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What Causes Cruise Control to Stop Working? Real Fixes Inside!
Written ByFawaz
You are driving on the highway, your cruise control is on, and suddenly it just stops working. That can feel scary and frustrating, especially when you’re counting on it during long drives. The truth is, cruise control can stop working for many reasons — from a small switch problem to serious brake or engine issues. In this article, you’ll learn the exact causes that make cruise control stop working and how you can fix them.
Bad Brake Switch Problems
One of the most common reasons why cruise control stops working is a problem with the brake switch. This small part is located near your brake pedal. It has a big job. When you press the brake, it sends a signal to stop cruise control.
That is a safety feature. But if the brake switch is broken or stuck, it can confuse the cruise control system. It may think you’re pressing the brakes even when you are not, and that will turn cruise control off right away.
Sometimes, the brake switch may be loose, worn out, or have electrical problems. If you just tap the brakes or hit a bump and cruise control shuts off, it could be this switch. Also, if your brake lights stay on when you’re not braking, that’s a clue the switch might be bad.
This can happen in both old and new cars. In newer cars, the brake switch is also connected to other systems, like your engine control or safety systems. So, one bad switch can cause many features to stop working, including cruise control.
The good thing is, this part is not too expensive. You can get a brake switch for $10 to $50 depending on your car. It is also easy to replace for many vehicles. A mechanic can change it in 30 minutes or less.
If you’re trying to fix it yourself, you just need a few tools and patience. Always unplug your battery first. Find the switch under the brake pedal, disconnect the wire plug, twist or unbolt the switch, and put in the new one. Then, test it by turning your cruise control on and tapping the brake pedal.
If your cruise control works after that, then the brake switch was the issue all along.
- Brake switch tells the system when you press the pedal
- A bad switch can trick the car into thinking you’re braking
- You may notice brake lights staying on
- Easy and cheap to replace
- Cruise control may start working again after fixing it
Blown Fuse or Electrical Problems
Cruise control uses several small electrical parts to work right. One of the most important things is the fuse. A fuse protects your car from too much electricity. If something goes wrong and the circuit gets too hot, the fuse will blow to stop damage.
When the fuse related to cruise control is blown, the system won’t work at all. This can happen from a short circuit, a bad wire, or a broken switch. You might not even notice anything else wrong in the car, just that cruise control doesn’t turn on anymore.
Fuses are found in the fuse box. Your owner’s manual will tell you which one is for cruise control. Open the box, find the right fuse, and pull it out. If the metal strip inside looks broken or burnt, that fuse is blown.
You can buy a new fuse for less than $5. Push the new one in the same spot, close the box, and try using cruise control again. If it works, great! But if it blows again, then there’s a deeper electrical problem.
Other electrical issues may include bad wiring, dirty connectors, or even a problem in the cruise control switch itself. Moisture, dirt, and heat can damage wires over time. Sometimes rodents even chew on them.
If you’re not good with wires or reading a wiring diagram, it’s best to get help from a mechanic or auto electrician. They can test each wire with special tools and fix the problem safely.
- Blown fuse can stop cruise control completely
- Check the fuse box using your car manual
- Replace with the same size and type
- If it blows again, there may be deeper wire problems
- Dirty or broken wires can also cause failure
Faulty Speed Sensor
The speed sensor is another key part that cruise control depends on. This small sensor reads how fast your car is going. Cruise control uses this speed to keep your car moving steady. If the sensor gives wrong numbers or stops working, the system shuts off.
You may notice other problems too, like your speedometer acting strange or your transmission shifting weirdly. This is because the speed sensor shares data with many systems.
Most speed sensors are placed near the wheels or on the transmission. They may get dirty, worn out, or stop working with age. Water, salt, and mud can damage the sensor over time.
If cruise control does not stay on or turns off quickly, and your speedometer is also acting funny, then this sensor might be the problem.
Replacing the speed sensor is not too hard or expensive. The part costs between $20 to $80 depending on your car. Some sensors are easy to reach, while others need more tools to get to.
Before replacing, check the sensor wire and connector for dirt or damage. You can clean it with electronic spray. If that doesn’t help, replacing the sensor is the next step.
After you replace it, test the cruise control again. If the speed is stable and cruise works, you fixed the problem.
- Speed sensor tells the system how fast you’re driving
- Bad sensor = cruise control turns off or doesn’t hold speed
- You may also notice speedometer problems
- Often caused by dirt, age, or water damage
- Replace or clean sensor to restore cruise control
Cruise Control Switch Malfunction
The cruise control switch is the button or lever you use to turn cruise control on and off. It may be on the steering wheel or on a stalk behind it. Over time, this switch can stop working right.
Sometimes, the switch feels loose or does not click. Other times, you press it but nothing happens. This means the contacts inside may be worn out or dirty. In some cars, the cruise switch shares power with the horn, radio buttons, or lights. If those stop working too, it could be a shared problem.
Another issue is that the switch may be sending weak or wrong signals. This happens from worn-out contacts, corrosion, or broken springs inside the switch.
Diagnosing the switch can be tricky unless you have a tool to test the signal. But you can start by pressing the switch gently and listening or feeling for the click. If it’s soft or does nothing, that’s a sign.
Replacing the switch may be easy if it’s on a stalk or simple button. But if it’s part of the steering wheel, it may take more work. In some cases, you may need to remove the airbag to reach it, and that should be done carefully.
The cost of the switch can range from $30 to $150. A mechanic can replace it in under an hour. If you fix or replace the cruise switch, your system may start working like before.
- Cruise switch lets you turn the system on and off
- Worn-out switches may not send signals
- Shared wiring with other buttons can also fail
- Replace or test switch if cruise does nothing
- Can be replaced at home or by a mechanic
Engine or Throttle Problems
Sometimes, cruise control doesn’t work because the engine or throttle is not running right. Cruise control needs to control the throttle (gas pedal) to keep your speed. If something is wrong in that system, cruise control will turn off to stay safe.
In modern cars, there’s something called a throttle position sensor (TPS). It tells the computer how open the gas pedal is. If this sensor is bad or dirty, cruise control will stop working.
Other times, the throttle body itself can get dirty or stuck. That part opens and closes to let air into your engine. If it’s sticky or slow, cruise can’t work well.
Check engine lights can also point to throttle problems. If you see that light on and cruise control doesn’t work, the car might be trying to protect itself.
In some cars, engine misfires or rough idling can cause cruise to stop. The system sees that the engine is not running steady, so it turns off the cruise to avoid danger.
Fixing this depends on the problem. A dirty throttle body can be cleaned with spray. A bad TPS sensor can be changed for about $50. If the engine has deeper issues, like misfires or vacuum leaks, those need a mechanic to look at.
Once the engine and throttle system is working smoothly again, your cruise control should work again too.
- Cruise control needs a healthy throttle system
- TPS sensor problems can stop cruise function
- Dirty throttle body can cause hesitation
- Engine misfires or idle problems affect cruise too
- Clean or replace parts to get cruise back
ABS or Brake System Trouble
Cruise control is closely linked to the brake system. If anything goes wrong in the brakes, the cruise will stop working. This includes the ABS (anti-lock brake system), brake fluid level, and brake sensors.
Modern cars use sensors in the wheels to check for slipping and braking. If the ABS light is on, or there’s a problem in the wheel sensors, cruise control may shut off as a safety step.
Also, if your brake fluid is low, the system may think the brakes are failing. This again can shut down cruise control to keep you safe.
Worn brake pads or damaged brake lines can also affect signals to the cruise system. If the car thinks brakes are being pressed or not working right, it will stop cruise function.
To fix this, first check your brake fluid. If it’s low, top it up. But also check for leaks. If the ABS light is on, a mechanic can read the code and find out what sensor is causing trouble.
Wheel speed sensors may cost between $40 and $100 each. Replacing them may bring your cruise control back to life.
- Brake system issues stop cruise control
- ABS light on = likely cruise won’t work
- Low brake fluid also shuts cruise off
- Wheel sensors can wear out or break
- Fixing brake issues restores cruise feature
Quick Guide
| Problem | Sign | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bad Brake Switch | Cruise stops after bump | Replace brake switch |
| Blown Fuse | Cruise won’t turn on | Change cruise fuse |
| Speed Sensor Issue | Speedometer acts weird | Clean or replace sensor |
| Cruise Switch Malfunction | Button feels loose or dead | Replace cruise control switch |
| Throttle or Engine Trouble | Rough idle or CEL is on | Clean throttle, fix TPS |
| Brake System or ABS Trouble | ABS light on, low brake fluid | Check sensors, fill brake fluid |
Final Thoughts
Cruise control is a great feature, but when it stops working, it can make driving harder. Many times, the fix is simple, like changing a fuse or cleaning a sensor. Sometimes, it needs a mechanic’s help. You should not ignore the problem because it could be a sign of bigger issues like brake or engine trouble. With careful checks and small repairs, most cruise control problems can be solved. This guide should help you feel more confident to fix or explain the problem clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it dangerous if my cruise control stops working?
It is not usually dangerous, but it can surprise you if you’re not ready. You should always keep your foot near the pedal even when using cruise control. If it turns off, you can still drive normally. But if the cruise stops working often, it could mean there’s a brake, engine, or electrical issue that may become more serious. So it’s better to fix it soon.
Can a dead battery affect my cruise control?
Yes, a dead or weak battery can cause many systems in your car to act strange. Cruise control needs steady power to work. If the battery is weak, it may shut off or not start at all. After jump-starting the car, some systems may need to reset. If cruise control still doesn’t work, check the battery voltage and connections. A healthy battery helps all systems run better.
Do I need to replace the whole cruise system if it stops?
No, in most cases you don’t need to replace the whole system. Usually, only one part is broken, like a switch, fuse, or sensor. A mechanic can test each part and fix the exact problem. Replacing the full cruise control system is rare and expensive. Most problems are small and easy to fix at home or in a shop.
Can dirty throttle body stop cruise control?
Yes, a dirty throttle body can cause the cruise control to stop. Cruise control needs smooth throttle movement. Dirt and carbon build-up can make it sticky. This stops the cruise system from holding speed. Cleaning the throttle body with spray can help. You may need to remove it and clean both sides for best results. After cleaning, cruise control often works again.
Is it okay to drive without cruise control?
Yes, you can drive fine without cruise control. But it helps make long drives easier and saves gas. If you use it often, it may feel harder without it. If your cruise is not working, it’s okay to drive, but you should fix it soon to get back the comfort and safety features it brings.
Do I need a mechanic to fix cruise control?
Not always. Many problems like a blown fuse, brake switch, or dirty sensor can be fixed at home with basic tools. But if you’re not sure or if the problem is deeper, like electrical wiring or engine codes, a mechanic can help faster. They also have tools to read trouble codes and test wires safely.
Can cruise control stop because of brake fluid?
Yes, if the brake fluid is low or leaking, your cruise control may stop working. The car checks your brake system for safety. If anything is wrong, like low fluid or a bad sensor, it will shut off the cruise feature. Always keep your brake fluid full and clean, and check for leaks around the wheels or under the car.
Do I have to reset the system after fixing it?
Sometimes yes. After changing a part like the fuse or sensor, the cruise control might not work right away. Turning the car off and back on usually resets it. In other cases, your car’s computer may need a scan tool to clear a trouble code. If the cruise still doesn’t work, resetting may be the missing step.
