A modern car is equipped with a large number of auxiliary systems that make driving easier. Moreover, the number of these systems is constantly increasing, but there are also those that appeared quite a long time ago, among them cruise control. But despite this, not everyone knows what kind of system this is and what it is needed for. This is because cruise control has not found much popularity in European countries, and not all manufacturers install it. And yet, let’s figure out what cruise control is in a car, why it is needed and how to use it.
Image of cruise control on the dashboard
Cruise control is an auxiliary vehicle system whose main task is to maintain a given speed. It is useful for long trips on country roads, but in the city it is of no use.
If the car drives onto a long section of the highway, the driver simply sets a certain speed limit, and the system maintains it regardless of road conditions (ascent, descent). In this case, the driver does not need to press the accelerator pedal, which allows him to sit more comfortably and relax his legs. As a result, the driver is less tired from long journeys.
This system is far from new; it is already almost half a century old. It was invented in the USA, and there it is more in demand. Cruise control can be installed on cars with any types of engines and transmissions (automatic transmission, manual).
Passive cruise control
There are two types of cruise control: passive and adaptive. Passive cruise control is a simple system that is capable of maintaining only a given speed limit. It usually consists of a control unit, several sensors and a throttle valve drive.
The passive system works quite simply - when the driver reaches a speed that he considers optimal, he turns on the cruise control. The electronic unit uses sensors to record the speed mode and throttle position. When driving conditions change (ascent, descent), the sensors signal this, and the control unit sends a signal to the throttle valve actuator, which carries out the necessary actions with the throttle (opens, closes) to maintain the set speed mode.
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive cruise control sensors
Adaptive cruise control is a new generation of cruise control. It not only supports the given driving mode, but also takes into account the traffic situation. To do this, the system includes additional sensors, radars, and cameras.
Thanks to this system, it is possible to “link” your car to the one in front. This type of cruise control “monitors” the car in front and completely adapts to its speed limit, while maintaining a safe distance between the cars.
This is why the design includes additional sensors, a camera and a radar. They allow you to become attached to another car and maintain its speed. If the “leading” car changes speed, the sensors “catch” this and transmit a signal to the cruise control ECU, which in turn engages the drive to set the required mode.
Some types of adaptive systems can also take into account road markings, that is, cruise control will ensure that the car does not leave the selected lane.
Please note that cruise control is not a system that operates automatically. To use it, the driver needs to turn it on.
Video about cruise control
How to use cruise control
Button block for cruise control control
For ease of operation of the system, its control unit is located on the steering wheel. At the same time, with its help you can not only turn the system on and off, but also change its operating conditions.
The cruise control control unit usually consists of several keys:
- « ON/OFF» — key to turn the system on and off (may be missing).
- « SET/ASSEL» — key for setting the speed mode. When pressed once, the system begins to maintain the speed at which the car was moving at the time of pressing. Pressing again increases the speed by a certain value, for example, 1 or 2 km/h.
- « COAST» — speed reduction key. When pressed, the speed mode decreases by a certain value.
- « RESUME» — return to the previously set speed limit.
Additionally, to control the operation of cruise control, the brake pedal is used, as well as the clutch pedal - in a car with a manual transmission. Any, even slight, pressing of these pedals disables cruise control, that is, the car switches to manual accelerator control and the set speed mode is no longer supported.
In systems that do not have an “ON/OFF” key, turning on is done by pressing “SET/ASSEL”, and turning off is done by pressing the brake pedal.
When you turn off the cruise control, for example, when braking slightly, just press “RESUME” to turn it on again, and it will return to the mode that was set before it was turned off. But it is worth noting that cruise control is not capable of storing data on the speed limit for a long time, so returning to it using “RESUME” can only be done during short-term outages.
Overall, cruise control is a fairly useful system, but only on long trips. In the city it will be of little use, especially considering that it usually does not work at speeds below 40 km/h.
During long trips, many drivers are faced with the fact that constantly keeping their foot on the gas pedal in a fixed position leads to rapid fatigue. It is to simplify driving when driving long distances that a system called cruise control is installed in modern cars.
Take cruise control on a long road trip
That's why it's so important to learn how to use cruise control on long trips. Currently, installation of such a system is possible both on cars with manual gearboxes and automatic ones.
What is cruise control
Cruise control is a system designed to automatically maintain a speed set by the driver. Activation of this system in a car allows you to maintain a given speed limit regardless of the terrain, without resorting to tiresome mechanical action of your foot on the accelerator pedal.
In cases where the road situation requires an increase in speed, for example, to overtake a passing vehicle, the driver simply presses the gas pedal and the car accelerates. To slow down the car, the driver.
Pressing the brake and gas pedals will temporarily disable cruise control.
However, when such manipulations are stopped, the system is automatically activated and restores the previously set speed, information about which is stored in the internal memory of the device.
Automatic speed control (cruise control)
The adjustment system has a cruise control switch - usually in the form of a single button. However, there are options with several buttons for different functions. Standard cruise control has a button that allows you to activate and deactivate the system. Another button, designated “set,” is used by the driver when the car reaches the desired speed. To improve information content, a corresponding indication is displayed, reflecting all actions with cruise control. Increased traffic on motorways has meant that standard cruise control, called passive cruise control, is increasingly being replaced by adaptive cruise control, which is a more advanced version of the system.
The main advantage of adaptive cruise control is the presence of additional functions that, although they do not replace the driver, make driving much easier and more comfortable. Such functions include automatically maintaining the distance to the vehicle in front, preventing unauthorized rolling down slopes, automatically braking when an obstacle occurs, etc.
Cruise control control
Cruise control can be activated both while driving and when the vehicle is parked. The activation of the system is accompanied by a corresponding light indication on the dashboard, the color of which depends on the car model.
Pressing the cruise control lever causes the vehicle to reach and maintain the last stored speed.
Typically, it can record speeds of 40 km/h and above. The presence of an emergency function in the cruise control allows you to instantly turn it off when you press the brake pedal.
Cruise control switch button
To control the cruise control function in some car models, only one button is used, pressing which automatically turns on the system. In this case, the cruise control is turned off by pressing the brake pedal by the driver. If there are five standard buttons on the car panel or a special cruise control lever, the system is turned on slightly differently. Pressing the “on” button brings the on-board computer into a ready state, and cruise control is activated by pressing the “set” button, after which the speed is adjusted by pressing the gas pedal.
In order to determine the procedure for turning on the cruise control system installed on a particular vehicle, you need to carefully examine the control lever. The simplest cruise control systems, controlled by just one button, are automatically activated when the button is turned on and turned off when the brake pedal is pressed. The speed is adjusted by pressing the accelerator pedal. In other cases, when the cruise control is controlled using five standard buttons, turning on the cruise control (the “on” button) only means that the car’s on-board computer is ready to activate this system, which is done by pressing the “set” button at the speed set using the gas pedal.
Some features for different types of cars
Two of the additional buttons are designed to increase and decrease the vehicle's speed. In most cases, each press increases or decreases the speed by 1 km/h.
cruise control may have several buttons
Here's a little instruction: cruise control is controlled by additional buttons
- Acceleration. Lightly pressing the lever and holding it in this position allows you to gain the desired speed without the driver pressing the gas pedal.
The accumulated speed is recorded and recorded in the device’s memory by releasing the lever.
Interruption (failure) of the set speed occurs in cases where the current speed for 1 minute exceeds the one recorded in the memory by 10-16 km/h (depending on the car brand), or the current speed is lower than the set speed by 8-10 km/h . To adjust the speed, you must recall it again from the cruise control memory or set it and save it again.
- Slowdown. Slowing down using cruise control is done in the same way: the corresponding button (lever) is pressed and, after reducing the speed to the required speed, it is released. In this case, the speed is fixed, and its value is stored in the device’s memory. Short-term presses lead to a decrease in speed by 1 km/h. In some cars, for example, the BMW 525td, as well as cars equipped with an automatic stability control system, in order to maintain speed, you need to write the set speed into the device’s memory and then use the cruise control in this way, the memory, relatively speaking, of this device already helps.
- Shutdown. The system is turned off by lightly pressing the corresponding button. Current driving conditions do not matter.
Turning off the engine leads to erasing the speed recorded in the device’s memory.
In addition, cruise control is disabled when the driver brakes, when acceleration exceeds 1.5 m/s and when the automatic transmission control lever is moved to the neutral position (position N).
How to use cruise control
Special switches installed on the clutch and brake pedals allow you to adjust whether cruise control is turned off. The system also provides for the installation of a pneumatic actuator that regulates the throttle valve, which allows the vehicle with activated cruise control to move without the driver pressing the gas pedal. In this case, the fuel supply is adjusted using a special cable connected to the throttle valve.
Thus, the cruise control control unit is a real minicomputer that quickly analyzes a lot of data entering it and maintains a given speed limit, being a successful example of the real implementation of the theory regarding automatic control systems.
Think about safety
Ride comfort is not only about caring for the driver's feelings.
A tired driver can make a mistake that will lead to very sad consequences.
This is especially important. Several hours of driving, and even several days in a row will challenge anyone, even a physically strong person.
Cruise control is important for driving safety
Video - how to use cruise control
Conclusion!
Modern means of increasing comfort are offered by car manufacturers, including to eliminate such unpleasant complications. Even a novice driver without much experience would do well to learn how to use cruise control while driving. This is not particularly difficult and does not require much labor. But it will only bring benefits.
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Cruise control is a special device in a car that allows you to maintain a constant speed while driving by increasing the speed during natural deceleration (uphill) or reducing the gas supply when going downhill. The system is needed on long trips when intense attention is required from the driver. For cruise control to work effectively, so that the driver can feel it, large sections of the road with good coverage are needed. Naturally, the cruise control system is most in demand in countries such as the USA, where there are good long roads.
How sad it is to realize, it turns out there can be good roads even where there are no large populated areas
Many drivers who have bought a used foreign car (even a very expensive and luxurious one) sometimes do not know about the full functionality of their car. This can be explained by the fact that to drive a car it is enough to study its basic characteristics, or by the fact that the documents (passport or description) for the car are incomplete or completely lost.
Most often, the key device built into the steering wheel of a car is ignored completely or partially, after unsuccessful attempts to turn it on.
Many owners of foreign cars still cannot understand why the CRUISE button on the steering wheel is needed
Today's cruise control systems are divided into passive and adaptive.
Passive systems
The passive cruise control system includes the following elements:
- system control keys;
- automatic control controller;
- servo;
- solenoid valves to control the servo drive;
- actuator for the throttle valve.
How cruise control works
The servo drive uses the vacuum generated in the manifold of a running engine. The controller, depending on the difference between the signals about the real and the set speed, according to the built-in program, controls the vacuum and ventilation valves of the servo drive. The signal from the servo drive membrane goes to control the throttle valve, adjusting the fuel supply. In this way, a constant (set) speed of the machine is maintained when the load on the engine changes (ascent, descent).
On a road like this, where the descent is constantly replaced by an ascent, it is better to drive with cruise control turned on, otherwise you will constantly have to press and release the gas pedal
The controller is programmed in such a way that the cruise control system cannot be forcibly engaged if the vehicle speed is less than 40 km/h. On the other hand, the controller automatically turns off when the driver presses the brake pedal.
Cruise control control
As a rule, the control keys are located on the multifunction lever or in the center of the steering wheel, in some models on the front panel, usually labeled CRUISE.
Cruise control
- OFF key – switch off.
- ON key – turns on the cruise control controller. When you press this key, the system itself is activated, but to set the desired speed value you need to dial the required speed by pressing the accelerator, for example 60 km/h, and press and release the SET button. From this moment on, the car will maintain the set speed under the control of the controller, and the CRUISE ENGAGED indicator will light up.
- To accelerate the car when the cruise control is activated (the ON button was pressed), you need to press the RES + (RESUME/ACCELERATE (R/A)) button (switch). A short press (half a second) will result in a minimum speed increase of 1.6 km/h. If you press (hold the switch) RES + while accelerating to the desired speed, the controller will remember exactly the value that was achieved at the moment the button (switch) was released.
- Briefly pressing the SET button when cruise control is activated (the ON button was pressed) will reduce the speed by 1.6 km/h, and holding the button for a long time will allow you to reduce the speed to the desired one.
- When overtaking, you need to press the gas pedal (increase the speed of the car); after completing the maneuver, you need to release the gas pedal. The controller will reduce the speed to the value before overtaking, and the vehicle speed will again be constant.
- You can disable cruise control either by pressing the brake pedal, then the system will not remember the set speed, or by pressing the OFF button, the next time you activate the system without turning off the car, the system will pick up and maintain the previously set speed.
When the cruise control system is turned on, there is no need to “press on the gas” - you can take your foot off the gas pedal. You can also set the speed limit to 90 km/h and occasionally increase it.
terms of Use
In conditions of frequent descents and ascents, there may be some difficulties when driving a vehicle with the cruise control system activated. This depends on a combination of three factors: the steepness of the road, the set speed and the steepness of the descent (ascent). When going up, you may lose speed; when going down steeply, engine braking may not be enough; you will need to press the brake pedal. This inevitably leads to drivers disabling the cruise control system in such variable conditions.
WARNING!!!
It is strictly forbidden to turn on the cruise control system when the road is icy, wet or slippery. This may lead to an accident.
In difficult road conditions (fog, night, rain, snow, drizzle), cruise control cannot be used.
What is modern adaptive cruise control?
The created more advanced adaptive cruise control system (ACC - Adaptive Cruise Control) allows you to maintain the required distance between cars at a given speed. The system is equipped with a laser or radar installed behind the radiator grille. The speed of return of the signals constantly sent by the radar is scanned by the controller, which either forces the car to accelerate or slow down. This allows you to set the optimal distance between cars, which promotes traffic safety.
Adaptive cruise control automatically takes into account the distance to the vehicle in front. The indication is displayed on the instrument panel (click the picture to enlarge)
Adaptive cruise control operates as usual after the obstacle is removed to a safe distance: the previously set speed is restored.
Laser adaptive control systems are much cheaper than radar ones. The disadvantage of laser systems is that in bad weather conditions (rain, snow, splashes from cars ahead), the laser does not see the obstacle. A dirty car is not perceived by the laser at all.
The radar cruise control system is installed on executive and expensive sports cars.
Many European countries consider the adaptive cruise control system to be the most promising in the automotive industry. The system allows the driver to drive the car comfortably and improves the safety of all passengers by preventing collisions.
Today's "advanced" adaptive cruise control systems are equipped with audible and visual warning signals. And the most modern ones can make independent decisions about emergency braking if the driver hesitates or avoids braking.
I would like to warn drivers: adaptive cruise control sometimes makes mistakes, mistakenly identifying an obstacle, so the driver must be careful on the road even with such a perfect system.
Please note that when cruise control is turned on, the engine operating mode is selected in which the least amount of fuel is consumed.
Additional information for drivers
Checking the passive cruise control system
If the car does not maintain speed when the cruise control system is activated, you need to make sure it is working.
Procedure for checking:
- Turn on the ignition. Turn on the cruise control ON switch. The CRUISE ENGAGED indicator light should light up. The indicator light may be burnt out; if so, it needs to be replaced.
- Press the RES+ button (switch) for 3 seconds. The indicator light should turn on for 3 seconds and go off for 2 seconds. After this, if there is a breakdown, the indicator will display error codes in self-diagnosis mode. If everything is normal, to reset the self-diagnosis mode, you need to speed up to 16 km/h, turn off the cruise control system by pressing the OFF button and make sure that the indicator goes out.
Error codes read using the indicator lamp
When reading, you must remember that:
- there is a long pause between codes;
- two-digit codes are separated by a short pause.
Example, code 12: long flash, short pause, two short flashes.
Error code 01
It is necessary to check the wiring going to the main cruise control buttons, inspect the brake light switch, and check the serviceability of the cruise control brake sensor.
Error code 05
You need to check the fuse and the wiring between the fuse and the cruise control.
Error code 07
You need to check the cruise control brake sensor and brake light switch.
Error code 11
Error code 12
You need to check the cruise control switch.
Cruise control system(another name for “autodrive” or “autospeed”) is a set of hardware and software designed to constantly maintain speed by a car on a certain section of the road. Although some car owners have difficulty operating it, setting up this device is actually not difficult.
It can be turned on and configured using buttons on the steering wheel or steering column switches (depending on the model and brand of the car). As for malfunctions and checks, diagnostics are carried out using the electronic control unit (ECU) of the car. The mechanical parts of the complex are also checked. Below we will provide you with complete information about the purpose, benefits, settings, diagnostics of the Cruise Control System, as well as other useful information.
What is cruise control in a car?
The name cruise control (abbreviated as KK) comes from the English expression Cruise Control, which means constant control of driving speed. That is, the device is designed to maintain a constant speed when the car is moving on the road. As a rule, it is used on long trips. After all, experienced drivers know how difficult it is to keep your foot on the accelerator pedal for a long time. The Cruise Control System is installed on cars with and without a gearbox.
However, in addition to its main purpose, the functions of the system also include. After all, while driving, a person involuntarily either accelerates the car or slows it down, constantly focusing on the speedometer. Because of this, fuel consumption is uneven. According to statistics, Fuel consumption on the highway with cruise control on is reduced by 4-7%(according to some sources, even 12%). Constant speed also has a beneficial effect on the wear of parts and the use of consumables. According to experts, the costs decrease by approximately 1.5%.
Also, modern Cruise Control Systems perform a number of additional tasks. In particular, they scan the space in front of the car while driving and warn the driver of possible danger. The lower operating limit of the systems may vary, but is usually in the range from 30 to 50 km/h. The upper limit may also vary. As a rule, this is 200...220 km/h.
The operating principle of cruise control is simple. In the simplest case, it consists of a servo drive (a drive with negative feedback to control a mechanical system), which is connected via a cable or rod to a mechanism responsible for supplying gas to the carburetor or injector (for gasoline engines). That is, when the car moves at a constant speed, the accelerator pedal is at one fixed angle. Accordingly, the angle of the accelerator pedal will also be constant. If at this moment the driver turns on Cruise Control, the ECU remembers its position. At the same time, the speed is also recorded.
Electronic cruise control operating diagram
If, while driving, the speed begins to fall, for example, on an ascent (the corresponding sensors report this to the ECU), the electronic unit sends a command to the servo drive so that it changes the angle of the throttle sector and increases the fuel supply. The tilt angle directly depends on the error signal. This will happen until the speed of movement begins to increase.
If the speed along the way increases (on a descent), then the electronic unit sends a signal to the servo drive to change the throttle angle to reduce the fuel supply. This can happen right up to the moment when a mechanical stop occurs at idle. This will naturally cause engine braking. However, there are two possible options, which depend on the type of cruise control installed.
If Cruise Control is installed on a manual transmission, the sector may hit the limit stop. In this case, the driver will be advised to change gear. If we are talking about automatic transmission, then this process will happen automatically. As soon as the speed reaches the set level, the servo will stop moving and the throttle sector will remain in a fixed position.
If cruise control is installed on a car with a manual transmission, the driver will need to slow down independently if necessary. If the car has an automatic transmission, it is possible to switch to a lower gear to reduce speed. However, if the car has adaptive Cruise Control, then the entire braking process occurs automatically in full. Now let's talk in more detail about the types of systems used.
Drivers currently have the option of purchasing the Cruise Control System separately. You can install it yourself. It is important not to forget to register its functionality in the ECU.
Types of cruise controls
There are two main types of cruise control - passive (PCC) and adaptive (ACC). The first type is the classic system, used on cars with manual and automatic transmissions for over 40 years. It is activated via buttons or levers on the steering wheel and simply maintains a constant speed.
Passive Cruise Control is deactivated when the driver presses the brake pedal. However, these settings can be changed. You will find detailed information in the manual.
However, much more interesting adaptive cruise control. What it is? This is a complex that not only maintains a constant speed, but also regulates it depending on the obstacles that arise on the road (vehicle ahead, obstacles, and so on). To do this, it constantly measures the distance to the vehicle ahead (usually at a distance of up to 200 meters).
According to the principle of operation, adaptive cruise controls are divided into two types - laser And radar. As the name implies, the former use a laser beam for their work, the latter use radio waves. Laser systems are much cheaper, but have significant drawbacks, which is why they are not widely used. In particular. the laser does not work well in cloudy and foggy weather, and it is also difficult to distinguish between dirty cars. Radar systems, in turn, do not have these disadvantages, which is why they are installed on expensive cars (business and luxury class).
ACC indicator
The ACC radar sensor is installed behind the radiator grille and constantly sends signals, recording the distance to the nearest car in front. If it slows down or a third object appears between your car and another car, the sensor sends a signal to the Cruise Control System to reduce speed. In this case, not only the engine is used, but also car brake system. If the road is cleared again, speed will be restored. On Toyota and Lexus, a similar sensor is used by the pre-crash safety system. You can read about this in another material.
The distance at which the system operates is 200 meters, and the speed range is 40...210 km/h (these values may vary slightly for different cars). The device can completely stop a car in a traffic jam and start moving within the first three seconds when the road ahead is clear.
Available Brake Assist alerts the driver to danger even when adaptive cruise control is turned off.
ACC work
In addition, ACC has a number of additional functions. For example, it can be used to change the speed of a car. This is done step by step increasing or decreasing the speed by 1...2 km/h (depending on the car model). In this case, the complex does not care how loaded the car is or how steep the slope you are climbing. Also, adaptive control, in the event of danger or the likelihood of an emergency, notifies the driver using visual or audio signals (sometimes both).
Adaptive Cruise Control always works in tandem with two vehicle safety systems - ABS (anti-lock braking) and ESP (electronic stability control), if equipped. If at least one of them does not work, ACC will not turn on.
Remember that cruise control is not intended for driving in difficult conditions (including in the city). It only needs to be turned on on country roads where there are few cars, or all of them are driving at approximately the same speed. This also applies to adaptive cruise control.
Before we get into how to use this system, we need to figure out where the cruise control is located. As a rule, on most cars equipped with a traffic control function, the control buttons are located on the multifunction steering wheel. In more rare cases, it is controlled using the steering wheel switches. You can see examples of the location in the photographs shown here.
Cruise Control Location Options
Many owners of used (and not only) cars are concerned about the question - how to turn on cruise control? There is nothing complicated about this, but you need to understand that some nuances may differ on different car models. In general, the algorithm of actions will be as follows:
QC icon on the dashboard
- you need to accelerate the car to the speed at which you plan to continue driving (note that for most Cruise Control Systems the minimum operating speed is 40 km/h);
- activate “cruise” by pressing the button with the image of a tachometer and arrow or with the inscription ON (as a result, a similar image glowing white will light up on the dashboard);
- activate the system by pressing the button or lever labeled “SET/-” (on some vehicles the name may differ slightly, for example, simply “SET”);
- after this, the car will switch to Cruise Control mode, and the mentioned icon on the dashboard will light up in green;
- if you want to increase or decrease the speed, use the buttons with the images “+” and “-”, respectively, and the speed will change step by step by a certain number of km/h (usually 1...2 km/h, depending on the car) .
Some machines have more flexible capabilities. You can find reliable information on how to turn on cruise control and use it on the road in your car’s manual.
Example of labels on the buttons: On - turning on the system, Off - turning off the system, Set Accel - setting a mode/increasing the speed, Resume - restoring the previously stored speed, Coast - reducing the speed.
How to use cruise control
Cruise control control on Toyota Corolla
How disable cruise control, depends on its type. For some, it is enough to press the brake pedal while driving. This will signal the shutdown and the machine will return to normal mode under full manual control. In other cases (especially ACC), you can also disable Cruise Control by pressing the gas pedal. Thirdly, to turn it off, you need to use the button or lever intended for this. You will find detailed information about this in the manual.
In conditions of poor visibility, heavy rain, snow, wet roads, icy roads and other inconveniences, using cruise control is strictly not recommended!
Cruise control is switched off automatically if the vehicle acceleration value exceeds 1.5 m/s² (or a sharp increase in speed of 5.4 km/h). It also turns off if, on a car with an automatic transmission, the lever is moved to the neutral position (indicated by the letter N).
| Brand | Models with installed CC (both by default and as an addition) |
|---|---|
| Kia | Rio, Sid, Sportage, Sorento, Optima, Cerato, Soul |
| Ford | Focus, Kuga, Mondeo, Transit, Fiesta, Kuga, Galaxy, Escape, S MAX, Ecosport |
| Hyundai | Creta, Solaris, Elantra, IX35, Gretta, Tussan, Santa Fe, Starex, Sonata |
| Toyota | Corolla, Camry, RAV 4, Avensis, Auris, Prado, Verso, Fielder |
| Renault | Megan, Duster, Scenic, Logan, Fluence, Sandero, Laguna, Kaptur, Stepway, Kangu |
| Lada | Vesta, Granta, X Ray, Kalina |
| Opel | Astra, Zafira, Vectra, Omega, Antara, Corsa, Vivaro, Mocha |
| Nissan | Qashqai, X Trail, Example, Almera, Tiida, Terrano, Teana, Note, Beetle, Murano, Pathfinder, Serena |
| Peugeot | 307, 308, 408, Boxer, 406, 3008, Partner, 407, 207 |
| Mazda | 3, 5, 6, SH 5, SH 7, 626, MPV |
| Skoda | Octavia, A7, A5, Fabia, Octavia Tour, Rapid, Superb, Yetty |
How to check cruise control
What to do if Cruise control won't turn on? Or does it turn on, but the car does not maintain the set speed in normal mode? For verification, there are verification methods, which are discussed below.
The first step is to carry out computer diagnostics of the system. To do this, you need a laptop with a diagnostic cable and appropriate software. In most cases, this is the easiest and most effective way to check. The computer will show you error codes if there are any. You will find their decoding in additional literature.
Regarding mechanical diagnostics of cruise control, it is recommended to check:
KK control cables
- the integrity of the fuse responsible for the operation of the system (located either in the standard fuse box or under the hood in a box labeled FUSE BOX);
- does vacuum come to the vacuum seal when the engine is running (if the system has one, as a rule, a thin tube is used for this);
- the tightness of the tube coming from the vacuum seal (needed to turn off the cruise control when you press the brake pedal, resets the vacuum), this can be done by disconnecting it and pumping out air, if the diaphragm does not hold, then the vacuum is gone;
- integrity of the wires going to the buttons or control lever of the CC (ring them and inspect them visually);
- contacts on controls (buttons or levers, perform a preventive inspection of them - cleaning and lubrication);
- serviceability of the limit switch on the brake pedal;
- serviceability of the vacuum pump.
According to statistics, the most common problems associated with cruise control are mechanical damage to the wire insulation, as well as vacuum leaks.
In some machines, self-diagnosis of the system is possible. For example, cruise control of Nissan Primera, Mazda Tribute, SsangYong Korando, Honda CR-V and others provides this opportunity. As an example, we give an algorithm of actions for checking on a Honda crossover:
- turn on the car ignition;
- activate Cruise Control by pressing the ON button;
- if the indicator light on the dashboard lights up, we continue further actions, otherwise the light bulb must be replaced;
- press the Resume Accel button for 3 seconds;
- if there are no breakdowns, then the indicator light mentioned above should turn on for 3 seconds, then go off for 2 seconds;
- if there are errors in the system, the indicator will display error codes, which we will discuss later;
- To reset the self-diagnosis mode, you need to accelerate the car to a speed of 16 km/h, or simply turn off the Cruise Control System by pressing the OFF button.
Before moving on to the description of the codes, you need to figure out how to read them. Information is provided by the flashing indicator of the cruise control system on. There is a long pause between codes when it does not flash. If the indicator reports a two-digit code, then there is a short pause between its digits, and the number of short blinks corresponds to the transmitted digit.
For example, code 15 would be displayed as follows: long flash, short pause, five short flashes. Next, let's move on to a description of the typical errors that self-diagnosis of the cruise control of a Honda CR-V car can tell you about:
- Error 01. Problems with the wiring leading to the actuator, brake light switch or cruise control brake sensor. First of all, check the actuator.
- Error 05. Problems with the cruise control Stop fuse or the wiring between the fuse and the CC system.
- Error 07. The brake sensor or brake light switch is faulty.
- Error 11. Problems with the Cruise Control switch.
- Error 12. Likewise
- Error 15. Problems with the central control unit.
- Error 21. Click the Set Coast button. If Code 21 is displayed, press the Resume Accel button.
- Error 22. Click the Set Coast button. If Code 22 is displayed, check the QC switches.
- Error 31. Press the brake pedal. If code 31 is displayed, check the brake sensor and brake light switch.
- Error 35(for a car with automatic transmission). Turn on the ignition. Switch the selector to position P or N. If code 35 is displayed, check the switch in the gear selector.
- Error 35(for a car with manual transmission). Turn on the ignition. Press the clutch pedal. Shift the transmission to neutral. If code 35 is displayed, check the clutch pedal sensor or neutral sensor.
- Error 37. Drive your vehicle at a speed of 40 km/h or more. If code 37 is displayed, check the speed sensor and its circuits.
In any case, you will find the most detailed information about diagnosing and adjusting the cruise of your car in the manual. Cruise Control Systems differ on different machines, so it is impossible to give universal recommendations for operation and testing.
Results
QC system on sale
Cruise control is a convenient system that makes driving on the highway much easier. If your car does not come standard with CC, we recommend buy and install it additionally, especially if you often drive on country roads. When the car was not equipped with cruise, then after additional installation it will definitely require software activation, and on VAG cars there is a diagnostician, but on others there is a different software.
After installation, do not lose the instructions. If possible, keep it in your car's glove compartment so that if a problem occurs, you can read the information you need to fix it. The system should be used carefully, and only on country roads. Also, do not use Cruise Control in poor visibility conditions, on wet or icy roads, or at night.
Without cruise control, traveling long distances would become tiresome and contribute to driver fatigue. Let's tell you: what it is and what it is needed for, how to use it, what is the difference between passive and adaptive.
What is it and how to use it?
Cruise control is a device that maintains a constant vehicle speed by automatically increasing or decreasing the gas on its own. without driver participation. Most often, it is used while driving on highways. The driver sets the optimal speed at which he intends to drive, and the system itself presses or releases the gas pedal.For example, we set the system to 100 km/h (additionally adjusts within plus or minus 5 km/h) in order to keep the highway limit to 90 km/h plus the permitted 20 km/h and not get fined. The driver can only steer. The system may reduce speed on downhill slopes or when approaching a slow vehicle. After passing it, it will automatically dial the specified value.
In urban conditions, where the speed of the car is not constant, it is not needed. For safety reasons, cruise is switched off as soon as you press the brake pedal and is inactive when driving below 40 km/h.
For ease of use, the cruise buttons are located directly on the steering wheel and consist of 5 main ones: On (turn on), Off (turn off), Set\Accel (set/increase), Resume (restore), Coast (lower). Plus a brake pedal that automatically turns off the system.
Everything is clear with the on/off buttons. When you press the Set/Accel button, the cruise control will record the speed at which you are currently traveling. If you press this button again, it will increase by 2 km/h. If you brake, then to restore the lost speed you need to press the Resume button. If you hold the Coast button, the speed will decrease.
What is adaptive cruise?
There is an adaptive type system that monitors the speed of the car in front or the topography of the road, and knows where there will be turns, descents, and difficult sections. Depending on these conditions, it automatically adjusts your speed and maintains a safe distance between two cars. Those. in essence, this is the ability of a car to move autonomously with minimal driver input. In some cars, it is able to go around slow cars or change lanes.This opportunity will appear thanks to the installation of a radar and a digital processor. This type is called active. Traditional cruise control is considered passive and does not automatically adjust the speed; you must do this yourself.
Let's look at an example of how active cruise control works on Mercedes cars. It works when they are positioned behind a car and uses a video camera to point at the license plate of the leading car. Then your car will follow the leader as if tied, if he does not change lanes, and the road is not a mountain serpentine with sharp turns.
If the car in front slows down, the system sends a signal to reduce speed. When the road is empty, it gives a signal to restore speed. If you have a passive cruise, then you must slow down and then also independently restore the speed to the set one.
Active cruise control operates at speeds from 30 to 200 km/h. And the main condition for its use is Under no circumstances should you take your hands off the steering wheel, otherwise it will turn off. There are also options when the car follows the road markings and moves within the lane, rather than looking for another car. In essence, adaptive cruise is an automatic driving system without a first-level driver, but which still requires driver participation in the process.
Video review using an example
Active cruise control is designed to help avoid collisions with vehicles ahead. If the system does not have time to reduce speed and there is a possibility of a collision, it signals the driver to apply the brakes or move away from the collision. In advanced systems, it is capable of braking independently without driver intervention.
