Bob wrote:
<Then there's this new-fangled "Internet" thing. A quick search for "stuck
cruise control" on Google yields:
http://detnews.com/1999/autos/9903/28/03270073.htm (More bad news for the
Explorer, though it's a mechanical defect and not a computer)>
Well that's pretty much what I've been trying to say Bob - In terms of
ignition systems and engine management in general (particularly emission
control) the computer has been a positive development as applied to the
automotive field. Not that every use of the computer has been an
unqualified success. My second point and the reason I was curious to read
the article that Pippi referred to - is I wanted to determine if indeed the
cruise control itself was at fault or if it were a mechanical fault as you
noted above.
The whole point of my writing is to share some things that I learned over
years of working on automobiles. At one time I was even employed installing
after-market cruise controls on vehicles that did not come equipped from
the factory. As a mechanic, I disliked ANYthing that complicates or
interferes with normal engine operation. At first, I was suspicious of the
controls and fearful that I might make some mistake in installation that
would result in injury or death for the very same reasons that several
people on the list have voiced distrust of the cruise control. What if it
jammed? What if the control module malfunctioned and caused the throttle to
stick or freeze open? During the time I was employed installing these kits
I probably installed several hundred. Other than the kit instructions and
my own mechanic background I had no formal training with the cruise
control. My concern soon evaporated as I discovered that ANY mistake in
installation prevented the cruise control from setting the speed. NO
mistake resulted in the cruise control failing to release.
Now I'm not saying that throttles never get stuck - it has happened to me.
But in almost all cases it is a mechanical fault that could have happened
on a car without a cruise control or it was not related to the cruise
control function. Someone mentioned a stuck rod in a dashpot holding the
throttle open - that is an example of what I'm talking about. A dashpot is
a device used to allow the throttle to close slowly when you let off the
gas rather than slam shut thereby dumping raw unburned fuel into the engine
and also putting a extra strain on the linkage and other components. Cars
without cruise controls have dashpots as well.
The fear that the cruise control will take over and not release control of
your vehicle is an understandable one especially when you are unfamiliar
with them. As I mentioned, I experienced that fear myself. But experience
taught me that it was an unfounded fear. I do not doubt that somewhere,
somehow, a cruise control has failed in such a way as to cause an accident
when the driver was unable to release it (there are millions of cruise
controls) but as also pointed out - you have options - pressing the
disengage button, braking, turning off the ignition, shifting to neutral.
Know your car, know it's functions and learn about using the cruise control
- It will put your mind at ease.
Dave
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