Cruise Control Install Revisited - 02/29/2016

After replacing a failed brake switch and determining it to be the source of all the cruise control woes, I test drove it a while once the engine had been replaced. Turns out that with the new transducer it works well, but not perfect. It has a tendency to engage itself when above 35MPH (the low speed limit switch). This isn't a good thing, even though the brake pedal kills it. I did some research and found out that the transducer I have was originally used on Chevrolet, Buick, and Oldsmobile cars. And those wiring harnesses had a built in 40ohm resistor on the blue Engage wire to limit the current that could turn the solenoid on, but not prevent it from staying latched. So a 40ohm resistor was all I needed to fix this problem.



New transducer is kinda mounted hokey like because of no bracket, but it works. This is the vacuum setup to run one of these transducers. Series 40ohm resistor in line with the blue wire in electrical tape and it works. But I don't like it...



I figured that if the brake switch was the problem, maybe the original transducer was good? I hooked it back up and removed the resistor and it worked just fine - tested in traffic and highway driving at 55-60MPH. It also fits perfectly and doesn't interfere with the fresh air ductwork, making it aesthetically pleasing for when I'm looking under the hood.

It's the little things that really make the package worthwhile!

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Last updated February 29th, 2016