You were driving on the highway, everything smooth, but suddenly, your cruise control stopped working. This can be annoying and even stressful when you’re on a long trip. The most common reason is a blown fuse. Yes, that tiny part can stop the whole system. If your cruise control is not turning on or it’s acting weird, there is a good chance the fuse is blown. In this article, you’ll learn how to check if the cruise control fuse is blown and what you can do to fix it in the easiest way possible.
Look for Signs That Cruise Control Is Not Working
When your cruise control fuse is blown, your car usually gives you a few signs. One of the first things you will notice is that the cruise control light doesn’t turn on. This light normally lights up when you press the cruise control button. If it’s completely off, even when you try to turn it on, it’s a big clue.
Another sign is when you try to set your speed, but the car doesn’t hold it. Normally, you press a button or flip a switch, and your car keeps going at the same speed. But if the fuse is blown, your car will not respond to these buttons. It will feel like the buttons are doing nothing.
You might also feel a change in how your car reacts. For example, cruise control may turn off by itself, or it may work once and then stop. These signs are small but important.
Sometimes, the problem is not just the fuse. It could be the switch or a sensor, but the fuse is the easiest part to check first. That is why it makes sense to check it before going to a mechanic.
Your car’s owner’s manual can also help. It usually has a diagram showing where the fuse for cruise control is located. You might find a list with the word ‘CRUISE’ or something similar next to a number that tells you which fuse it is.
If you ignore these signs, you might end up driving long trips without cruise control. That makes driving more tiring and less fun. It’s always better to catch the issue early before it causes bigger problems.
- Cruise control light does not turn on
- Cruise control buttons don’t respond
- Car doesn’t hold speed
- Cruise control turns off by itself
- Owner’s manual shows fuse location
Find the Fuse Box in Your Car
To find out if the fuse is blown, you need to check the fuse box. Every car has at least one fuse box, sometimes two. The main one is usually under the hood, and another may be inside the car, often below the steering wheel or behind a side panel.
First, turn off your car and remove the key. This is very important for your safety. You don’t want to mess with fuses when the car is on.
Now open your car’s manual and look for the section about fuses. The manual should tell you where the fuse box is. If you don’t have the manual, you can search online for your car’s make and model.
Once you find the fuse box, remove the cover. You’ll see many small fuses inside. Most fuse boxes have a diagram inside the lid that shows what each fuse is for. Look for the one labeled ‘Cruise Control,’ ‘CRUISE,’ or something similar. It may also say ‘Speed Control’ or ‘ACC’.
Some fuse boxes have a small tool inside that helps you pull the fuses out. If not, use your fingers or tweezers. Gently pull the cruise control fuse out.
Keep in mind, fuses are very small and easy to drop, so be careful. You don’t want to lose it inside the car.
If your car has more than one fuse box, make sure you check both. The fuse could be in the interior one or the one under the hood. The manual or lid diagram will show you exactly which one to open.
If you can’t find the fuse box, don’t worry. Many people find it tricky at first. Just take your time, use a flashlight if needed, and look closely at the labels.
- Turn off the car before checking
- Look for the fuse box under the hood or dash
- Use manual to find cruise control fuse
- Use tool or fingers to pull out fuse
- Be gentle and careful not to lose it
Check the Condition of the Cruise Control Fuse
Now that you’ve removed the fuse, it’s time to check if it’s blown. This is the most important part. A fuse is a small plastic piece with metal inside. If the metal strip inside is broken or burned, the fuse is blown. That means the electricity cannot flow, and the cruise control won’t work.
Hold the fuse up to the light. You should be able to see the metal inside. If it looks broken, dark, or burnt, then it’s blown. If it looks like a complete loop with no damage, then it’s probably still good.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell just by looking. If you’re not sure, you can use a tool called a multimeter. This tool checks if electricity can pass through the fuse. If it can’t, the fuse is blown.
Even if the fuse looks okay, it could still be weak and not working right. So if you’re having problems with your cruise control, and you’re not sure about the fuse, it’s better to replace it just in case. Fuses are cheap and easy to change.
You might also notice the plastic part of the fuse is melted or smells burnt. That’s another big sign the fuse is no good.
If the fuse is blown, replace it with one that has the same number, like 10A, 15A, etc. Do not use a bigger or smaller one. That can cause more damage.
- Check for broken or burnt metal inside the fuse
- Use a multimeter if you are not sure
- Look for signs of melting or burning
- Replace with a fuse of the same amp rating
- Even if it looks fine, replace it if cruise control is not working
Replace the Blown Fuse
Replacing the fuse is simple, but you still need to be careful. First, find a new fuse with the same amp number. If your old fuse was 15A, your new one should also be 15A. You can find these at auto stores or online.
Once you have the new fuse, gently push it into the same spot where the old one was. Make sure it goes in all the way and fits snugly. If it feels loose, try again to make sure it’s secure.
Put the fuse box cover back on and close it tightly. Start your car and check if the cruise control is working again. If the light turns on and the buttons respond, then great! You fixed it.
If it still doesn’t work, check again to make sure the fuse was in the right place and installed correctly. Also, make sure you didn’t use the wrong size fuse. If everything looks good and it still doesn’t work, the problem might be somewhere else like a bad switch or sensor.
Remember, a fuse that keeps blowing means something is wrong. If your new fuse also blows quickly, you should see a mechanic.
Also, don’t forget to keep extra fuses in your glove box. They’re small, cheap, and can save you time in the future.
- Use a fuse with the same amp rating
- Push it in the right slot firmly
- Make sure it’s not loose
- Test the cruise control again
- Keep extra fuses in your car
Check Other Things If Fuse Is Fine
If your fuse is not blown, but the cruise control still doesn’t work, the problem could be something else. You should check the cruise control switch on your steering wheel. Sometimes, the switch wears out or the wires behind it get loose.
Also, check the brake pedal switch. This small switch turns off the cruise control when you press the brake. If it’s broken, your cruise control may never turn on.
The speed sensor in your car can also be the problem. This sensor tells the cruise control how fast you are going. If it’s broken, the system might not work right.
Another thing to look at is your car’s battery and electrical system. Low voltage or bad connections can mess with the cruise control system.
If you’re not sure how to check all this, it’s okay to visit a mechanic. Just let them know that you already checked the fuse. That can save time and money.
- Check cruise control switch
- Inspect brake pedal switch
- Look at the speed sensor
- Test the car’s battery and wiring
- See a mechanic if nothing works
Test the Cruise Control After Fixing
After you replace the fuse or fix any problem, it’s time to test the cruise control. Take your car to a safe road where you can drive at a steady speed, like a highway.
Start the car and drive up to about 50 mph. Press the cruise control button and try to set the speed. Look for the cruise control light on your dashboard. If it turns on and your car keeps the speed, that means it’s working again.
Try adjusting the speed using the cruise control buttons. Also, tap the brake to see if it cancels cruise control. This helps you make sure every part of the system is working.
If the light comes on but your car doesn’t hold the speed, or if nothing happens at all, the problem may not be fixed. Go back and check the fuse again. Also, make sure all the buttons work.
Testing is the final step and the most satisfying one. When everything works, you’ll feel proud knowing you fixed it yourself.
- Drive safely to test the cruise control
- Set and adjust speed using buttons
- Tap brake to cancel cruise
- Make sure light turns on
- Check again if something still feels wrong
Quick Guide Table
| Task | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Check signs | Cruise light off, speed not holding |
| Find fuse box | Use manual, look under hood or dash |
| Remove and inspect fuse | Check metal strip for damage |
| Replace fuse | Use same amp rating, push in firmly |
| Check other parts | Look at switches, sensors, battery |
| Test cruise control | Try on road, watch light, adjust speed |
Final Thoughts
Cruise control not working can be annoying, especially on long drives. But the fix is often simple. Many times, the problem is just a blown fuse. You can check and replace it yourself in a few easy steps. If the fuse is fine and the problem stays, then other parts like switches or sensors may be the reason. Either way, it’s always a good idea to start with the fuse. You’ll save time, money, and feel proud of doing it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to drive with a blown cruise control fuse?
Yes, it’s safe to drive even if your cruise control fuse is blown. The cruise control is a comfort feature, not a safety one. Your brakes, lights, and engine will still work fine. But it can be tiring on long trips because you’ll have to control your speed all the time. If the fuse is blown, it’s best to replace it soon so you can enjoy the comfort of cruise control again.
Can a blown fuse cause other car problems?
In most cases, a blown cruise control fuse will only affect cruise control. But sometimes, fuses are linked to more than one system. If your car has shared fuses, you might notice other problems like warning lights or other buttons not working. Always check your owner’s manual to see what the fuse controls. Replacing a blown fuse can fix more than just cruise control in some cars.
Do I need tools to replace a cruise control fuse?
Most of the time, you don’t need special tools to replace a fuse. Some fuse boxes include a small plastic tool to help pull fuses out. If not, you can use tweezers or your fingers. Just make sure the car is turned off first. If you are using a multimeter to test the fuse, then you will need that tool. But for most people, just pulling out the old fuse and putting in a new one is enough.
Is it hard to find the cruise control fuse?
It can be a little tricky if it’s your first time. The fuse box might be under the hood or inside the car. Your owner’s manual will tell you where to find it. Once you open the fuse box, the inside cover usually has a diagram showing what each fuse is for. Just look for the one that says ‘Cruise,’ ‘CRUISE CTRL,’ or something similar. Take your time, and it will become easier.
Can I use any fuse to replace it?
No, you must use the same type and amp number. If your cruise control fuse is 15A, then replace it with another 15A fuse. Using the wrong fuse can cause more problems or even damage your car’s electrical system. It’s always a good idea to keep extra fuses in your car so you have the right one ready when needed. Fuses are cheap and easy to carry.
Do I need a mechanic to fix it?
If it’s just a blown fuse, you can do it yourself. It’s a simple job that doesn’t need a mechanic. But if you check the fuse and replace it, and your cruise control still doesn’t work, then it might be a bigger problem. In that case, it’s a good idea to see a mechanic. They can test switches, sensors, and wiring that may be hard to check on your own.
Is it expensive to replace a fuse?
No, it’s very cheap. A single fuse usually costs less than a dollar. You can even buy a set of different types for under $10. Most auto stores carry them, and they’re also easy to find online. If you go to a mechanic just for a fuse replacement, they may charge more for labor. So if you can do it yourself, you can save money easily.
Can I keep driving if the cruise control does not work?
Yes, you can keep driving your car safely. Cruise control is not needed for the car to run. It only helps with comfort during long drives. If your cruise control stops working, it’s not dangerous, but you might feel tired quicker on long roads. Just make sure you don’t rely on it for slowing down or braking, as those still need your full attention.
