toyota highlander cruise control not working

Toyota Highlander Cruise Control Not Working: How to Fix

The cruise control system is a big plus in any vehicle and if it fails, you’d have to put in some extra work to keep your vehicle moving at a constant speed. However, a Toyota Highlander cruise control failure goes beyond a driving problem and could signify something even more serious.

There are a few reasons why your cruise control system would stop working and there are a handful of fixes that can fix the problem. This article covers some of the common possible causes and the right fixes that should be applied.

But before we dive right into the causes and fixes, we’d take a look at how the cruise control system works.

How the Cruise Control System Works

Toyota highlander cruise control not working: causes, replace the faulty brake pedal switch, replace the speed sensor, check for a blown fuse, replace or fix the vacuum actuator, final thoughts.

The cruise control system setup would depend on the vehicle’s make. In modern vehicles, it makes use of a fully electronic setup which is controlled by the vehicle’s ECU (electronic control unit).

In older vehicles, it could be controlled by a vacuum actuator that is physically connected to a chain or cable. The adjustment of the cable will increase or decrease the throttle position based on the actions of the actuator. This system is called electromechanical cruise control.

Your mechanic will tell you which kind of system your cruise control is based on.

• Faulty Brake Pedal Switch
• Damaged Speed Sensor
• Damaged Mechanical Components

The cruise control system is wired to the brake pedal switch and is meant to disengage whenever the brake pedal is pressed. If the brake pedal switch stays engaged or fails, the cruise control system will remain off.

This fix would require you to replace the brake pedal switch, however, it could require more than that. You may also have to check the wiring connected to the switch for signs of damage.

To get this fixed, you should have your mechanic examine the switch for any signs of damage. The mechanic should also inspect the wires connected to the switch for any damage and change them if necessary. The switch should also be replaced and then the mechanic would confirm it the problem has been solved and the cruise control system working properly.

The speed sensor is also connected to the cruise control system. It if fails, the cruise control system may stop working along with the speedometer and you may notice that your engine would have more difficulty when idling.

Your mechanic would have to examine the speed sensor and its surrounding wires for any signs of damage. If so, the mechanic will have to replace the sensor. If there are any problems with the wires connected to the sensor to the speedometer and the cruise control switches, they would have to be replaced too. This should fix the problem and get the cruise control system working as normal.

The cruise control system is protected by a fuse which prevents it from being damaged due to over-current or a short circuit. If the corresponding fuse for the cruise control system has blown, then the system would stop working.

This fix wouldn’t require a mechanic but if you’re not used to car repairs, then you should leave it to the professionals. All that would be required is to check for the corresponding fuse for the cruise control to see if it has blown. It should be easy to tell if the fuse has blown or failed. If it has, then it should be replaced. When replacing a blown fuse with a new one, only go for those rated for the correct amperage.

If this fix proves too hard for you to perform, then you should drive your car to your mechanic and explain this. Your mechanic should be able to get things done quickly and you won’t have to spend too much on it.

If you’re driving an older model, then your cruise control system probably makes use of a vacuum actuator. This system features a vacuum actuator and a cable connected to the vehicle’s throttle. Together they work to maintain the speed of the vehicle and keep you at a certain distance behind the vehicle in front of you.

If the vacuum actuator fails or there is damage to the hoses, then the cruise control system would stop working. Also, there may be problems with the cable connecting the actuator to the throttle. The cable could be broken.

The vacuum actuator, the hoses, and the cable would have to be checked to ensure they’re in perfect working condition if they’re okay, then the actuator may have to be replaced.

Whenever your mechanic performs a fix and confirms that the cruise control system is in order, you should take it for a test drive to confirm it yourself. With that done, the mechanic will use their code reader to clear any trouble codes that may have been produced when the cruise control system failed.

While you could perform some of these fixes on your own, it is best to get a mechanic on the job. A cruise control failure could be a signal that your car is about to develop a fault in its other components. Your mechanic may also inspect other systems like the brake lights and speedometer to check for faults and make the necessary repairs.

While the cruise control system makes driving on the highway more convenient, it is important to keep an eye on the cruise control system as a sudden failure could be dangerous. If you notice that the cruise control system is failing or stopped working altogether, get a mechanic to check it out immediately.

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• Highlander 2nd Generation (2008-2013)

Cruise controls isnt working, fuses?

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Folks, i'm having the same issue as some other folks here, my wifes 2008 Highlander with 106,000 miles cruise control isn't working, the light on the dash doesn't even come on when you push in the cruise to activate it. I have checked all the fuses under the hood, my question is this, are there any fuses under the dash that would affect this at all? Thank you  

Don't know about the fuses but I know some car manufacturers (not sure about Toyota) disable 'Cruise control" if there is no light bulb(s) in the rear high brake light that is(are) working ! Might be worth checking that your high brake light comes on when braking...hope this helps , good luck  

fl1000, i have checked all the light bulbs from brakes to parking to blinkers and have not noticed any being out at all. I have wiggled the Ebrake and normal brake pedal with no luck. If anyone else has any suggestions that would be great and very much appreciated. Also, do you folks think the local Toyota dealership charges to check something like this out? Thanks  

likely the standard 75-90/hr diagnosis fee.  

Thanks.  

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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)

Categories: Electric , Troubleshooting

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How do I operate the cruise control in my vehicle?

To use cruise control, turn it on first by pressing the button on the end of the control stalk behind the lower right side of the steering wheel. the green cruise control icon will appear in the instrument display to show the system is ready. the... sep 24, 2022 • knowledge, new section, only answer.

To use Cruise Control, turn it on first by pressing the button on the end of the control stalk behind the lower right side of the steering wheel. The green cruise control icon will appear in the instrument display to show the system is ready.

Then accelerate to the speed you want, and press the stalk down to set it. The SET indicator will appear underneath the CRUISE CONTROL icon to let you know you can take your foot off the accelerator.

If you need to increase your speed, lift and hold the stalk up until you reach the speed you want, and then release it.

To reduce the set speed, push the stalk down and hold it to slow down to your target speed, and then release it.

To temporarily suspend cruise control, pull the stalk towards you, or tap the brakes.

To resume the set speed, push the lever up briefly.

See the  Owner's Manual for details and system limitations.

Please click here  to view a video.

Disclaimer: Not all features are available on all vehicles and model grades. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details and important safety information.

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