cruise control not working gmc sierra

5 Reasons Why Your Cruise Control Stopped Working

• Updated: March 15, 2023

It would be difficult to find a vehicle on the road today without cruise control. This invaluable feature makes driving long distances easier but can also cause trouble when it malfunctions. Understanding the reasons your cruise control stopped working ensures that you can get the problem fixed quickly for a more enjoyable ride. 

While this fault can cause issues with the cruise control system itself, there could also be an effect on the acceleration of your vehicle. That’s why you want to have it looked at as soon as you notice a problem. Let’s take a quick look at the reasons your cruise control may have stopped working.

Reasons Why Your Cruise Control Stopped Working

The most common reason a cruise control stops working is due to a blown fuse or a defective brake pedal switch . It can also be caused by issues with the throttle control system or the ABS. In older cruise control systems, it can be caused by a broken vacuum line.

Here is a more detailed list of the possible reasons your cruise control is not working:

1. Blown Fuse

All electrical systems in the vehicle are controlled by fuses. Your cruise control system is attached to a fuse that can blow if there is a short circuit or fault. Without a good fuse, the cruise control system can’t work at all.

Thankfully, it’s not difficult to find and replace a blown fuse. Look in the owner’s manual to find the fuse that corresponds with the cruise control technology. 

2. Defective Brake Pedal Switch

The brake pedal switch is responsible for turning the brake lights on and off based on the pedal position. Cruise control systems are designed to disengage whenever your brake pedal gets pressed. 

Because the cruise control is wired into the brake pedal switch, any fault can cause it to stop working. When the brake pedal switch malfunctions, the car believes the brakes are engaged, causing the system to turn off automatically. Not only that, but your car’s brake light might also be stuck on, leaving confused drivers in your wake. 

3. Malfunctioning Speed Sensor

Speed sensors are located on every wheel or differential. The purpose of these sensors is to monitor the speed of the wheels to determine if traction control is needed. 

The speed sensors are also part of the cruise control system. When a sensor fails, the cruise control can stop working and the speedometer might act strange as well. 

If there is an issue with a speed sensor, it will often show with an ABS warning light or a check engine light on the dashboard.

RELATED: 3 Symptoms of a Bad ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

4. Electrical Issues

The cruise control system is electronic, with many components working together to make the system operate. If the cruise control fails to work, you want to check the wiring harness and associated connectors for a fault.

You also need to ensure that the voltage source is supplying enough power to the system. Even the smallest fault can cause defects with the cruise control. In many cases, there can be an issue with the cruise control lever or buttons causing the cruise control to not engage.

If your cruise control buttons are located on the steering wheel it could also be caused by a bad clock spring, which is located behind the steering wheel.

Check the system with an OBD2 scanner to look for any trouble codes related to the cruise control.

RELATED: 5 Symptoms of a Broken Clock Spring, Location & Replacement Cost

5. Damaged Vacuum Actuator, Hoses or Cable (Older cruise control)

If you drive an older vehicle with cruise control, you might have an issue with the vacuum actuator or the cable that connects to the throttle. If there has been damage done to the vacuum hoses or the actuator, the cruise control will stop working altogether.

Additionally, the cable linking the actuator to the throttle must be in good shape. If it has been broken, the cruise control will fail. 

What is Cruise Control?

Cruise control is a feature that is used when you are traveling at a consistent speed. Cruise control was first introduced for automobiles in the 1950s. However, it took many years before it became a staple in the modern vehicle.

This electrical system allows you to set a predetermined speed and take your foot off of the gas pedal. If you are on a long drive, there is less fatigue because you don’t have to try to maintain your speed. Cruise control can also benefit fuel economy because the vehicle uses less fuel when traveling steadily. 

In newer cars, you might be able to find adaptive cruise control , which is a smart technology. Adaptive cruise control allows you to travel at a predetermined speed, but it also helps to maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you with the help of sensors. With conventional cruise control, you need to take over when the car in front of you slows down, but that’s not the case with adaptive cruise control. 

There are also vehicles nowadays with not only cruise control, but fully self-driving vehicles . We will most likely see much more of this in the future.

Cruise Control Repair Cost

The cost to repair your cruise control system depends on what caused it to fail. If you need to replace a cruise control or brake switch, you might spend between $125 and $350, including parts and labor. However, the cost to change a fuse is only a few dollars and you can perform the replacement yourself in just a matter of seconds. 

On the other hand, when something major fails, such as the actuator, you could be looking at a much higher repair bill. In some vehicles, the cost to replace a cruise control actuator can cost more than $700. These costs rise if you drive a luxury vehicle or one that is difficult to get parts for. 

It might not seem immediately important for you to fix the broken cruise control, but this defective system can affect other performance aspects. You could start to notice issues with acceleration or have trouble with the speedometer. To play it safe, it’s always best to have the cruise control repaired as soon as you notice a problem.

Is there a fuse for the cruise control?

Yes. If the cruise control is installed from the factory, you should check your car’s owner’s manual for the fuse location. If it’s an aftermarket cruise control, you’ll need to follow the wires to find the fuse.

Does the brake switch affect the cruise control system?

Yes. The brake switch affects the cruise control system. The brake switch sends a signal to the cruise control system to let it know when the brakes are being applied for the engine to know when it should stop accelerating.

Will the cruise control work if the check engine light is on?

The cruise control function will be disabled when the check engine light is on in most car models, even if the cause of the check engine light is not the cruise control itself. This is mainly due to safety reasons.

Can a vacuum leak affect cruise control?

Older vehicles use vacuum to control the throttle for the cruise control, and in this case a vacuum leak can heavily affect the cruise control. However, modern cruise controls are fully electric and in most cases will not be affected by a vacuum leak if the check engine light is not illuminated.

Although many people may think that the cruise control system is unimportant and not worth spending money to repair, the problem can be caused by a faulty part that will affect the engine’s performance or durability. Therefore, it is best not to ignore the problem if your cruise control is not working without first diagnosing the car properly.

If your cruise control still isn’t working after trying all the tips in this article, it’s probably time to take it in for a professional opinion from a mechanic. It may be a more serious problem that requires replacement parts or repairs. In the meantime, drive safe and enjoy the open road!

Learn more:

• Brake Lights Not Working But Tail Lights Are? (How to Fix)
• Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are? (How to Fix)
• Brake Lights Stay On? (5 Causes & How to Fix it)

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Help please! Cruise control stopped working!

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For some reason my cruise control has stopped working, I have changed the brake switch already, all my brake lights signal lights work fine. It was turning on for like 10 seconds then turning off. Now the light just lights up on my steering wheel, but no light is lit on my dash. I don't know where else to check. all the fuses are good. Could the brand new brake switch I bought is bad? My truck has been tuned for over a year so I dont think that is it that would make it turn off at this time. If anyone could help Id be greatly appreciative! Thanks! * NO code was given. I just changed the brake switch as for trial and error. It is an AC Delco switch  

#PIT4508C: Cruise Control Inoperative - (Oct 5, 2012) Subject: Cruise Control Inoperative Models: 2007 - 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe 2007 - 2013 GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali XL With Brake Controller (RPO JL1) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This PI was superseded to update model years. Please discard PIT4508B. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI. Condition/Concern Some owners may comment of the cruise control being inoperative. The Trailer Brake Control Module (TBCM) may set a DTC B3894. Recommendation/Instructions If normal diagnostics do not lead to a correction, check the "Master Cylinder Pressure" sensor parameter listed in the TBCM data list. If it is displaying pressure with no brake pedal input, suspect a concern with the Master Cylinder Pressure Sensor, wiring/terminals, EBCM, etc. On Models with StabiliTrak (RPO JL4), the Master Cylinder Pressure Sensor is internal to the BPMV/EBCM. ADDITIONAL SI KEYWORDS: abs inop switch Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. Here is one bulliten I found. Going to be hard to diag with out a tech 2 .  

Here is another that might apply. #PIT5179A: Cruise Control Inoperative (Inspect Circuit 6311) - (Nov 2, 2016) Subject: Cruise Control Inoperative (Inspect Circuit 6311) Models: 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade Models 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe 2007-2013 GMC Sierra 2007-2014 GMC Yukon Models -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This PI was superseded to update the Model years and condition sections. Please discard PIT5179. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI. Condition/Concern When diagnosing a cruise control inoperative issue, it may be noticed that the "BPP Circuit Signal" and/or "TCC/Cruise Brake Pedal" parameters are showing "Applied" with the brake pedal released. These parameters can be found using the scan tool under ECM/Data Display/Cruise PTO Traction Data. These parameters use the input to the ECM on circuit 6311 to determine if the brake pedal is either applied or released (see example Doc ID 2064555). If the parameters are showing "Applied" with the brake pedal released, use a DVOM to check for voltage on circuit 6311 at the ECM. In many cases, there will be approximately 9 volts when there should not be any. Circuit 6311 is very unique in the fact that each module connected to this circuit, except for the BCM, outputs a very low amperage, reference voltage (approximately 9 volts). The BCM pulls this reference voltage down near 0 volts. When using a DVOM to monitor a properly working circuit, there would be approximately 12 volts with the brake pedal applied and near 0 volts with the brake pedal released. If there is a faulty BCM or an open/high resistance in circuit 6311 to the BCM, the reference voltage being sent out by each of the other modules will not be pulled down near 0 volts. If using a DVOM to monitor circuit 6311 at the ECM there will be approximately 9 volts with the brake pedal released. The presence of this voltage will make the modules think the brake pedal is applied when it is not and the cruise will be inoperative. Note: Remember circuit 6311 will have voltage at the ECM, from the brake switch, when the brake pedal is applied. So do NOT over look the obvious cause of a shorted brake pedal switch or a brake switch not fully releasing. Recommendation/Instructions Inspect for any opens/high resistance or terminal issue in circuit 6311. Repair as necessary.  

Was going to post this early but called out  

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Chevy dealer says its the SIR Coil . They want to do it for $450!!  

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2000 GMC Sierra: cruise control not working

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I've only had this truck for about six months and the cruise has never worked. Everything else works perfectly. Is there something simple I can check? My cruise doesn't work at all. I click the little switch on end of my turn signal switch and try to set the speed, but I get nothing. When I turn this switch on, should anything light up on the dash to indicate the cruise has been turned on? I've looked under the hood and both cables are hooked to the throttle. Is there a fuse I can look for on a 2000 GMC Sierra SLE? If not, I worry it is the whole turn signal multi-switch and I'll have to take it in to get serviced. Thanks in advance for any help or advice.  

yeah you should get some kind of indication its on when you activate it......checking your fuse box would be a good place to start....  

do you have any aftermarket tails or 3rd brake light?  

Longbed said: yeah you should get some kind of indication its on when you activate it......checking your fuse box would be a good place to start.... Click to expand...

Denaliano said: do you have any aftermarket tails or 3rd brake light? Click to expand...

Try jumping the stop lamp swith. Iirc, there are two switches in the switch and if the cc detects an open in the system, it disables the cc. If it's not jumpering it, unplug it. You have to be going over 20 when you test it, so be careful with it unplugged  

dkpeppard said: Not installed yet, but I just ordered an LED 3rd brake light and some 'euro' LED taillights. Why do you ask? Click to expand...

Denaliano said: It's a very common issue for cruise to quit working when you install LEDs into your tails or replace your 3rd BL with an LED one. Cruise is tripped off when it detects a lower current draw to the brake light system. LEDs do exactly that. So don't be surprised if you get your cruise working... and then it quits again once you install these LEDs. I believe a resistor is the solution to this, although I am unsure. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cars/msg020954557068.html Click to expand...

cruise wont work until 25 mph and no light comes on unless it is active (and not just turned on as it is in my girlfriends mailbu). you have to have the slide switch in the middle position and then tap the end button on the turn signal lever, more of a late FYI than anything  

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Cruise control not working

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I have a 2008 2500HD Silverado when I try to use the cruise control it will intermittently work when it is cold out ( 35 degrees or colder). it seems to work when warmer out. This just started in the last few months. The only info I have been able to find out is that it is connected to the PCM. Need more info to see what is going on. Dan  

Replace your brake light switch. Don't use a cheap one, or you will be replacing it again pretty soon. A simple check, the next time it doesn't work, tap your brake or pull up on the pedal with your foot. Pretty common failure.  

Thanks will do...  

Yep...had the same issue. Here is where I changed mine out in my build. Just fyi. Project Brake Light Switch Repair  

Yup its the brake switch. My 2008 is doing the same thing. I haven't replaced it yet, but if it won't work while driving, I find a light tap to my brake pedal makes it work every time.  

Go easy on that 10 mm. You may even want warm that locktite up a bit if its cold out. Ask me how I know [emoji23] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk  

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cruise control not working

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guys, the cruise control on my 1990 k-1500 4x4 is not working. ever since i had the truck, the resume/accelerate has never worked, but i could at least set it and cruise, or press the side button to slow down. now nothing works. i checked for a cruise control fuse under the drivers dash fuse panel, but didnt find one, and besides all of those fuses are good anyway. is there a fuse somewhere else maybe under the hood for the cruise control ? or what else should i check ? thanks much guys.  

I believe there are 4 wires coming off the column for the cruise control. With the key on look for one to be hot. If not look for problem towards fuse / conv center. If you got one hot, hit on the cruise and there should be a second hot. If not = bad switch. If now 2 hots there, check brake pedal switch for hot from there. Should be two SW there and on older ones a vac SW. It should be easy to see which is which. Lots of those switches went bad and there was a recall for some while. If all that is good, you have problems with controller, or ecm info, etc. Not a common issue.More than likely you have a bad switch.  

ChevyBoy2003 said: I believe there are 4 wires coming off the column for the cruise control. With the key on look for one to be hot. If not look for problem towards fuse / conv center. If you got one hot, hit on the cruise and there should be a second hot. If not = bad switch. If now 2 hots there, check brake pedal switch for hot from there. Should be two SW there and on older ones a vac SW. It should be easy to see which is which. Lots of those switches went bad and there was a recall for some while. If all that is good, you have problems with controller, or ecm info, etc. Not a common issue.More than likely you have a bad switch. Click to expand...

The fuse box is what i was referring too and SW means switches...yes use your test light when you check it.Its a pretty simple fix...im pretty positive you have a bad brake switch or cruise control switch.  

ChevyBoy2003 said: The fuse box is what i was referring too and SW means switches...yes use your test light when you check it.Its a pretty simple fix...im pretty positive you have a bad brake switch or cruise control switch. Click to expand...

hmm im not 100% positive how it all works...i would replace that since its only 7 bucks,its worth the shot...maybe someone will chime in and tell us how it actually all works....but i imagine that you should be getting one hot....due you have a sagging brake pedal??...a sagging one will not let your cruise control work...hold the pedal up with your foot and see if it engages  

ChevyBoy2003 said: hmm im not 100% positive how it all works...i would replace that since its only 7 bucks,its worth the shot...maybe someone will chime in and tell us how it actually all works....but i imagine that you should be getting one hot....due you have a sagging brake pedal??...a sagging one will not let your cruise control work...hold the pedal up with your foot and see if it engages Click to expand...

Since it was partially working before, I would say you probably have a bad switch in the stem. You will have to replace the stem (called a turn signal lever). I don't remember the particulars of that model, but sometime around that year, they re-designed the switch so that all you have to do is pull the small cover off the back side of the column (where the stem comes through) and the 4 wire connector is under there. Just unplug the connector and pull the stem straight out. It's that easy IF you have the later design. Otherwise, you have to unplug the 4 wire connector at the base of the column (where it mounts to the dash bracket) and slide out the plastic guide that surrounds the wire going up the column. Tie a fine wire through the hole in the male end of the connector and carefully pull it up and out. The stem just pulls straight out of the column. Tie the wire on to the end of the new wire, and carefully pull it back down and through the base of the column, replace the plastic protector (although many people don't) and plug it back in. It's a 10 minute job, tops. Good Luck and God Bless  

thanks for the help Revredneck... this morning i ordered a new new cruise control shut off switch that attaches to the brake pedal, and will try that first. i do see what you are talking about, the column does look like it will come apart in a couple small pieces that seem to be removable on the housing that covers the turn signal. if i do change the cruise / blinker switch its nice to know its pretty easy.. i will let you guys knwo what i find when i put the new switch in....  

Sounds good...let us know!:great:  

Revredneck said: If you're gonna replace the brake switch, you'll need to adjust it properly. Once you get it installed, press the brake pedal down and pull the small lever on the bottom edge of the switch all the way back. You can see it just under the yoke on the photo below. Release the pedal and you're done. Click to expand...

I guess I need to clarify something here. I am assuming you have an automatic transmission. If not, the other switch illustrated at RockAuto is for the clutch pedal. The cruise switch for the brake pedal is integrated into the stop light switch (pictured).  

Revredneck said: I guess I need to clarify something here. I am assuming you have an automatic transmission. If not, the other switch illustrated at RockAuto is for the clutch pedal. The cruise switch for the brake pedal is integrated into the stop light switch (pictured). Click to expand...

Ok guys, the cut off switch i got from rockauto did not fix it.... so soon i will order the brake light switch that Rev has suggested and give that a shot. if that dont do it i will just live without cruise control.... it really looks like a real pain to get that brake light switch out...... i cant even tell how it is installed.... screws ? thanks  

I am not positive how you get it out,been awhile since ive done one...but when you install the new one there will be a slot that it has to slide into,if you dont it wont set right or work right...ill do some checking to see how it install it.  

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my problem was the box under the hood.i took the one off my tahoe hooked every thing up and now it works fine.  

kw70chevy said: my problem was the box under the hood.i took the one off my tahoe hooked every thing up and now it works fine. Click to expand...

This may help you determine if its the switch.... http://www.thirdgen.org/cruisecontrolfix  

no didnt have to adjust nothing.  

UPDATE...... FINALLY. ok guys, i finally got around to digging deeper into fixing my cruise control.... still no luck. i installed my new brake light switch, and let me say, the engineer who designed this style of switch is an absolute fool.( cant say how i actually feel ). it took me 90 minutes to get the old one out and the new one in... what a real pain it was. got it in and got it adjusted..... but it did NOT fix my cruise control problem. i need some more help.... here is what i have as of now.. i checked the 4 wires coming from the cruise control switch it seems to me to be good ? key on=blue wire hot cruise on=green wire hot press set/decelerate=brown wire hot press accelerate=yellow hot. so, all 4 functions on the switch are working, so my problem should not be the switch, correct ? kw70chevy said his problem was the "electro motor cruise control " box under the hood on drivers side firewall. should i try that next ? i took the cover off that box and it all looked new inside. checked the 7 wire plug that press fits onto the box, and all i have is one terminal that is hot when the key is turned on, and another terminal that is hot when i press the "set/decelerate" button. i could not get a terminal to go hot when i pressed the accelerate button, and i didnt check to see if one of the terminals would got hot when i pressed the brake pedal. (i just thought about that). any thoughts on what i should check or try next ? i might hit the local junk yard tomorrow on my way home from work to see if they have a control box that i could try out... thanks for any help guys... i really want my cruise con  

update..... i now have my cruise control back to working... it was the cruise control switch afterall. i was checking the 4 wires right after they came out of the switch, when i should have been checking them at the end of the harness.... thats where i found that two of the 4 wires were not good, probably broken somewhere in the middle due to the tilting action of the column over the past 22 years.... autozone wanted $139 and napa wanted $219... i got mine at rockauto for $45.... thanks guys... onto the next project  

I was right again!...haha :great:...glad you got it working again!  

ChevyBoy2009 said: I was right again!...haha :great:...glad you got it working again! Click to expand...

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