Volvo Truck Cruise Control Not Working: 12 Fixes

volvo truck cruise control not working
volvo truck cruise control not working

Volvo is a famous brand that specializes in trucks. They have a wide variety of trucks with competitive features that you can choose from. The cruise control on these vehicles is one of the most famous features.

It can be useful when going out on long trips as you don’t need to control the acceleration and gears constantly. Although, some people have reported that the Volvo truck cruise control doesn’t work properly.

Volvo Truck Cruise Control Not Working

  1. Check Vehicle Speed

Check Vehicle Speed

One of the most important things to check is what speed you are driving at. This is essential because every vehicle with cruise control has specific speed support. You can only activate the feature once you go above that speed.

In most cases, the minimum speed is 60 km/h. This is why you should try taking your vehicle to a road with a speed restriction of 80 or above to drive the vehicle above 60 km/h, as it’s essential for the cruise control to work.

  1. Hold Up the Brake

Hold Up the Brake

Another reason why your cruise control feature will not work is because the brake is pressed down. This prevents the system from enabling cruise control. If you haven’t set foot on the brakes, there are high chances that something else is pushing them down.

To fix this brake-related problem, you need to switch off the vehicle and pull up the brakes. The brakes can be easily pulled upwards with the foot. Once the brake is in normal position, switch on the vehicle, and try switching on the cruise control.

  1. Faulty Speed Sensors

If the cruise control feature is not working on your Volvo truck even after checking the vehicle speed and brake, there is a high chance that your speed sensors are faulty. You can get these checked from a workshop or by taking the vehicle back to Volvo.

This is important because a speed sensor is responsible for transmitting the speed information of the vehicle to the cruise control module and the engine control unit. In fact, it’s the only way for the cruise control module to determine the vehicle’s speed.

So, when the module is unable to detect the speed because of damaged speed sensors, the cruise control system will be deactivated automatically. If the speed sensors are damaged, get them replaced with new ones. Keep in mind that you should check the speed sensors even if the truck is new.

  1. Cruise Control Switch

The cruise control switch is used for setting the cruising speed, and the same speed information is transmitted to the cruise control module and engine control unit for sustaining the vehicle’s acceleration speed. Usually, the contacts of these control switches wear out with time.

When these contacts are not intact, the cruise control module and engine control unit will not receive important speed information, hence the issue with speed and acceleration maintenance. As a result, the set acceleration will be canceled, and the cruise control system will be deactivated.

To resolve this issue, you must get the cruise control switch replaced because the internal contacts are impossible to repair. When you get the control switch replaced, make sure that it’s compatible with the truck because these switches are different for cars and trucks.

  1. Brake Light Switch

Generally, the users have to press a brake pedal to disable the cruise control. For this purpose, it is important that the cruise control system detects the brake light switch. This is basically an electrical switch that switches on the brake lights whenever the brakes are applied.

It is an important part of the braking system because it helps slow down the vehicle’s speed and directly impacts the cruise control system and ABS. So, if the system is unable to detect the brake light switch, the cruise control will be automatically disabled.

This is because the cruise control is wired to the switch, and a failed switch means ineffective performance because the truck thinks that the brakes are turned on. For this purpose, make sure that the brake light switch has proper continuity and is working normally.

  1. Blown Fuse

Blown Fuse

If your truck is designed with an electronic cruise control system, it is obvious that there will be a fuse. This is because a fuse is installed to protect the electrical components from voltage fluctuations. So, when the fuse is blown, the cruise control system will be automatically turned off and won’t work until the fuse is replaced.

To check if the fuse is blown, you need to inspect it. It is located in the fuse panel, right below the steering wheel. So, take off the fuse panel’s cover and identify the fuse. If the fuse appears blown, it needs to be replaced, and it is better if you replace the related cables as well.

  1. Check Engine Warning Light

Check Engine Warning Light

If the check engine warning light is switched on, it simply means that there is something wrong with the engine and transmission. When the engine control unit identifies the problems with the light, it will disable the cruise control system as a safety precaution.

Keep in mind that the cruise control will remain switched off until the engine issue is resolved. Honestly, it can be challenging to diagnose the engine issue on your own, which is why it is better to hire a mechanic.

  1. Electrical Issues

When it comes down to the cruise control system, there will be multiple electrical components. So, if the cruise control doesn’t work properly, you must check the ground straps, wiring harnesses, and connectors to make sure they are in intact form. If there is physical damage, these connectors and cables must be replaced.

On the other hand, if you cannot identify physical damages, make sure the voltage source is providing enough power to the cruise control system. If there is an issue with the power transmission, the voltage source has to be checked and fixed immediately.

  1. Broken Or Loose Cruise Control Cable

The old trucks are designed with a cruise control system with two throttle cables. One throttle cable is meant for the cruise control system, while the second cable is for the gas pedal. Over the course of time, these cables stretch and end up breaking. So, inspect the cables and make sure they are properly maintained.

On the other hand, if the cables appear damaged, broken, or stretched, the cruise control system won’t be able to operate the throttle plate. To fix the problem, you must get the cables replaced to retrieve normal function.

  1. Vacuum Actuator

The majority of trucks are designed with mechanical cruise control systems rather than adaptive or drive-by-wire cruise control technology. This system utilizes a cable, which is responsible for connecting the throttle and gas pedal. So, rather than requiring a manual pedal operation, the cruise control utilizes a vacuum actuator.

A small valve is utilized for regulating the engine’s speed, while the vacuum actuator is used for tightening or loosening the cable. Having said that, if the vacuum actuator is damaged, the cables won’t be handled properly, leading to ineffective functionality of the cruise control. For this reason, you must check the vacuum actuator for leaks and make sure that it’s working well.

  1. Vacuum Leak

The older trucks and their cruise control systems utilize a vacuum developed by the engine for operating the cruise control system. So, if the vacuum system experiences a leak, there won’t be sufficient vacuum development, resulting in the halting of cruise control. To fix this problem, you must have a mechanic fix the vacuum system.

  1. Spiral Cable

The cruise control is enabled by the switch that’s connected around the steering wheel. This switch is connected with the help of a spiral cable within the steering wheel. So, if the spiral cable is frayed or broken, it creates an open circuit. Consequently, when you switch on the cruise control, it will not engage properly. For this reason, you should get the spiral cable checked and replace it if there is any damage.

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