88 S10 Cruise Control

[Jayclark]

I bought a 1988 S10 4x4 with a 2.8 a few weeks back. And I'm trying to get the cruise control to work. I've never messed with cruise control before. So where do I need to start?

[MrWrongsalive]

With any electrical problem you always start at the fuse.

The way most cruise control systems work is that the unit looks at vehicle speed, engine load, and brake pedal signal. If you have a speedometer not working that could cause a problem, also there is usually a vacuum hose that runs from the intake manifold to the cruise control unit (the unit uses this as an indicator of how much load the engine is under). Make sure the vacuum hose is in good order. Beyond that I would brake out a wiring diagram and start checking for power and ground at the control unit. Another possible reason it could fail is that the cruise control switch has stopped working.

Just some thoughts, hope it helps

[old_master]

Very common for the cruise switch wires to break right at the turn signal lever. Move the T/S switch as though making a right turn, look close to the column and you'll see the harness where it enters the column cover. If you wiggle it you'll probably find a broken wire. Most auto parts stores have them in the Dorman HELP! line.