If your cruise control is not working, the cause is usually one of a handful of common faults: a brake light switch problem, a worn cruise control switch, a blown fuse, or on cars with adaptive cruise control, a blocked or misaligned sensor. This guide runs through the 10 most likely causes, how to check them yourself, and roughly what it costs to fix. If your cruise control stopped working suddenly or won't cancel, avoid using it until it's checked.
What is cruise control?
Cruise control is a way of maintaining a selected constant speed without needing to use the accelerator pedal. It is closely integrated with the traction control and braking systems.
How do I know if my cruise control is not working?
Signs your cruise control is not working, or that your cruise control light is flashing or behaving oddly, include:
- It won't engage when you press the 'on' or 'set' button
- It cuts out on its own shortly after setting it
- The dashboard light doesn't come on, or the cruise control light is flashing
- The set speed won't hold and drifts up or down
- A warning message is displayed on the dashboard
(Cruise control systems have become steadily more complex over time, which is why it's not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause — especially in newer models.)
What happens if my cruise control stops working?
While cruise control can make long journeys easier and less stressful, if the system fails it can be dangerous. For example, it may not be possible to cancel a faulty cruise control system - which could have dire consequences. So if your cruise control has stopped working or only works sometimes, avoid using it until you can find a solution - by taking it to a trusted mechanic.
If cruise control won't cancel when you press 'cancel' or 'off':
- Press the brake pedal firmly — this cancels cruise control in virtually all cars, even if the dedicated button has failed
- Shift into neutral (manual cars) if the brake doesn't cancel it, to stop the drivetrain from continuing to accelerate
- As a last resort, switch off the engine once it's safe to pull over — never while still driving at speed
- Get the car checked by a mechanic before using cruise control again
Alternatively, you may decide to research the issue and attempt to fix it yourself. However, the safest option is to take it to a garage.
Note: You should always check your vehicle handbook for any fault remedy before carrying out any work on your vehicle. If you are unsure of what is required to fix any problems, please consult a professional.
In this article we'll look at 10 of the most common reasons for a malfunctioning cruise control system.
How do cruise control systems work?
Before we begin, it's important to understand how cruise control systems work.
You must first activate the system by pressing the cruise control 'on' button - normally located by the steering wheel. However, this does not activate the system by itself.
Once you've set the cruising speed, the cruise control module (CCM) notes the present speed, then takes over the throttle body to maintain the speed of the car.
As the vehicle’s speed increases or decreases (due to inclines, for example), the CCM makes adjustments to the throttle body opening.
The desired cruising speed is maintained by modulating the engine speed. This speed can be adjusted, or cruise control can be cancelled by pressing 'cancel' or 'off'. The system is also cancelled if the driver applies the brakes.
Paying attention on the road
Cruise control systems are available with varying levels of complexity.
Aside from basic cruise control systems, ‘adaptive cruise control systems’ are often fitted with radar for maintaining safe distances from the vehicle ahead. Some even control engine speed in response to nearby vehicles.
Whichever cruise control system your car has, it's critical you still pay attention to other road users in order to avoid collisions. Cruise control should not be considered a fully ‘autonomous’ driving system.
Electronic throttle control systems (ETCS)
With electronic throttle control systems, cruise control is integrated with the engine control module (ECM). These are also known as 'drive-by-wire' systems, because the throttle is controlled electronically rather than by a physical cable.
Note that ETCS system failures may require the attention of a trained mechanic.
What are the top reasons for cruise control failure?
Brake light switch fault
Cruise control systems will not activate if they cannot detect a working brake light switch. This is because cruise control systems automatically cancelled once the brakes are applied.
How do you repair a brake light switch fault?
If you have some understanding of car mechanics, you may be able to examine the brake light switch, which is located below the steering wheel. However, because such systems have multiple wires, it can be difficult to identify any fault.
You may decide to invest in a multi-application service tool/OBD scanner, which can plug directly into your engine’s computer and pinpoint any fault with your brake light switch.
However, rather than spend money on an OBD scanner and learn how to use it, many people simply replace the brake switch. Many aftermarket brake light switch replacements are available.
Cruise control switch function: worn out
It's possible for a cruise control switch to wear out over time by being pressed too much or too hard. It may also get damaged by drink spillages or by solvent used when cleaning the steering wheel.
This could mean the CCM cannot be communicated with, potentially disabling cruise control entirely.
How do you check if the cruise control switch function has worn out?
You may be able to confirm this is the issue with an OBD scanner. However, you can check this by looking to see if the cruise control light appears on the dashboard when the switch is operated.
Brake light issues
Some cruise control systems will not activate if they detect a blown brake light. Some aftermarket LED lights draw less current than factory-new lights, which can make the cruise control think a light has been blown.
Spiral cable fault
The spiral cable connects electrical circuits in the steering column to elements in the steering wheel - such as the cruise control activation button. If the spiral cable has an open circuit, the switch may be unable to communicate with the CCM.
Check engine light
Engine or transmission problems may automatically lead to the disabling of cruise control - especially if it's of the ETCS type.
Fuses and relays
The cruise control actuator circuit may be protected by fuses or relays. If these are blown or damaged, the cruise control system may not activate.
Vacuum leak
On some older cars vacuum actuators are used to manage the throttle body when cruise control is activated. A cracked tube or hose could result in a leak, preventing the system from working. It might also make the engine idle higher.
Vehicle speed sensor fault
The modern car often has multiple speed sensors. If the ECM speed sensor signal used by the CCM is lost, cruise control will not work.
ABS sensor faults
If any of the ABS sensors are faulty (there is normally one on each wheel), the cruise control system will not activate.
Electrical problems
Electrical components are integral to cruise control systems, and should therefore be thoroughly checked in the event of a fault. Issues with source voltage, connectors and wiring harness could disable the system.
Adaptive cruise control causes
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) adds its own set of failure points on top of the causes above, because it relies on radar or camera sensors to track the vehicle ahead:
Blocked or dirty radar/camera sensor
Dirt, ice, snow, heavy rain, or a damaged front bumper or badge covering the sensor can all stop ACC from working. Many systems will display a warning and temporarily disable ACC until the sensor is clear.
Sensor misalignment
A minor bump, even a low-speed parking knock, or a windscreen replacement that doesn't recalibrate the camera, can throw the sensor's alignment off enough to disable or degrade ACC. Garages carrying out windscreen or bumper work on a car with ACC should recalibrate the sensor afterwards.
Traction or stability control switched off or faulty
Adaptive cruise control is typically linked to the traction and stability control systems. If these are switched off, or have developed a fault of their own, ACC may refuse to engage until they're back online.
How can I diagnose cruise control issues myself?
If you’re confident working on your car, you can try the following steps to help identify a faulty cruise control system:
- Check the brake lights – make sure they work when pressed. A faulty brake light or switch may prevent cruise activation.
- Inspect the fuses – locate the cruise control or ECM fuse in your manual and check it with a multimeter. Replace if blown.
- Test the cruise control button – does the dashboard light come on when you press it? If not, the switch might be worn out.
- Use a scanner – an OBD tool can read stored error codes and identify faults with sensors or modules.
- Look for signs of a worn clutch switch – if your vehicle is manual, a faulty or misaligned clutch switch can also stop cruise control from engaging.
- Inspect the spiral cable and wiring – especially if you’ve had issues with the horn or steering wheel buttons.
- If your car has adaptive cruise control, also check the radar/camera sensor area (usually behind the front badge or grille, or mounted near the rear-view mirror) for dirt, ice or damage.
- If in doubt, consult your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic for further guidance.
Is it expensive to fix cruise control?
The cost of cruise control repair can change depending on the root cause.
Simple issues, like replacing a brake light switch, can be relatively inexpensive. More complex faults, such as a problem with the electronic throttle control system, could result in higher repair bills.
If you're wondering what causes cruise control to stop working, it's often a combination of minor faults like blown fuses or worn switches.
To get an accurate diagnosis and a cost estimate, you should ask a professional mechanic.
If you want to know how to fix cruise control, some faults like replacing a fuse or brake light switch are simple fixes. However, for complex problems, a visit to a garage might be required.
Credit: xzotica65 - stock.adobe.com
Ford cruise control not working?
If the cruise control system on your Ford is not working, the most likely culprits are still those listed above. However, experienced Ford mechanic “Build It Make It” on YouTube argues that burned out brake lights are the most common reasons for cruise control failure - especially on models such as the Ford F150.
The next most common reason for faulty Ford cruise control is a blown fuse. Fuses can be checked with a multimeter if you have the required experience, and then replaced.
Build It Make It then lists a broken brake light switch as being the next most common reason.
A faulty shifter actuator is listed as the next most common fault cause. This is a lock to ensure you’re not gear shifting when you don’t have the brake engaged. Since the car cannot detect which gear you’re in, it will deactivate the cruise control as a safety measure.
And the fifth most common reason for Ford cruise control not working is faulty control switches. Unless you have extensive automotive mechanical experience, it may be best to have your control switches replaced by a trained Ford mechanic.
More possible Ford cruise control fault reasons
Auto Repair Guys on YouTube list the following as common reasons for Ford cruise control not working:
- Faulty cruise control fuse (often located under glove box)
Note: newer Fords may not have fuses for cruise control - Faulty control switches
- Faulty brake light switch (sometimes integrated with the cruise control switch)
- Faulty ‘clock spring’ or ‘spiral cable’ - as mentioned this connects the steering wheel controls to the car’s computer.
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