 PM
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it was also invented by a blind guy! he invented when he noticed that when someone he was riding with was talking the guy slowed down and when he wasnt he sped up.
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 07:52 PM
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Just went out and tried it again and still doesn't seem to want to work.
I pushed the button on the inside there and the cruise light came on. I then pressed the set button and nothing happened.
Do you have to turn the "lever" up or down at all like the signal switch?
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 07:58 PM
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You might want to check the actual mechanics of the cruise control system. Attached to your throttle body will be a cable that runs to a box on the passenger side of the engine bay. Check the tension of the cable, or if it is even on there.
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 08:07 PM
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From: Ames, IA
I can describe how it should work. I just got a cruise control setup for my car from a friend, but since the engine is in pieces, I'm not sure if it works or if there are any quirks to the RX-7 control.

Once master power is in, you should press the "Set" button at a speed, let off the gas, and the cruise control should modulate the throttle to maintain the speed. If you push the lever in the "Coast" direction, it will cut throttle and let the car slow down. When you release it, the cruise control will set to the new speed.
If you press the brake pedal (or possibly the clutch, not sure), the cruise control will cut out. If you push the lever in the "Resume" direction, the cruise control will resume the previous "set" speed.

As for how it actually works? I'll let you know once my engine is back in. :-)

-=Russ=-
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 08:49 PM
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Syonyk described the various functions of the interior level and buttons quite well.

It will disengage with either the brake or clutch pedals.

There is a small computer on the driver side footwell. Right near the fuse box. THere is also a vacuum canister (on S4 models, electric on S5 I believe) under the hood near the charcoal and sub-zero start assist bottle on the passenger side firewall.

It will be mounted in between the passenger side strut and firewall. The vacuum hose (if S4) will run parallel to the cable that attaches to the back side of the UIM. It will attach to the throttle adjustment.
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 09:15 PM
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Steel's Avatar
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I found that for my car, simply pushing the set button didnt work, i usually had to hold it in for 1-2 seconds before she realized that i wanted her to cruise.
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 09:26 PM
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From: Calgary, AB
Syonyk thats excatly what i needed to know...
Thanks!
I will check the cable and all that. Is it possable that the actual switch isn't working? Is it as common for the cruise control switch to "die" like the whiper switch?
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 09:29 PM
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Ok I don't mean to insult anyone, but I know when I drive sometimes I rest my foot o the clutch, yes I know I shouldn't but I do. When I touch the clutch with the slightest amount of pressure the cruise won't work. So make sure your foot isn't on the clutch if its manual.. Sorry hope it helps
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 11:25 PM
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From: Burlington, NC
Also, try pushing the button while you are accellerating, then letting off the gas. Mine won't engage if you don't have the foot on the throttle.
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Old Jun 28, 2004 | 12:51 AM
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From: FORT WORTH, TEXAS,USA
You know that you have to be above a certain speed? Like twenty mph? Before it will engage. And you checked the fuses? And god only knows what year car you have....so make sure the vacuum hose is connected to the cruise control actuator. And that there is a vacuum going to it. And that the cruise control unit is installed near your left foot. And the plugs are attached to it.
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