How to spot problems with your car's cruise control

Cruise control is a pretty handy feature. It can help boost your car's fuel economy by keeping you at a constant speed (and thus, constant fuel use), and it can also prevent fatigue when you're driving long stretches of highway. That being said, when you have issues with it, it can really affect your day-to-day commute. Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help you spot issues with this very important feature and schedule auto service accordingly. 

What's making your cruise control malfunction?

Basically, when you set your cruise control you hit a button or flip a switch and your speed is set - your car will maintain that speed (some vehicles will adjust speed according to what's in front of them). Issues can arise, though, and here are some reasons it may not engage when you need it to. 

• Your check engine light is on. If you have an issue with your engine or transmission, sometimes the cruise control won't engage. If this light is on in your dash then it's time to bring your ride to Toyota of N Charlotte for diagnosis. 
• The brake light switch can't be detected. Hitting the brakes disengages this feature, so if it can't detect the brake light switch, it may not be able to turn on at all. Sometimes, even having a blown brake light can disable the feature. 
• You have a faulty spiral cable. The cruise control switch is mounted on this cable, so if the cable goes bad, you won't be using this feature anytime soon. 
• You've got electrical problems. If there's an issue in your car's electrical system, it could be affecting your cruise control. 
• Your vehicle speed sensor is bad. Obviously, this can prevent this feature from working properly or even turning on at all and requires professional attention. 
• There's a vacuum leak under the hood. If there's a problem with your car's vacuum actuator (which can be tied to throttle response during cruise control operation), you may not be able to use cruise control. 
• Your control switch is inoperable. If your internal contacts have worn out, you may not be able to put this feature to use. 
• You've got blown fuses. Did you know that there are fuses associated with your cruise control switch? If one blows and needs to be replaced, you may not be able to use this feature. 

Regardless of the cause, fixing this important feature isn't something you can do at home. You'll need professional assistance and Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help. 

Schedule service for this important feature at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Need to schedule an appointment? Call us! Toyota of N Charlotte is open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025. We're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville! Let us get you back on the highway today.