Adaptive Cruise Control Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Lincoln Continental. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: For a complete illustration of the adaptive cruise control indicators and graphic displays, refer to the Owner's Literature.

The adaptive cruise control system functions much like a standard cruise control system. The adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a set gap distance from the front of the vehicle and the vehicle in the same path of travel. When the adaptive cruise control system is on and is following a vehicle ahead or a vehicle enters the same driving lane, a follow vehicle graphic is displayed in the message center.

The adaptive cruise control system allows the vehicle to follow a lead vehicle to a stop. An indicator in the message center will indicate the vehicle is in the stopped mode. If the lead vehicle moves from a stop within 3 seconds, the vehicle will automatically resume. If the lead vehicle remains stopped for more than 3 seconds, the system will resume when the driver presses the RES switch on the steering wheel, or taps the accelerator pedal. An indicator in the message center will indicate the vehicle is in RES (resume) mode. The vehicle will automatically accelerate to the set speed.

The adaptive cruise control system maintains a selected vehicle speed within a range between 32 km/h (20 mph), or 30 km/h (19 mph) if equipped with a metric cluster, and 180 km/h (112 mph). When a MyKey ® restricted key is in use, the vehicle speed will not exceed the MyKey ® maximum limited speed. During normal driving conditions, the vehicle speed can fluctuate slightly from the selected set speed due to road conditions. The vehicle speed can fluctuate more noticeably when driving up and down steep hills.

When active, the adaptive cruise control system relies on the EPB to apply if the driver opens the door or if the system has been stopped for more that 2 minutes. An EPB fault or a door switch fault can prevent the system from holding the vehicle stationary.

The adaptive cruise control system will not activate if the vehicle speed is below 10 km/h (6 mph) if a lead vehicle is not detected. The driver will see the ADAPTIVE CRUISE - SPEED TOO LOW TO ACTIVATE" warning message in the message center.

The cruise control deactivator switch (which is integral to the BPP) is an additional safety feature. When the brake pedal is pressed, the cruise control system deactivator switch opens and removes the ground signal from the PCM input circuit, releasing the throttle and immediately deactivating the system.

The ABS monitors the yaw rate signal and compares it to the wheel speed and steering wheel angle signals. If the ABS module determines the yaw rate is invalid, the CCM disables the adaptive cruise control. The message center displays the message ADAPTIVE CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE and/or NORMAL CRUISE ACTIVE AUTOMATIC BRAKING TURNED OFF.

The CCM monitors the environment in front of the vehicle while active. If the radar beam is obstructed by a buildup of snow, ice, rain or other debris, or the vehicle is driven in a desert environment with no other traffic for extended periods of time, the sensor will trigger a "Radar Blocked" message and will disable the adaptive cruise control. The adaptive cruise control will resume once the obstruction is cleared and the radar is able to detect targets, or upon a key cycle.

The ABS module estimates brake temperature by monitoring applied brake pressure over a period of time and sends a message to the CCM when the estimated temperature is above a given threshold. An alarm sounds and the adaptive cruise control system is deactivated until the estimated brake temperature returns to cooler operating conditions. This condition can happen in a hilly or mountainous driving terrain.