2018 toyota camry cruise control malfunction

Toyota TSB T-SB-0168-19

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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!

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Toyota AWD system malfunction 2WD Mode engaged (Solved)

How to fix a Toyota AWD system malfunction

A vehicle built by the Toyota manufacturer can be an impressive vehicle with many bells and whistles and important assist technologies like automatic parallel parking and cameras and sensors in the back to help back up.

But a vehicle is a machine that needs a lot of maintenance and will develop issues from time to time. One common issue with Toyota vehicles made in the last 7 years is the AWD system malfunction.

So how will you know if there is an issue with the AWD system?

The warning sign will appear on the dashboard or on the vehicle’s computer screen. The warning will read:

“AWD system malfunction 2wd mode engaged visit your dealer”

The vehicle is trying to tell the driver there is an issue with the dynamic torque control and the vehicle’s All Wheel Drive. 

Issues that cause the AWD system to malfunction

There could be several problems causing issues with the dynamic torque control, including low fluid level, an issue with the wiring harness, or shifter linkage. 

Maybe the gas cap is loose, the vehicle has not been turned on for several days and the engine is not starting. There could also be an issue with a battery. Lastly, there could also be an issue with the sensors. 

The all-wheel-drive system depends on the sensors and the feedback that it gathers while the vehicle is on and moving. If the sensors are faulty, then the information that it receives from the sensors is faulty. 

There could be no issue with the parts at all and it might be the sensor that is sending out false information.

If you have never heard of shift linkage, it is related to the gearshift or the gear selector in a vehicle transmission and the car cables that are connected to them. 

The cable could have come loose or become damaged. First, you need to use your repair manual to find the fuses. You’ll need a multimeter and then you’ll have to replace the multimeter on each wire to see which wire is no longer working.

Sometimes, the wire that is not working is extremely hot. Whatever color the wire is, the new wire must also be that color.

If the malfunction is due to low fluid level, then you need more brake fluid in your braking system. 

First, buy a brake fluid that is designed for your vehicle. 

Then, open and drain the master cylinder reservoir. Place a towel in the reservoir and wipe down any remaining fluid. Then add the new brake fluid into the cylinder reservoir until the fluid level hits the full line. Replace the cat and screw it in tight.

How to fix the AWD System

In order to fix an AWD system malfunction, reset the computer and remove the warning, take your vehicle to a technician. 

There are many reasons why the AWD system malfunction warning could suddenly turn on, and the driver will need diagnostic tools to communicate with the vehicle’s computer system to learn which issue it is.

But if you consider yourself handy and you know your way around cars, you can fix some of the issues that caused the AWD system to malfunction .

If there is an issue with the wiring harness, then you can try to replace it. In many cases, it is only one wire that is broken. But just one broken wire can damage all of the wires and mess up the harness.

What is the 2WD mode?

When there is an issue with the AWD system, the vehicle will automatically shift to the 2wd System. Since AWD means all-wheel drive, this means 2wd means two-wheel drive.

If a vehicle is in 2WD mode, the vehicle will only power the back or front wheels. It will not send power to all four wheels. You’ll still be able to drive your vehicle if 2wd mode is engaged, but you won’t have the full control that comes with AWD mode.

What is the Toyota AWD system?

In the last decade, Toyota has ramped up its development Technologies and added several different types of Technologies to help their customers Drive and reach their destination safely. 

One of these new technologies is their patented Toyota AWD system. AWD stands for All Wheel Drive. All-wheel drive means that the powertrain sends power to all four of the wheels. 

The AWD powertrain either sends power to each wheel consistently or by demand. Now, do not think that all-wheel drive is the same as four-wheel drive. 

An All-wheel-drive powertrain automatically sends power to all of the wheels. The driver does not have to do anything.

However, four-wheel drive is commanded by the driver and its main purpose is to provide more traction to both the front and rear tires. 

Vehicles that have 4-wheel drive are more stable and can handle uneven roads, potholes, and off-road terrain better than vehicles powered by all-wheel drives.

Using a system of sensors, placed around the brakes, throttle, steering control, and transmission, the AWD system can improve a vehicle’s cruise control , acceleration, deceleration, and performance when driving through uneven terrain. Torque control is also included as part of the AWD system.

Vehicles that design for areas that experience a lot of snow will often have four-wheel drive, as they are better to drive through and navigate through fix snow, black ice, slushy snow, and other dangerous winter conditions.

There could be several issues that are causing the AWD system to malfunction. It could be due to a battery issue, low fluid levels, not enough oil, an issue with the sensors, or a malfunctioning wiring harness.

Some people experience this issue when they have not turned on their vehicle for several weeks. When the AWD is no longer working, then the 2WD mode will engage. With 2WD mode, the vehicle will only send power to the two back tires or two front tires. The all-wheel drive is turned off. 

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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Home / Maintenance / 5 Reasons For ICS Malfunction (Reset Toyota Camry ICS)

5 Reasons For ICS Malfunction (Reset Toyota Camry ICS)

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When your Toyota Camry’s Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) starts acting up, it can be a real pain. Fortunately, you can do a few things to try to fix the problem.

This article will discuss three possible reasons for ICS malfunction and how to reset or reprogram the system if necessary.

Water or accidental damage to ICS sensors, damaged wiring harnesses, blocked sensors, and wave interference from vehicle detectors are some of the most common causes of ICS malfunction in Toyota Camry.

Table of Contents

What is the ICS System in Toyota Camry?

The ICS system in Toyota Camry is short for the Intelligent Clearance Sonar system.

Just like a rear-cross traffic alert , this system is designed to help prevent collisions by detecting objects in the car’s path and providing an audible warning to the driver. The system can also automatically apply the brakes if necessary to avoid collisions.

ICS system is activated once the vehicle speed goes above 10 mph (or 15 km/h) and any object gets closer than 6-13 ft or 2-4 m.

The ICS system uses sensors to detect objects from vehicle straight ahead and then uses a computer to calculate the distance to the object and its speed.

If the system determines a possible collision, it will provide an audible warning to the driver. If the driver does not respond to the warning, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid a collision.

The ICS system is just one of many safety features available on Toyota Camry models. Other safety features include eight airbags, antilock brakes, and stability control. These features help to make the Toyota Camry one of the safest cars on the road.

How Does Intelligent Clearance Sonar System Work?

Before you can understand the ICS system of Toyota, you must know how a SONAR system work. SONAR is an acronym for Sound Navigation And Ranging.

A SONAR system works by sending out sound waves and measuring how long it takes for them to bounce back. By knowing the speed of sound and the time it takes for the waves to bounce back, the system can determine how far away an object is.

The ICS system in Toyota uses these same principles but with ultrasound waves instead of sound waves. Ultrasound waves have a much higher frequency than sound waves, providing much more detailed information about an object’s shape and size.

The ICS system consists of two main parts: a transceiver and a reflector. The transceiver sends out ultrasound waves and measures how long it takes for them to bounce back.

The reflector is a special device that reflects the ultrasound waves so that the transceiver can receive them.

The ICS system can detect objects in front of the vehicle, even when they are not visible to the naked eye. This is because ultrasound waves can penetrate through the fog, dust, and other obstacles that would block visible light.

5 Reasons Behind ICS Malfunction

There are several reasons why the ICS system in Toyota Camry might malfunction. Some of the most common causes of ICS malfunction include:

• Water Damage to Sensors
• Damaged Wiring Harness
• Accidental Damage to Sensors
• Sensor Obstruction
• Wave Interference

Let’s take a closer look at each of these causes of ICS malfunction.

1. Water Damage to Sensors:

One of the most common causes of ICS malfunctioning is water damage to the sensors. The sensors are located in the front of the vehicle and are exposed to the elements.

If water gets into the sensors, it can cause them to short out or stop working. If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you should have your vehicle inspected or check your intelligent clearance sonar system regularly for water damage.

You can check for water damage by looking at the sensors themselves. If there is any moisture on the sensor, there is likely water damage.

To prevent water damage to the sensors, you should regularly check them for moisture and clean them if necessary. You should also make sure that the wiring harness is free of moisture.

2. Damaged Wiring Harness:

Another common cause of ICS malfunction is a damaged wiring harness. The ICS system uses a complex wiring harness to connect the sensors to the computer.

If any of the wires in the harness are damaged, it can cause the system to malfunction. Damaged wires can be caused by water damage, corrosion, or physical damage.

You should also ensure that the sensors are not exposed to excessive vibration. Vibration can cause the wires to become loose or break.

3. Accidental Damage to Sensors:

Accidental damage can cause ICS sensors to malfunction. These sensors are designed to be durable but can be damaged if a hard object hits or sustains a sudden impact.

If you hit a curb or a pothole, it can damage the sensors. Damaged sensors can cause the system to malfunction.

If the damage is severe enough, it can cause the sensor to misread its surroundings or fail. While it is possible to repair some types of damage, the sensor may need to be replaced in other cases.

Ultimately, whether or not an ICS sensor can be successfully repaired after sustaining damage depends on the damage’s extent and the repair technician’s skill.

4. Sensor Obstruction:

The ICS system relies on sensors to detect objects in front of the vehicle. If something is blocking the sensor, it can cause the system to malfunction.

One of the most common causes of sensor obstruction is dirt and debris. If you live in an area with dust or dirt, it is important to clean the sensors regularly.

You should also ensure that nothing is blocking the path of the waves. Objects such as snow, ice, or leaves can obstruct the path and cause the system to malfunction.

5. Wave Interference:

The intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) system uses ultrasonic waves to detect obstacles. Wave interference from other ultrasonic waves sources can cause ICS sensors to malfunction by producing false readings or causing the sensor to fail to detect an obstacle.

Interference can be caused by objects in the path of the ultrasonic waves, such as vehicle horns or motorcycle engines, or by environmental conditions, such as wind or rain.

ICS systems are designed to filter out interference, but in some cases, the interference can be strong enough to overwhelm the system.

One potential cause of interference for ICS sensors is wave action. If the waves are too high or come at the sensor from the wrong angle, they can cause problems with its ability to function properly.

Conditions Under Which ICS Doesn’t Work

While the ICS system is designed to function in various conditions, there are some situations where it may not work as well as usual.

• ICS system is turned off or disabled.
• ICS sensors might not be able to detect objects made of cotton, wool, or other natural fibers.
• The ICS system will not work if something is blocking the path between the sensor and the ground, such as snow, ice, or mud.
• The ICS system may not work properly if the vehicle’s wheels are not balanced .
• The ICS system may have difficulty detecting small objects or objects close to the ground.
• The ICS system will not work if the vehicle is not traveling in a straight line. This can happen if the car is turning, going up or down a hill, or if the road is curved.
• ICS sensors cannot detect thin objects such as wires or branches.
• The ICS system may have difficulty detecting objects the same color as the ground. This can happen if the ground is wet or has a lot of foliage.
• The ICS system may have difficulty detecting the road’s edge on narrow or gravel roads. The same issue arises in Toyota models while parallel parking.
• If you have stickers on an electronic component or a backlit license plate.
• They may not work if the vehicle posture is not upright due to excessive carried load.
• The ICS system may not work properly in cold weather. The sensors may become less sensitive in temperatures below 32°F (0°C).
• The ICS system may produce false alerts if objects are close to the vehicle, such as buildings, walls, or parked cars.
• When driving in tunnels or under bridges, the ICS system may not be able to detect objects in front of the vehicle.
• The ICS system will not work if the vehicle’s bumper is damaged or missing.
• The ICS system may produce false alerts if the vehicle’s headlights are dirty or obscured.
• While driving on metal gratings or grates, the ICS system may not be able to detect objects in front of the vehicle.
• Other sources of ultrasonic waves (such as other vehicles with ICS systems) may interfere with the ICS system and cause it to produce false alerts.
• The ICS system may not work properly if the vehicle’s 12-volt battery is weak or dead.
• If you have aftermarket LED headlights, they may emit a frequency that interferes with the ICS sensors. You can try using different headlights, such as halogen or HID.
• Some objects, such as plastic bags, newspapers, and cardboard boxes, can absorb ultrasonic waves and prevent the ICS system from detecting them.
• At railroad crossing gates, the ICS system may not be able to detect objects on the other side of the tracks.
• When strong winds blow, the ICS system may have difficulty detecting objects in front of the vehicle.
• The ICS system may produce false alerts if you are driving on a road with many potholes.

How to Fix ICS Malfunction in Toyota Vehicles?

In some cases, the ICS may malfunction and fail to detect objects properly. This can lead to accidents or injuries. If you experience this problem, there are several things you can do to fix it.

1. Check the ICS sensors.

The first step is ensuring that all ICS sensors are clean and free of debris. You can do this by visually inspecting them or using a diagnostic tool to check for errors.

2. Calibrate the ICS sensors.

If the sensors are not properly calibrated, they may not be able to detect objects accurately. You can calibrate the sensors using a special tool or follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

3. Update the ICS software.

Sometimes, you may need to update the ICS software to fix bugs or improve performance. You can do this by downloading and installing updates from Toyota’s website.

4. Replace the ICS sensors.

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to replace one or more ICS sensors. The cost of ICS sensor replacement can vary depending on the model of your vehicle.

However, the average cost for ICS sensor replacement is between $300 and $700. If you need to replace your ICS sensors, we recommend you consult a qualified mechanic or dealership to ensure the job is done correctly.

How to Reprogram ICS in Toyota Camry?

Due to improper programming, the ICS system in some Toyota Camry vehicles may become inoperative. As a result, the ICS system may not detect obstacles. One way to fix ICS malfunction is to reprogram the ICS system.

(I) Tools Required:

• Techstream 2.0 / TIS Techstream / Techstream Lite 
• Hand Tools Set
• GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station
• T-SB-0134-16

(II) Scan for Trouble Codes:

• Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn the engine ON.
• Connect Techstream 2.0 / TIS Techstream / Techstream Lite to the DLC3 port of the vehicle and turn the ignition switch ON (IG).
• Select ‘Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes’ in the ‘Vehicle’ menu, then select ‘All’ or ‘Current.’
• Check for any DTCs displayed and clear them if necessary following the prompts on Techstream 2.0 / TIS Techstream / Techstream Lite screen

(III) Check Current Calibration of ICS:

• Select ‘Diagnostics’ in the ‘Vehicle’ menu, then select ‘Body’ and enter the vehicle configuration.
• Select ‘Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) System.’
• Check if the current ICS system update is displayed as YES.
• If an update is available, proceed with the reprogramming procedure.

(IV) Preparation of Vehicle:

• Unplug the connection between the cooling fan assembly and the motor. This will prevent voltage draw from the ICS system when the vehicle is ON.
• Turn on the ignition but don’t turn on the engine.
• Engage the parking brake and place the transmission shift lever in the P position.
• Turn off all lights, including fog lights, daytime running lights (DRL), and headlights.
• Connect the GR8 power supply to the vehicle battery.
• Before starting, check that Techstream is fully charged, the DLC III cable is intact, and the latest version of Techstream is installed.

(V) Reprogramming Procedure:

• First, record the customized ICS settings (if any) before starting the reprogramming procedure .
• If you’re driving a hybrid model, depress the air brakes twice within two seconds and wait for 10 seconds.
• Update the advanced parking guidance/ICS/Intuitive P/A ECU.
• To do this, connect the Techstream 2.0 / TIS Techstream / Techstream Lite to the DLC3 port of the vehicle and turn ON the ignition switch (IG).
• Click ‘Intelligent Parking Assist System (IPAS)/ICS/EPS.’
• Click on ‘Start Update’ and follow the instructions on Techstream 2.0 / TIS Techstream / Techstream Lite screen.

(VI) Finishing and Testing:

• Rerun the DTC check to make sure that there are no lingering codes.
• Confirm the CID update is complete, and ICS is functioning by following the on-screen instructions.
• Restore customized settings (if any) using Techstream 2.0 / TIS Techstream / Techstream Lite.
• Reconnect the cooling fan assembly motor connection.
• Turn off the GR8 power supply and disconnect it from the vehicle battery.
• Test drive the vehicle to check for proper operation of the ICS system.

That’s the process of reprogramming the ICS system in the Toyota Camry.

Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) is a safety feature in many Toyota vehicles. ICS is considered a reliable system, but it can malfunction like any other electronic device.

If you experience problems with your ICS, there are several things you can do to fix them. Check the sensors, calibrate them, update the software, or replace them if necessary.

If you face an ICS malfunction, visit your dealer immediately and get your vehicle completely inspected.

Always remember that the ICS system is designed to supplement, not replace, the driver’s attention and judgment.

The driver is always responsible for safe driving. Drivers should use caution and drive slowly when using the ICS system. They should be prepared to stop if an object is detected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i reset my toyota ics.

If you need to reset the ICS system in your Toyota Camry, follow these steps:

• Park the car in a safe location and turn off the engine.
• Enter Eco Settings or Driving Support System menu on the multi-information display by pressing the down arrow button on the steering wheel.
• Select ICS from the menu and press Enter.
• Press and hold the reset button for three seconds. The ICS system will be reset, and the indicator light will turn off. You can now continue driving safely.

How much does it cost to replace ICS sensors in Toyota?

Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) sensors are used in Toyota vehicles to help prevent collisions. These sensors are located in the front and rear bumper of the car and use ultrasonic waves to detect objects in the vehicle’s path.

Each Toyota vehicle has eight ICS sensors, four in the front and four in the rear. Replacing ICS sensors is not a cheap proposition, as each sensor costs around $300-700.

Therefore, replacing all eight sensors would cost around $2,000-5,000. However, this cost may be worth it to prevent a collision and possible injuries.

What is the detection range of the ICS system?

The ICS system can detect objects within a range of approximately 16.0 ft (five meters) in front of the vehicle and approximately 19.0 ft (six meters) to the vehicle’s rear. The system may not detect objects that are close to the vehicle or that are moving quickly.

Can you drive with ICS malfunction?

Yes, you can continue to drive with an ICS malfunction. However, have the system checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible, as it may indicate a more serious issue.

Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) is a safety feature that helps prevent collisions by detecting objects in the vehicle’s path and automatically applying the brakes if necessary. If the system is not working properly, it could put you and others at risk.

What objects ICS may not be able to detect?

There are certain objects that ICS may not be able to detect, such as:

• Things that are close to the vehicle or that are moving quickly.
• Small things, such as bicycles or motorcycles.
• Low objects, such as curbs or small animals.
• Objects in blind spots.
• Things behind other vehicles or obstacles.

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• River Cruising

GCT M/S Tikhi Don - St. Petersburg to Moscow

By usnavyguy , June 24, 2012 in River Cruising

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This is a review of a St. Petersburg to Moscow river cruise from 5/31/2012 - 6/14/2012 with Grand Circle Travel. I'll divide the review into sections starting with the ship so folks can jump to those sections of interest & ignore what isn't pertinent to them. For an excellent discussion on pre-trip planning, visa issues, comments on various cruise lines, this link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1559518

will give you all the details you need. I'll not repeat it here.

So, let's get to the specifics:

Ship : Tikhi Don is owned by Grand Circle Travel (GCT) and is one of two ships, the other being M/V Rossia they operate between Moscow & St. Petersburg. All the cabins are identical: 146 square feet with one window that opens, situated on 3 decks. The only difference is location on the ship. The cabins were clean as were the attached bathrooms. Storage space was adequate for two weeks. There is one 120V and one 220V electrical outlet in the cabin as well as a 115V electrical outlet in the bathroom. I purchased a 4 outlet power strip specifically for this trip to plug in rechargeable digital camera batteries as well as a cell phone. The ship has an elevator near the reception desk forward that services Decks 1, 2, and 3. There is a double stairway in the after end of the ship that runs from the Main Deck to Decks 2, 3, and 4. All other stairways are external and serve all 4 decks. We had about 206 passengers embarked and about 100 staff, so the ratio of staff to cruisers was pretty high. It seems that all river ships operating in Russia carry about 200 or so customers which make them quite a bit larger than the average European waterways river ship. Since they have far fewer bridges to deal with in terms of height, and water depths are somewhat deeper than European rivers, they can and do take advantage of that to leverage a larger number of customers. That doesn't make it bad; it just makes it different. Tikhi Don draws about 9 feet of water which I suspect is about average for a Russian river cruiser. The ship has two bars, one on the 3rd deck forward (Tsar Bar) and one on the 4th deck aft (Presidents Bar). The restaurant is located on the 2nd deck aft and is used for the breakfast buffet and the sit down daily lunches & dinners. One disadvantage to my way of thinking was the sit down lunch. When we've cruised on Viking, they offered a light buffet lunch in the bar/lounge and a sit down lunch in the restaurant. That gave one some options which weren't available with GCT. Again, not necessarily bad; just different. Each cabin is equipped with a flat panel LCD TV with various satellite channels available depending upon the location of the ship at the time. There also were 3 different movie channels showing a different movie each day. Since we didn’t watch TV, I can only surmise it must have worked okay as we did not hear any complaints. While each cabin has individual air conditioning controls, they didn’t appear to function very effectively and the cabin remained around 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. There is a separate heating unit mounted beneath the window on the outside bulkhead which proved very useful on some of the colder mornings we experienced during the cruise. The cruise covers 829 miles between St. Petersburg and Moscow, and consists of several lakes, rivers and canals including the transit of 16 locks.

Travelers: One significant difference I noted was the average age of the passengers was somewhat older than we had previously experienced with Viking in Europe. I would guess that average age was around mid-70s; some younger, and some a good bit older. We had several veterans of WW2 embarked and I can only hope I'm as spry as they were when I'm that age. They also are very loyal to GCT. Those folks who had previously traveled 3 or more times with GCT or their companion company, Overseas Adventure Travel were identified with a gold name badge. I'd estimate that at least 50% of the embarked travelers fell into this category. This was a very seasoned group of world travelers. Few on the trip were making their 1st river cruise and even fewer were traveling with GCT for the 1st time (we fell into that category). The tours generally involved quite a bit of walking and a not so slow pace, but most everyone managed to keep at it, and few opted out of the walking tours. I'll discuss those in more detail later in this post.

Ship Staff: The staff was quite young (mid to late 20s mostly), inexperienced, but always willing to help. Their command of English was generally very limited although I expect that will improve as the season wears on. Their English was way better than my Cyrillic so they get an A+ for effort. The cruise is managed by a Cruise Director who spoke idiomatic English. The ship's Captain was the most personable Captain I have ever sailed with on a cruise ship. He spoke good English, greeted all the travelers as they debarked for each tour, met each traveler at the gangplank when they returned, and along with the Cruise Director and Hospitality Manager stood on the pier and waved goodbye to every bus that departed. I'm used to the Captain putting in a brief appearance at the Welcome & Farewell Cocktail parties, then disappearing for rest of the cruise. This was a novel & most welcome change.

We were divided into 6 groups of about 32-35 people, assigned a Tour Director who worked exclusively with that group for the entire cruise. Very occasionally for an optional tour, the groups would be combined to keep the numbers about the same, but basically, you functioned within your assigned group. The Tour Directors all had majored in foreign languages at the University and had anywhere from two to as many as eight years with GCT. They all spoke idiomatic English and did a great job of keeping track of their charges. I liken managing U.S. tour groups to herding cats and these folks were always cheerful, ready to answer any question, and resolve any problem. The wait staff in the dining room had limited English, but knew enough to converse with the passengers with regard to the menu & was a hustling young group of Russians. They were extremely pleasant to deal with.

Food on Board: In general the meals were quite good. Breakfast was served buffet style and one always had the opportunity to order an omelet or eggs of any style. There also was a special breakfast order each day. They also included the European breakfast meats and other items common on European river cruise ships. Service was quick and efficient. Restaurant seating included tables for 2, 4, 6 or 10 passengers so there was a wide variety of seating. Lunches & dinners would be best described as Russian modified for American taste. As I remarked previously, all lunches were sit down, formal service with soup, entre (including a vegetarian selection). Salad bar and dessert. Dinners consisted of an appetizer, followed by a soup course, entre (again including a vegetarian choice), and dessert. At dinner, there was always available salmon or chicken breast with a baked potato and steamed vegetables for those who did not fancy the main course. Food was served hot when appropriate and cold when in order. Service was friendly and efficient. Even with 200 people sitting down to eat, there was no sense of “steam table” cooking. With the exception of two meals ashore, all meals were served onboard. In the event of an evening tour such as the Moscow circus or the St. Petersburg ballet, an early dinner was served to those attending the event, followed by a late night heavy snack following return onboard. While I did not eat very many lunches, my wife tried most of them and said the food was very good. We found the dinners to be tasty and a nice introduction to Russian cooking, including the famous Russian stroganoff which is not served over noodles as it is in the U.S., but over spaetzle or mashed potatoes which we were told is common in Russia. Early bird coffee was available from 6:00-7:00AM and also throughout the day at the coffee station on the main deck. Lunch was served at either noon or 1:00PM depending on the tour schedule, with dinner at 7:00PM.

Onboard Activities: There was never a shortage of things to do onboard, but all were voluntary so you could participate in as few or as many as you wished. They featured the usual port talks, introduction to the Russian language, lectures on Russian handicrafts, vodka tastings, blini parties, pelmeni (dumpling) cooking class, and hand painting of Russian Matryoshka (nesting) dolls. We also noted several spontaneous bridge, cribbage, and canasta card games in progress at various times.

There is a large, well stocked gift store on the ship, operated as a separate concession. My wife found the prices for souvenirs of all types were generally better than souvenir shops ashore. They accept major credit cards or roubles. You cannot charge items from the store to your shipboard account.

Tours: There were a limited number of optional (extra cost) tours available. In St. Petersburg, that included:

Rivers & Canals of St. Petersburg

Yusopov Palace

St. Petersburg Ballet

Peterhof Gardens

In Petrozavodosk: Karelian Folk Show

Zlatoust Singers

Jewish Heritage of Moscow

Tretyakov Gallery

You can view the details of these optional tours on the GCT website: http://www.gct.com

under the Russian river cruise itinerary.

All passengers are provided with a pair of head phones & a battery powered receiver to provide the ability to listen to the tour guide while still wandering about the particular venue. The system works perfectly and depending upon location & interference such as walls, floors, and the like is crystal clear up to 100 feet from the tour guide. I have used these systems on other tours and would never consider a tour/cruise that did not employ this technology.

We took the Rivers & Canals of St. Petersburg tour which entailed taking a canal boat up & down the various rivers & canals running through St. Petersburg. It lasted approximately 90 minutes with a well informed local guide who commented on what we were seeing. It was interesting and informative and gives you another whole perspective on St. Petersburg than from a city bus tour.

We also went on the Peterhof gardens tour which unfortunately, did not go as well. The morning tour for that day was Peter & Paul Fortress which was really not that interesting and turned out to be just another church tour. However, because of the distance from where the boat moored to the fortress, then into St. Petersburg for lunch, the morning and part of the afternoon was pretty well shot by the time we departed for Peterhof. Peterhof is a good 45 minute drive from St. Petersburg; so consequently, it was well after 2:00PM when we arrived at the gardens. I’d like to say the local guide tried to cram what could easily have been a 4 hour tour into something less than two hours. So, we consequently were trying to set land speed records for walking tours as she was determined to show us as many of the Peterhof fountains as possible, and there are more than a few. My wife is a bit slow of foot as she has limited walking capacity so she was hard pressed to keep up. I, on the other hand, wanted more time to take pictures of the fountains and didn’t appreciate being rushed from spot to spot. Fortunately, our tour director Alex was particularly solicitous of my wife and made sure we could cut some corners and get ahead of the tour where necessary. Unfortunately, the local tour guide was annoyed when told to slow down and became somewhat hostile. The tour ends at the Peterhof palace which has a very large number of very beautiful fountains, all in gold leaf and is a photographer’s dream. It easily could have been worth an hour or more of picture taking opportunities. While I do understand some folks just want to check the block of having seen it and move on, there are, I think, a larger number of us who don’t expect to see those things again and want to take full advantage of the picture taking opportunities.

St. Petersburg: We spent 4 days in St. Petersburg not counting the day of arrival. The 1st full day, we had a city bus tour which included a stop & tour of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and an approximately two hour visit to the famed Hermitage Art Museum with an option to stay for an additional 90 minutes, On Day 2, we had Catherine’s Palace & Park Tour, an offsite lunch paid for by GCT followed by the optional Rivers & Canals Tour, Day 4 was the Peter & Paul Fortress, again followed by lunch (this time on your own) followed by the optional Peterhof Gardens tour. On Day 3 of the visit, there were optional tours available of Yusopov Palace and the St. Petersburg ballet (evening). The boat was moored about 1 hour from downtown, depending on traffic, as the city authorities do not allow the riverboats to moor downtown. This caused some angst among those taking their 1st river cruise as they assumed this was standard. Of course, it’s not, and in fact, almost all European river cruises including Paris moor almost in the heart of the city. However, for those with free time and a little bit of adventurism, the subway took you downtown in less than 40 minutes. There is a bus from the head of the pier which costs 30 roubles (in early June 2012, roubles were 32.5 to 1 USD). That dropped you at the nearest metro entrance where 25 roubles and 5 stops later, landed you in the heart of Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg’s equivalent to Times Square in NY or Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The metro is clean, no graffiti in the stations or on the cars, efficiently run and very safe. To return to the ship, just reverse the process. Once downtown, there are many attractions within easy walking distance such as the statue of the Bronze Horseman, a tribute from Catherine the Great to Peter the Great and the Church of our Savior on the Spilled Blood on which site, Tsar Alexander II was murdered by an assassin on 1 March 1881.

This was our 2nd time in St. Petersburg as we were there on an ocean cruise of the Baltics in 2003 when the city celebrated its 300th anniversary. It is to my mind, much more European than Russian with the latest fashions on display, many, many outdoor restaurant cafes and a mostly young, apparently well off population (at least during a business day).

We had previously been to Catherine’s Palace and the Hermitage and enjoyed returning to both places. St. Isaac’s is very impressive, but unfortunately, it is crowded and pickpockets are afoot. Several men & at least 1 woman had wallets stolen in the crowds so for them, not so much fun. Peter and Paul Fortress from a historical perspective is important, but rather unimpressive.

We visited St. Petersburg during the period of the summer referred to as “White Nights” which are quite famous. Sunrise occurs about 4:30AM and sunset at 11:15PM. Since winters are long, cold, and sometimes very harsh, the many hours of sunlight are greatly appreciated and folks go out to stroll, especially on Nevsky Prospekt well into the evening hours enjoying the many parks and recreation areas throughout the city.

Svir Stroi: This is a small village of about 600 people located on the Svir River. They have the requisite souvenir shops, but the highlight of the stop was the visit to the home of a Russian villager. Our opportunity came to visit the wife of a local employee of the hydro electric plant. We visited her home and were served tea & pirozhki’s (Russian tea cakes). With the able help of our tour director, Tanya who translated, the lady explained her daily life in the village and the challenges ordinary people now face compared to the days of the Soviet Union. This is also where we first encountered the fierce Russian mosquitoes or as the tour directors called them, the KGB mosquitoes. They’re big, they bite and they fly around over the 3 months of summer. Mosquito repellent does, however, work when liberally applied.

Petrozavodsk: This port city on Lake Onega which is the second largest lake in Europe, only surpassed by Lake Ladoga, included a bus tour as well as a visit to the memorial to Russian’s Unknown Soldier from World War II, and a tour of the local market. It is the industrial, cultural, and scientific center of the Republic of Karelia. The visit also included an optional tour to a Karelian folk show which we opted not to attend.

Kizhi (Kee-shee) Island: This small island in the center of Lake Onega is home to the oldest known wooden church in Russia, the Church of Transfiguration which features 22 timbered onion shaped domes. The church was assembled without the use of a single metal nail and is currently undergoing extensive renovation. The stop also featured a “Fishing with the Ship’s Captain & Staff” for those who are ardent anglers. Fishing apparently wasn’t so successful as we did not have fish on the menu that evening!

Goritzy/Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery: Goritsky is just another tiny town, but the monastery was built in 1397 and had close connections with Ivan the Terrible. At one time, over 200 monks lived in the monastery, but with the Russian revolution and the harsh suppression of religion in Russia, it deteriorated significantly and now houses only 6 monks. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, restoration efforts have begun and the museum features an impressive collection of Russian Orthodox icons.

Uglich: The last city we visited prior to Moscow is located on the Volga River. Cruising on the river as you come onto Uglich is very impressive. The Kremlin (or fortress) has no exterior walls so the many colored churches and domes make great picture opportunities. The very large Cathedral of Transfiguration looms over the town while the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood with its rich red walls and blue onion domes offer a sharp contrast. Souvenir and shops selling all sorts of goods line the route from the ship’s berth to the main street of Uglich. We were told by the local guide that as many as 7 to 8 river cruise ships a day visit Uglich during the summer. They also were having a display of lacquer and paper Mache’ boxes for sale at very Western prices. Enameled watches are also a specialty of Uglich. We were treated to a short concert by a group of male classically trained singers who rendered several Russian songs a capella during our visit.

Moscow: We arrived in Moscow about 3 hours late because of heavy fog the previous evening while transiting the Moscow Canal. The river authorities do not allow movement in the canal during heavy fog, so we waited out the down time in one of the locks. The ship moored a good ways from downtown as the city authorities do not allow river cruise ships downtown, the same rule as St. Petersburg. Moscow is a city of 11.5 million people and traffic can be a nightmare. However, we were fortunate to arrive on a Monday before a national holiday (Day of Russia) on Tuesday and Moscovites are like people everywhere; they angle to take the day before a big holiday off. So, the traffic to downtown was pretty light and we made up some time on the city tour which started in the famous Red Square outside the Kremlin walls. The tour included a walk around Saint Basil’s Cathedral which is actually a museum, then on to the GUM department store which resembles a U.S. mall. We also walked past a “Historic Toilet” located in Gum’s that I believe was the 1st indoor lavatory in a Moscow department store. (Use of the WC was 84 roubles for those interested; I took a pass). We also went for a ride on the famed Moscow metro where many of the stations are elaborately decorated in frescoes, busts representing the struggle of the common man, and other adornments of the Russian revolution. As in St. Petersburg, the metro is clean (no graffiti in the stations or on the cars) and very safe.

The next day was the national holiday so our tours steered us quite far from Red Square (where demonstrations were purported to occur against the Presidential election recently completed) and out to Sparrow Hills which is a high priced area of the city. We also toured the New Maiden cemetery where various Russian notables such as Boris Yeltsin and Nikita Khrushchev are buried. The evening tour involved a visit to the Moscow circus which has been in continuous operation since 1980. A fun time of clowns, jugglers, trained poodles, bears, a lion taming act and culminated with a trapeze performance by 5 daring men & 1 woman.

The following day was a tour inside the Kremlin walls and to one of the 5 churches located inside the walls. I found it ironic that 5 churches would be allowed to exist following the revolution, but many things in Russia are strange, this only being one example. We also toured the Kremlin armory which contains the Tsar’s Crown Jewels, armor and armaments of the 16th- 18th century, many Tsarina coronation and wedding dresses as well as a very extensive display of Faberge eggs. The tour concluded with lunch at Moscow’s Hard Rock Café and time to tour Arbat Street which is a pedestrian only street in the heart of Moscow.

We had family obligations that required us to cut the last full day off the cruise and return home via direct flight from Moscow to Dulles International.

Final Observations: It was a very interesting and different river cruise for us. Because the distances are so vast, there is a lot more down time on this cruise than one in European waters, but Grand Circle can make it as busy or as relaxed as you like. The meals were comparable to those served on our other river cruises for quantity and quality. There are slightly more optional tours than with some other companies, but on the other hand, some of the included tours were excellent. St. Petersburg is a great city and one I’d be pleased to visit again; Moscow, not so much. Grand Circle is certainly worth your consideration as a cruise line as the prices are competitive with all other Russian river cruises. We did book our air through Grand Circle which I’m normally reluctant to do, but the routing was the same that I would have chosen had I done my own booking and the pricing was better than I could do on my own, especially considering what GCT would have charged for transfers to and from the ship. We did not purchase travel insurance through GCT as I found we could do better by shopping around over the Internet.

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Share on other sites, beverlyjack.

We did this trip in 2004, aboard the chartered Nicholay Chernychevski, before Grand Circle had put the Tikhi Don into service. This was an excellent review and brings back memories. Please post it under Travelers Reviews on http://www.gct.com on this trip.

Thank you for the informative review. I am taking this tour in mid August. I will print what you wrote so that I can refer to it as I do some of my planning.

How many people were in your "group" ? Did you take the pretrip to Helsinki and Tallinn?

We had about 32 people in our group. I don't know what, if any criteria, other than numbers were used to make up the groups. We did not take any pre or post trips with this cruise.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Moscow Live - 2015 Toyota Camry (India-bound)

The 2015 Toyota Camry for the international markets has made its global premiere at the 2014 Moscow International Auto Salon (Moscow Motor Show 2014) today.

The D segment sedan, though sitting on the same platform, is a lot different than the facelift of the sportier US-spec version that debuted at the New York show earlier this year. The refreshed Camry's front fascia has been given a comprehensive makeover which involves an hexagonal chrome-lined grille with parabolic slats.

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The existing sedan's engine lineup is retained, meaning you get a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. The former is also available in a hybrid guise.

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Jenn_v33 said: So as I was leaving to work this popped up the night before that my car was working perfectly .. also just changed my battery a couple of months ago and had taken it to Toyota for service .. sooo moving forward with this it wouldn’t let me put my gear on D it would go to S !!!!! Does anyone know what it can be ?? Sensors ?? Transmission?? No clue and frustrated ! View attachment 397451 View attachment 397450 Click to expand...

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