2008 prius cruise control not working

6 Reasons Why Your Prius Cruise Control Not Working

Having troubles with your Prius cruise control not working? It’s a frustrating issue that can impact long drives and road trips. Luckily, there are a few common reasons that could be the root cause of this problem.

One potential issue is a blown fuse that can stop your cruise control system from functioning. Another possibility is a failed control module, sensor, or switch causing the cruise control to malfunction.

What is Cruise Control in Prius?

Cruise control in your Prius is an advanced system designed to maintain a steady speed while driving. It’s a convenient feature that allows you to relax your foot off the accelerator pedal and still maintain a constant speed, making your journey more comfortable. Your Prius, being a hybrid vehicle, is equipped with an efficient cruise control system which, if functioning properly, can even help improve fuel economy.

Your Prius uses a combination of sensors and control modules to manage the cruise control system. These sensors detect your vehicle’s speed, road conditions, and the distance to other vehicles. If you have a newer Prius model, you might even have adaptive cruise control. This advanced feature not only maintains your set speed but also automatically adjusts the speed based on the distance to the car in front, making your drive even safer and more comfortable.

When you activate cruise control in your Prius, the system communicates with the hybrid powertrain, utilizing both the electric motor and gasoline engine to maintain the desired speed. This intelligent management of power resources results in better fuel efficiency and a smoother driving experience.

Common Causes of Prius Cruise Control Not Working

Electrical issues.

One of the possible reasons for your Prius cruise control not working could be electrical issues such as blown fuses. 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.

Speed Sensor and Speedometer Problems

Another common problem you may encounter is issues with the speed sensor and speedometer. If your Prius’ speed sensor is faulty, it can cause inaccurate speed readings, leading to cruise control failure. You will need to have the speed sensor inspected and possibly replaced to fix this issue.

Steering Wheel and Clock Spring Issues

The clock spring is a crucial component in your Prius’ steering wheel assembly, responsible for maintaining the electrical connection with various controls, including the cruise control. If the clock spring is damaged or faulty, it may result in the cruise control system not functioning. You may need a professional mechanic to inspect and replace the clock spring if necessary.

Brake Light Switch and Wiring Harness

A faulty brake light switch or wiring harness can also cause cruise control problems in your Prius. If the brake light switch is not working correctly, the cruise control system may not disengage when you apply the brakes. In this case, it’s essential to check the brake light switch circuit and wiring harness for possible faults and replace any damaged components.

Cruise Control Lever and Switches

Issues with the cruise control lever and switches can also lead to non-functioning cruise control. The system relies on input from these components to maintain the set speed. If the lever or switches are faulty, it can prevent the cruise control system from engaging. A professional mechanic should inspect the lever and switches for any signs of damage or wear and replace them as needed.

Accelerator Pedal and Connectors

Lastly, problems with the accelerator pedal and connectors can affect your Prius cruise control system. If the accelerator pedal is not functioning correctly or its connectors are loose, the cruise control may not engage or maintain the desired speed. You can check the accelerator pedal for any signs of wear or damage and ensure the connectors are securely attached.

By addressing these common issues, you can ensure that your Prius’ cruise control system remains functional and safe to use while driving. Remember to consult a professional mechanic for any necessary repairs or replacements.

Year Specific Concerns

In this section, we will discuss the specific concerns that you may encounter with your 2004 Prius and 2007 Toyota Prius cruise control systems. By understanding these issues, you can be better prepared to address any problems that you might experience with your vehicle.

2004 Prius Cruise Control Problems

For the 2004 Prius, some owners have reported issues with their cruise control not activating. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors. One common cause is a faulty brake light switch, as the cruise control system relies on the brake light switch to disengage when the brakes are applied. If the switch is not functioning properly, the cruise control may not activate at all. It’s also possible that the clock spring cable may be the culprit, leading to intermittent functionality.

Another possible issue with the 2004 Prius cruise control is a problem with the control module, sensor, or throttle actuation. In some cases, the cruise control might not work due to these components not functioning correctly.

2007 Toyota Prius Cruise Control Issues

When it comes to the 2007 Toyota Prius, the cruise control can also experience similar issues. Like the 2004 model, problems with the brake light switch, cruise control switch circuit, or throttle actuation can result in the cruise control not working properly.

However, the 2007 Prius may also encounter issues with the stop light switch circuit , which wouldn’t necessarily cause a problem with the brake lights. This can make diagnosing the issue a bit more challenging, as you may not notice any other symptoms related to the brake light system .

Being aware of these specific concerns for your 2004 Prius and 2007 Toyota Prius will help you better identify and address any cruise control issues that you encounter. Remember to consult with a professional mechanic if you’re unsure how to resolve the problem, as they will have the expertise necessary to ensure your vehicle’s safety and performance.

Repair Costs and Considerations

Brake light and cable replacement costs.

When your Prius cruise control stops working, sometimes the problem can be traced back to a faulty brake light or damaged cable. In such cases, you need to consider the cost of replacing these components.

Replacing the brake light in your Toyota Prius typically costs between $50 and $100, including the parts and labor. However, the price may vary based on your location and the complexity of the replacement process.

As for the cable, fixing or replacing it usually runs between $100 and $250, depending on the extent of the damage and the labor fees in your area. Keep in mind that these estimates are just guidelines and might change based on specific circumstances.

Speed Sensor and Stem Repairs

Another potential issue that could cause your Prius cruise control to malfunction is a faulty speed sensor or problems with the stem. Let’s take a closer look at the costs associated with these repairs.

The speed sensor is an essential component of your vehicle’s cruise control system. If it fails, the system might not function correctly. Replacing a speed sensor in your Prius generally costs anywhere from $150 to $250, which includes parts and labor. Again, these prices may vary depending on factors such as your location or the complexity of the repair.

Lastly, repairing or replacing the stem, which is a part of the cruise control switch, can also impact the overall repair cost. This procedure typically ranges between $100 and $200. Like with the other repair costs mentioned, your specific expenses might differ based on location or the intricacies involved in the repair process.

To summarize, when addressing issues with your Prius cruise control system, you need to consider several factors, including the costs of replacing brake lights, cables, speed sensors, or stems. Though these figures provided are just estimated ranges, they can help inform your decision when seeking professional repairs.

I'm the founder of Daily Car Tips. I wrote articles in the automotive industry for more than 10 years, published in USA and Europe. I love sharing my knowledge and insights with fellow enthusiasts. Join me on this journey as we explore the exciting world of cars together!

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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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Cruise Control will not turn on

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At 140k miles, my cruise control in my '04 Prius would not always come on, and now refuses to activate. I did find restarting brought it back for a while but not anymore. All else is well, still on the first brakes. I did have a brake light failure that cost a lot, but other than that, little to complain about. Thoughts? I like the cruise, but can live without it. Nick  

I like cruise and I couldn't live without it. Unfortunately, the only solution I have is for you to see the dealer. On occasion the "failure" of systems aboard the Prius isn't indicative of that system having a problem, but possibly something as simple as a worn out 12v start-up battery. I can't guarantee that this is the issue, but I've heard other Prius pilots solving a myriad of gremlins with this simple change.  

Hi Nickhi, I have a '05 Prius where the cruise control didn't work when I bought the car. I took it to the dealer and for $100.00 they told me it was probably the stem where you turn on the cruise. I bought a new stem for another $100.00 and I installed it. That was not the problem. I did some research and bought a used ring (can't remember the name but it is under the steering wheel and the stem wires plug into it) and installed this myself and that fixed the problem. Hope this helps.  

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I Fixed my 2008 Prius Cruise Control

Hooray!! I fixed the cruise control on my 2008 Prius after doing without for over 10 years.

It always comes down to “just doing it.” The cruise control on my Prius stopped working a long time ago, but I’m not a huge fan of it anyway, so I never bothered to fix it. I mostly just drove from home to work and back, so it was never really necessary.

The problem isn’t in the cruise control itself, but in the control stalk on the steering wheel. There’s a mechanism called the “Clock Spring” that is a spiral wire that allows the wheel to turn while keeping the buttons connected. This part apparently wears out easily, taking some or all of the button functions with it. The main buttons still worked for me, including the AC temp and radio volume. I could use the LCD touch screen for the other functions that didn’t work, all except the cruise control. I put it off forever.

Finally, recently, I decided to check it out as I am hoping to embark on some long journeys. With a little googling, I came across the word “Clock Spring” which opened up some usable results. The part I needed only cost $30.00 on Amazon , so I ordered it. I watched a few videos on installation and it looked pretty easy. When the part arrived, I set to install it.

It only took about an hour, which included a small setback when I had to figure out that you have to remove the steering wheel position sensor and attach it to the new clock spring. I thought I had purchased the wrong part that was missing the sensor. YouTube set me straight, so I swapped it and put the steering wheel back together.

I hooked up the battery and turned the car on. Like magic, all the buttons worked, and the cruise control light lit up when I pressed the button on the stalk.

It’s amazing how easy and inexpensive it was to fix, and I did without it for 10 years. I love my 2008 Prius and have every system operating perfectly except for the tire pressure monitoring system, which needs to have the sensors replaced due to dead batteries. Even though I just got new tires, I didn’t want to deal with them and have to figure out where to go to get them programmed to communicate with the car. I’ll just leave the electrical tape over the light for now until I’m ready to bother with it. Otherwise, the car is 100% and good as new with over 200,000 miles. Max Awesome!

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Cruise control not working

Discussion in ' Gen 2 Prius Main Forum ' started by franken1313 , May 24, 2017 .

franken1313 Member

I use cruise control a lot. All the time actually My cruise control Only works sometimes. Any thoughts? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Posted via the PriusChat mobile app .  

bisco cookie crumbler

could be the stock, clock spring, sensors, control unit, it's hard to say. you would probably have to do some serious electrical troubleshooting. maybe even the brake switch, i'm not sure. how many miles on her?  

JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

You do know that Cruise Control does not work in B, right? You want to avoid B unless you are going downhill with over a 600 foot vertical drop.  

bisco said: ↑ could be the stock, clock spring, sensors, control unit, it's hard to say. you would probably have to do some serious electrical troubleshooting. maybe even the brake switch, i'm not sure. how many miles on her? Click to expand...

JimboPalmer said: ↑ You do know that Cruise Control does not work in B, right? You want to avoid B unless you are going downhill with over a 600 foot vertical drop. Click to expand...

what percent of the time does it not work?  

Half maybe more . Definitely if I've been driving for more than 30min Posted via the PriusChat mobile app .  

i would like to think it's in the stalk, because that is where the wear takes place, but i have no idea. does any amount of fiddling with the button help?  

andrewclaus Active Member

Do all the other buttons on the steering wheel work? Specifically, check the AC recirc button, that's usually the first to go.  

jerrymildred Senior Member

Chances are, it's either the clock spring or the brake light switch. Brake light switch is an easy check. Andrew has a good idea on the clock spring.  

DonDNH Senior Member

franken1313 said: ↑ My cruise control Only works sometimes. Any thoughts? Click to expand...

I have fault code P0a93 Posted via the PriusChat mobile app .  

That's an inverter pump failure code, a separate and much more critical problem. Do a search here for that, lots of advice on it.  

I've already changed the pumps countless times. It's something else Posted via the PriusChat mobile app .  

how is your 12v health?  

Good . I've changed the 12v 3 times Posted via the PriusChat mobile app .  

KAR IDEA Member

Any progress on this? My cruise hasn't worked correctly for over a year now. The trick I employ is to turn the car on, jam the button with a keyring store plastic rewards card, then before I go anywhere I turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, then slowly back to center. That usually gets the "cruise" to light up. At that point I remove the card so the button pops back out. Then once I'm on the road and want to engage cruise, I have to be on a curve so the steering wheel is clocked left, it's the only way to catch the cruise speed. So I've wanted to fix this for a long time now, but don't know where to begin.  

KAR IDEA said: ↑ Any progress on this? My cruise hasn't worked correctly for over a year now. The trick I employ is to turn the car on, jam the button with a keyring store plastic rewards card, then before I go anywhere I turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, then slowly back to center. That usually gets the "cruise" to light up. At that point I remove the card so the button pops back out. Then once I'm on the road and want to engage cruise, I have to be on a curve so the steering wheel is clocked left, it's the only way to catch the cruise speed. So I've wanted to fix this for a long time now, but don't know where to begin. Click to expand...

HaleDad New Member

congrats and welcome! that may be an oxymoron. what is the best oem price you can find? beware chinese knockoffs, they have a high early failure rate. it's too much work to do twice. see @ChapmanF threads for first hand experience  

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Home » Tips & Tricks » How to use Cruise Control on Toyota Prius

How to use Cruise Control on Toyota Prius

The available Cruise Control System is engaged and adjusted with the controls located on a short stalk just behind the steering wheel on Toyota Prius.

You can use cruise control to maintain a set speed without using the accelerator. The system will only operate when the transmission is in D for drive, and the vehicle speed is faster than 25 miles per hour.

• To use Cruise Control, press the button at the end of the stalk. The Cruise indicator will appear in the instrument display.
• Accelerate to the desired speed, then press the lever down to set the cruise control speed.
• Once the Cruise Control speed is set, you could still increase vehicle speed with the accelerator, but when you release the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
• To increase the set speed, push and hold the lever up until the speed is reached.
• Release the lever and the system will work to hold that new set speed.
• To decrease the speed setting, push and hold the lever down until you reach the desired speed, then release it.
• The set speed will be erased when you turn Cruise Control, or the ignition, off.
• If the Cruise Control indicator flashes, use the On/Off button to turn it off and back on again.

1 thought on “ How to use Cruise Control on Toyota Prius ”

Thank you! I get better gas mileage on cruise control.

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