Cruise control, works sometimes

Hey gang just need to pick everyone's brain. Cruise control works some of the time even though I hardly ever use it, I do like everything in my vehicles to work. I'm a DIY kinda of guy because I like to learn new things, so if anyone has the angle on this I would appreciate some input.
Thanks folks !

 

Is it manual transmission? Your clutch pedal might not be returning all the way and that will keep the cruise control from turning on.

 

Most of the time, when it is intermittent, it's the spiral cable.

 

how do you mean by 'works some of the time'?
what exactly is it doing, do you have any more deets on the situation?


what is the spiral cable?

 

Yeah, the last time I used it and it was working was about a year ago. So yes what is the spiral cable ?
Yes my truck is a manual, I'm not sure how to tell if my clutch pedal is not returning. It feels pretty much the as it did when I first bought it, and the cruise control never worked properly to begin with.

 

Had the same thing, clutch pedal wasn’t returning fully.

When cruise doesn’t work, use your left foot behind the clutch pedal to lift it up see if the pedal moves. If it moves, check to see if cruise works.

Cruise is enabled by a switch detecting if the clutch pedal is fully released, and if the pedal isnt returned 100% cruise won’t work. The pedal will probably only lift like 1/4”, but that’s enough to hit the switch.

If it is the pedal you can either live with it and make lifting the pedal up that 1/4” part of your driving habit on every shift (or at least every time you want cruise) or replace the return spring with a linear spring. I did the linear spring swap a few months ago, fairly easy swap (pita working under the dash though) and it is worth it, much better clutch feel. Was lifting the pedal with my foot for yeeears before, I still catch myself doing it out of habit sometimes.

 

it could ALSO be a bad master/slave cylinder as to WHY the pedal will not return fully, which was the case with my truck, usually only after reversing i would have to toe the pedal back up some. otherwise i still have the original spring and NO issues still with about 140k on the replaced master/slave hydraulics

 

This. Go give this simple thing a test and see if it fixes your problem. I bet it does.

 

scouterdad......tnshooter beat me to it

easy test to 'almost' confirm clock spring/spiral cable is cause

once you notice cruise not working......hit your horn.
if no beep likely clock spring

if beeps, go deeper into clutch pedal throw issue

 

Wow this is great stuff you guys !
I will give it a go, it seems the spring might be the best option to get it fixed and done. I'm assuming I just match up with the old spring ?

 

As long as u ‘know’ click spring is the issue (figure on $200 -/+)

not too difficult to install
But
Have to be very careful/precise lining up arrows and not letting ribbon spin without you noticing

I have snapped one before despite my carefulness
Still Pissed.


B4 I bought a $200 part I would go thru all the other potential causes first!

 

Hey guys !
I tried the clutch pedal suggestion while I was on the highway the other day, and the cruise control engaged no problems.
I appreciate all the help, I think I'm going to try and replace that spring next.

 

I recommend the linear spring swap, you can learn more about that here:
https://adventuretaco.com/guide/fixing-the-clutch-pedal-spring-torsion-to-linear-eliminate-squeaks/

 

You likely just need to adjust the arm that controls the return height. Look into how those clutch pedals operate. Those springs are super strong and shouldn’t go bad.

 

This is likely what his spring looks like, I know mine looked similar (though not quite as bad) when I took it out

And on the bracket side it digs into this piece:

Horrible picture I know, best I could find, but you can see how distorted that slot has become from wear.

I'd just throw the $5 linear spring in there and call it a day, even makes the clutch feel better imo

 

Does it squeak at all with changes in humidity or other climate changes such as cold to hot,etc.?

 

I hear ya, that’s also what mine looks like but that worn portion of the spring isn’t the problem with the clutch pedal returning fully, it’s that adjustable arm (can’t recall what it is called). That spring isn’t going to go bad because of some wear at the center.

 

This is great material guys !
Yes, sometimes it's a little squeaky. I'm going to be pulling my truck in the garage to do some stuff before winter comes.
This will definitely go on the "to do" list.
I appreciate all the input boys, I love this forum and its community.

 

It's not just the notch in the spring there is almost certainly a big notch in the corresponding part of the clutch pedal. The coil spring is a fancy design that makes it easier to hold the clutch pedal down. When it wears like this, it most certainly cause the pedal to not return fully. If it gets really bad the clutch pedal will sometimes even stay all the way on the floor when you press it. It's a common problem with these trucks and a very easy fix. Just pop out the coil spring and replace it with a linear one. The 4-cylinder models have a liner spring that will work, and the 6-cylinder models have the attachment points for the linear spring.