1999 Alero cruise control doesn't work

[3APA3HO]

Hey everyone,

It seems that my Alero thinks that almost 2 years of driving without any problems is way too much. After replacing both front wheel bearings (I had to replace only 1, but decided to replace another one in advance) and a blower resistor I thought that my fixing spree is over. Well, the car thought that I'm too optimistic - now my cruise control doesn't work. After pressing the cruise control button (the one on the left) it lights up, so I presume that this button works fine. But after pressing the CST SET button (on the right - the lower one) nothing happens. I can't set my cruising speed at all - even the sign on my dashboard doesn't light up. That's not cool since I use my cruise control quite often.

Can anyone tell me what may cause such problems?

I hope that it's not expensive to fix this issue - I have a lot of plans for this summer and spending a lot of money on my Alero is not what I'm talking about

[alerosis]

Fault in the brake switch might send a cancel signal constantly to the controller preventing response to the set and resume buttons. Switches can be checked with meters for partial shorts from wear and corrosion.
The brake switch used much more than the steering wheel button, so most likely candidate.
On bumps, any time Traction control fires it cancels cruise similar to braking, as it takes control of engine.

[alerosis]

The brake switches, both cruise control and brake light side by side, have an adjustment for pedal travel and might not be releasing the cruise switch, and could even be on an edge of tolerance producing intermittant failure. Switch itself only costs $7. There's a twist lock to engage after pushing the switch into the correct position.

My '99 has failed progessively worse last three years this way, and I may try to get this switch looked at.

[alerosis]

Repair worked. Note cruise brake switch is normally closed so the plunger spring must close it, with slight weakness faulting it. The brake-light switch is normally open so even weak springs can open it. Heat build-up can also weaken an already worn spring causing intermittant failure. The cruise computer reads both switches. The normally closed is fail-safe, making wire disconnects read as brakes-pushed.