4 Reasons the Cruise Control in Your Toyota Is Not Working in Salem, Oregon

May 9, 2019

When you're driving on the highway, cruise control can make the experience more pleasant. By allowing your leg to rest, you can avoid some of the fatigue that comes from long drives. So, if your car's cruise control doesn't work, it can be a major irritation. Below, we've listed four common reasons why cruise control may not work. Whatever the reason is, we'll be glad to take care of it for you at Capitol Toyota.

4. Damaged Mechanical Components

If you're driving an older car, there's a chance that the cruise control may be mechanical. Mechanical cruise control is a relatively simple system: a cable connects the throttle to a part known as the vacuum actuator. The actuator adjusts the cable depending on the cruise control's setting. If the vacuum actuator is leaking, or if either component is damaged, the cruise control may not work.

3. A Blown Fuse

If your cruise control system is electronically controlled, it will have an associated fuse. If there's an electrical problem, the fuse will fail in order to keep other wiring from getting damaged. Try replacing the fuse. If it solves the problem and the cruise control keeps working, that's great! However, if the fuse blows again, there may be deeper electrical problems that you'll need to deal with.

2. Damaged Speed Sensor

Can you guess what the speed sensor does in your Toyota? That's right, it senses speed (specifically, how fast your vehicle is traveling). A damaged speed sensor may cause the cruise control not to work properly due to inaccurate readings. Since a damaged speed sensor can also cause problems with the speedometer, it should be fixed right away.