Description
The cruise control system uses mechanically and elec-
trically operated devices to maintain vehicle speed at a
setting selected by the driver.
The cruise control unit receives command signals from
the cruise control main switch and the cruise control
set/resume switch. It receives information about
operating conditions from the brake switch, ECM, vehi-
cle speed sensor (VSS), the clutch switch (with manual
transmission), or the A/T gear position switch (with
automatic transmission). The cruise control unit sends
operational signals to the devices that regulate the
throttle position. The throttle position maintains the
selected vehicle speed. Essentially, the control unit
compares the actual speed of the vehicle to the
selected speed. Then, the control unit uses the result of
that comparison to open or close the throttle.
The brake switch releases the system’s control of the
throttle at the instant the driver depresses the brake
pedal. The switch sends an electronic signal to the con-
trol unit when the brake pedal is depressed; the control
unit responds by allowing the throttle to close. The
clutch switch (manual transmission) or the A/T gear
position switch (automatic transmission) sends a
disengage signal to the control unit that also allows the
throttle to close.
Operation:
The cruise control system will set and automatically
maintain any speed above 30 mph (45 kph). To set,
make sure that the main switch is in the “ON” position.
After reaching the desired speed, press the set switch.
The cruise control unit will receive a set signal and, in
turn, will actuate the cruise control actuator. When the
set switch is depressed and the cruise control system is
on, the “cruise control” ON indicator in the gauge
assembly will light up. You can cancel the cruise control
system by pushing the main switch to “OFF”. This
removes power to the control unit and erases the set
speed from memory. If the system is disengaged tem-
porarily by the brake switch, clutch switch, or A/T gear
position switch and vehicle speed is still above 30 mph,
press the resume switch. With the resume switch
depressed and the set memory retained, the vehicle
automatically returns to the previous set speed.
For gradual acceleration without depressing the ac-
celerator pedal, push the resume switch down and hold
it there until the desired speed is reached. This will send
an acceleration signal to the control unit. When the
switch is released, the system will be reprogrammed for
the new speed. To slow down, depress the set switch.
This will send a deceleration signal to the control unit
causing the car to coast until the desired speed is reach-
ed. When the desired speed is reached, release the set
switch. This will reprogram the system for the new
speed.
The electrically operated actuator controls the throttle position the same as a vacuum operated actuator. The magnetic
clutch is part of the safety system, controls acceleration and deceleration.
OUTPUT LINK
MOTOR
TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL
DECELERATION
ACCELERATION
ACTUATOR CABLE
Acceleration:
The motor actuates; then power is transmitted to the magnetic clutch by the transmission gear and the worm wheel. The
magnetic clutch is rotated and magnetized. The magnetic clutch attracts the clutch plate, then power is transmitted to
the output link by the gear directly connected to the clutch plate and the output gear. The output link rotates clockwise,
then the actuator cable opens the throttle, and the car accelerates.
Deceleration:
The motor rotates in the reverse direction of acceleration; then in the same way, the power is transmitted to the output
link. The output link rotates counterclockwise, then the actuator cable closes the throttle, and the car decelerates.
LIMIT SWITCH
RETURN SPRING
MOTOR
TRANSMISSION GEAR
OUTPUT GEAR
ACTUATOR CABLE
TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL
OUTPUT LINK
DAMPER SPRING
CLUTCH PLATE
CLUTCH PIN
WORM WHEEL
MAGNETIC CLUTCH