Cruise Control Description and Operation (3.4L): Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Aztek and 2004 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Cruise control is a speed control system that maintains a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions at speeds above 40km/h (25 mph). However, steep grades may cause variations in the selected speeds. The main components of the cruise control system are:

The cruise control module assembly
The cruise control switches
The cruise control release switch
The powertrain control module (PCM)
The stoplamp switch assembly
The vehicle speed sensor

The cruise control system has the capability to adjust speeds and disengage the system based on the activation of the following cruise control switches:

On/Off
Set/Coast
Resume/Accel (R/A)

The cruise control module controls the operation of the cruise control system. The cruise control module monitors the signal circuits of the cruise control switches. When the normally open cruise On/Off switch closes with a switch activation, the cruise control modules detects a high voltage on the signal circuit. The cruise control module activates the cruise control system. The set/coast switch and the resume/accel switch will not operate the system when the cruise control module has not activated the system based on the cruise control on/off switch signal circuit.

The cruise control module monitors the cruise control set/coast switch in order to determine when to capture and maintain the vehicle speed. The cruise control module monitors the vehicle speed signal circuit in order to determine the desired speed. The PCM pulses the vehicle speed signal circuit at 4000 pulses per minute. After an initial set speed has been established, the cruise control module also uses the cruise control set/coast switch signal circuit in order to tap down the set speed when the cruise control module detects a switch activation.

The cruise control module monitors the cruise control resume/accel switch signal circuit in order to determine when to resume the previous set speed. This feature only works within the same ignition cycle and as long as the cruise wasn't turned off using the cruise control On/Off switch since the last cruise engagement. After the set speed has been resumed, the cruise control module also uses the cruise control resume/accel switch signal circuit in order to tap up the set speed when the cruise control module detects a switch activation.

The cruise control module assembly has a controller and an electric stepper motor to vary the throttle in each different cruise control mode. Two components in the module assembly help to do this. The electronic controller and the electric stepper motor. The controller monitors vehicle speed and operates the stepper motor. The stepper motor operates in response to the controller, to maintain the desired cruise speed. The electric stepper motor moves a strap that is attached to the cruise control cable which moves the throttle linkage.