Cruise Control Issues

[Brasscatz]

Alrighty, my cruise control has stopped wanting to turn on. I use it every day so that I save gas and don't speed. On the highway the other morning, I pushed the button to turn it on and nothing. I pressed it several times and finally the indicator light came on and it was working. Then it didn't work for several more days, and I tried again and it worked.... once.

Something is telling me it's the switch or wiring up to the switch. I don't think it's a fuse since it did turn on a couple of times. What are your thoughts? I've never removed an airbag before, but how easy is it to get the switch off? Can I do it without taking out the airbag? I suppose I could just go out and tinker with it, but I just woke up and I'm being a bit lazy Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Klaatu55]

Mine stopped a while back too. Interested in solutions. Thanks for asking

[4.3LXJ]

I haven't removed one either, but IIRC there is a procedure for it to keep it from going boom. As far as I know, you have to remove the wheel to get to the wiring and switches underneath.

[Brasscatz]

My airbag light has been on since I bought it too. Here's another question... If I disconnect the battery, is the airbag still able to deploy?

[4.3LXJ]

That is another good question. My manual is out in the shop right now. I can give you an answer this afternoon on that.

[Brasscatz]

Thanks Steve. I would appreciate that

[gary63]

if you just deconect the battery it can you need to wait some time sorry I don't know the exact time it is around 10-30 min.

[Sneedle Vision]

Gary is right. Just wait about 30 minutes after you disconnect the battery and you'll be okay.

If I remember right, you can unbolt the switches without removing the bag or wheel. It should just be one bolt that holds the on/off panel and one for the resume/decel panel.

It really isn't a tough job at all. I think it's a max of 6 bolts and everything is off. You will need a steering wheel puller if your clockspring has gone bad though.

[4.3LXJ]

I consulted my manual. it states that it takes two minutes after the battery cables are both disconnected to discharge the capacitor in it and render it non operative.

[Brasscatz]

Thanks fellers. I need to get out there now and see if I can find what is wrong. I do appreciate it!

[Brasscatz]

Alright, this is what I found out. You can remove the on/off switch without removing the airbag. HOWEVER, I was unable to do this without breaking the clip that you screw into. I also found out that I cannot open the switch without breaking it open, so I looks like my next order of business is to buy a new switch and see if that fixes the problem. Thanks again everybody for your input!

[bigjim350]

Make sure you still have brake lights. On the 01 XJ I had the cruise stopped working when the brake switch went bad

[Brasscatz]

Hmmm.... I'll go check that right now

[Brasscatz]

Yep, still have brake lights. Whew!

[grimhelm]

Your clockspring has gone out. You'll need to remove your airbag and steering wheel to replace it. I had to get the new one from the dealer.Ouch!! After I replaced it the airbag light went off and the cruise control worked.