toyota highlander cruise control not working

Toyota Highlander Cruise Control Not Working: How to Fix

The cruise control system is a big plus in any vehicle and if it fails, you’d have to put in some extra work to keep your vehicle moving at a constant speed. However, a Toyota Highlander cruise control failure goes beyond a driving problem and could signify something even more serious.

There are a few reasons why your cruise control system would stop working and there are a handful of fixes that can fix the problem. This article covers some of the common possible causes and the right fixes that should be applied.

But before we dive right into the causes and fixes, we’d take a look at how the cruise control system works.

How the Cruise Control System Works

Toyota highlander cruise control not working: causes, replace the faulty brake pedal switch, replace the speed sensor, check for a blown fuse, replace or fix the vacuum actuator, final thoughts.

The cruise control system setup would depend on the vehicle’s make. In modern vehicles, it makes use of a fully electronic setup which is controlled by the vehicle’s ECU (electronic control unit).

In older vehicles, it could be controlled by a vacuum actuator that is physically connected to a chain or cable. The adjustment of the cable will increase or decrease the throttle position based on the actions of the actuator. This system is called electromechanical cruise control.

Your mechanic will tell you which kind of system your cruise control is based on.

• Faulty Brake Pedal Switch
• Damaged Speed Sensor
• Damaged Mechanical Components

The cruise control system is wired to the brake pedal switch and is meant to disengage whenever the brake pedal is pressed. If the brake pedal switch stays engaged or fails, the cruise control system will remain off.

This fix would require you to replace the brake pedal switch, however, it could require more than that. You may also have to check the wiring connected to the switch for signs of damage.

To get this fixed, you should have your mechanic examine the switch for any signs of damage. The mechanic should also inspect the wires connected to the switch for any damage and change them if necessary. The switch should also be replaced and then the mechanic would confirm it the problem has been solved and the cruise control system working properly.

The speed sensor is also connected to the cruise control system. It if fails, the cruise control system may stop working along with the speedometer and you may notice that your engine would have more difficulty when idling.

Your mechanic would have to examine the speed sensor and its surrounding wires for any signs of damage. If so, the mechanic will have to replace the sensor. If there are any problems with the wires connected to the sensor to the speedometer and the cruise control switches, they would have to be replaced too. This should fix the problem and get the cruise control system working as normal.

The cruise control system is protected by a fuse which prevents it from being damaged due to over-current or a short circuit. If the corresponding fuse for the cruise control system has blown, then the system would stop working.

This fix wouldn’t require a mechanic but if you’re not used to car repairs, then you should leave it to the professionals. All that would be required is to check for the corresponding fuse for the cruise control to see if it has blown. It should be easy to tell if the fuse has blown or failed. If it has, then it should be replaced. When replacing a blown fuse with a new one, only go for those rated for the correct amperage.

If this fix proves too hard for you to perform, then you should drive your car to your mechanic and explain this. Your mechanic should be able to get things done quickly and you won’t have to spend too much on it.

If you’re driving an older model, then your cruise control system probably makes use of a vacuum actuator. This system features a vacuum actuator and a cable connected to the vehicle’s throttle. Together they work to maintain the speed of the vehicle and keep you at a certain distance behind the vehicle in front of you.

If the vacuum actuator fails or there is damage to the hoses, then the cruise control system would stop working. Also, there may be problems with the cable connecting the actuator to the throttle. The cable could be broken.

The vacuum actuator, the hoses, and the cable would have to be checked to ensure they’re in perfect working condition if they’re okay, then the actuator may have to be replaced.

Whenever your mechanic performs a fix and confirms that the cruise control system is in order, you should take it for a test drive to confirm it yourself. With that done, the mechanic will use their code reader to clear any trouble codes that may have been produced when the cruise control system failed.

While you could perform some of these fixes on your own, it is best to get a mechanic on the job. A cruise control failure could be a signal that your car is about to develop a fault in its other components. Your mechanic may also inspect other systems like the brake lights and speedometer to check for faults and make the necessary repairs.

While the cruise control system makes driving on the highway more convenient, it is important to keep an eye on the cruise control system as a sudden failure could be dangerous. If you notice that the cruise control system is failing or stopped working altogether, get a mechanic to check it out immediately.

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5 Reasons Why Your Cruise Control Stopped Working

• Updated: March 15, 2023

It would be difficult to find a vehicle on the road today without cruise control. This invaluable feature makes driving long distances easier but can also cause trouble when it malfunctions. Understanding the reasons your cruise control stopped working ensures that you can get the problem fixed quickly for a more enjoyable ride. 

While this fault can cause issues with the cruise control system itself, there could also be an effect on the acceleration of your vehicle. That’s why you want to have it looked at as soon as you notice a problem. Let’s take a quick look at the reasons your cruise control may have stopped working.

Reasons Why Your Cruise Control Stopped Working

The most common reason a cruise control stops working is due to a blown fuse or a defective brake pedal switch . It can also be caused by issues with the throttle control system or the ABS. In older cruise control systems, it can be caused by a broken vacuum line.

Here is a more detailed list of the possible reasons your cruise control is not working:

1. Blown Fuse

All electrical systems in the vehicle are controlled by fuses. Your cruise control system is attached to a fuse that can blow if there is a short circuit or fault. Without a good fuse, the cruise control system can’t work at all.

Thankfully, it’s not difficult to find and replace a blown fuse. Look in the owner’s manual to find the fuse that corresponds with the cruise control technology. 

2. Defective Brake Pedal Switch

The brake pedal switch is responsible for turning the brake lights on and off based on the pedal position. Cruise control systems are designed to disengage whenever your brake pedal gets pressed. 

Because the cruise control is wired into the brake pedal switch, any fault can cause it to stop working. When the brake pedal switch malfunctions, the car believes the brakes are engaged, causing the system to turn off automatically. Not only that, but your car’s brake light might also be stuck on, leaving confused drivers in your wake. 

3. Malfunctioning Speed Sensor

Speed sensors are located on every wheel or differential. The purpose of these sensors is to monitor the speed of the wheels to determine if traction control is needed. 

The speed sensors are also part of the cruise control system. When a sensor fails, the cruise control can stop working and the speedometer might act strange as well. 

If there is an issue with a speed sensor, it will often show with an ABS warning light or a check engine light on the dashboard.

RELATED: 3 Symptoms of a Bad ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

4. Electrical Issues

The cruise control system is electronic, with many components working together to make the system operate. If the cruise control fails to work, you want to check the wiring harness and associated connectors for a fault.

You also need to ensure that the voltage source is supplying enough power to the system. Even the smallest fault can cause defects with the cruise control. In many cases, there can be an issue with the cruise control lever or buttons causing the cruise control to not engage.

If your cruise control buttons are located on the steering wheel it could also be caused by a bad clock spring, which is located behind the steering wheel.

Check the system with an OBD2 scanner to look for any trouble codes related to the cruise control.

RELATED: 5 Symptoms of a Broken Clock Spring, Location & Replacement Cost

5. Damaged Vacuum Actuator, Hoses or Cable (Older cruise control)

If you drive an older vehicle with cruise control, you might have an issue with the vacuum actuator or the cable that connects to the throttle. If there has been damage done to the vacuum hoses or the actuator, the cruise control will stop working altogether.

Additionally, the cable linking the actuator to the throttle must be in good shape. If it has been broken, the cruise control will fail. 

What is Cruise Control?

Cruise control is a feature that is used when you are traveling at a consistent speed. Cruise control was first introduced for automobiles in the 1950s. However, it took many years before it became a staple in the modern vehicle.

This electrical system allows you to set a predetermined speed and take your foot off of the gas pedal. If you are on a long drive, there is less fatigue because you don’t have to try to maintain your speed. Cruise control can also benefit fuel economy because the vehicle uses less fuel when traveling steadily. 

In newer cars, you might be able to find adaptive cruise control , which is a smart technology. Adaptive cruise control allows you to travel at a predetermined speed, but it also helps to maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you with the help of sensors. With conventional cruise control, you need to take over when the car in front of you slows down, but that’s not the case with adaptive cruise control. 

There are also vehicles nowadays with not only cruise control, but fully self-driving vehicles . We will most likely see much more of this in the future.

Cruise Control Repair Cost

The cost to repair your cruise control system depends on what caused it to fail. If you need to replace a cruise control or brake switch, you might spend between $125 and $350, including parts and labor. However, the cost to change a fuse is only a few dollars and you can perform the replacement yourself in just a matter of seconds. 

On the other hand, when something major fails, such as the actuator, you could be looking at a much higher repair bill. In some vehicles, the cost to replace a cruise control actuator can cost more than $700. These costs rise if you drive a luxury vehicle or one that is difficult to get parts for. 

It might not seem immediately important for you to fix the broken cruise control, but this defective system can affect other performance aspects. You could start to notice issues with acceleration or have trouble with the speedometer. To play it safe, it’s always best to have the cruise control repaired as soon as you notice a problem.

Is there a fuse for the cruise control?

Yes. If the cruise control is installed from the factory, you should check your car’s owner’s manual for the fuse location. If it’s an aftermarket cruise control, you’ll need to follow the wires to find the fuse.

Does the brake switch affect the cruise control system?

Yes. The brake switch affects the cruise control system. The brake switch sends a signal to the cruise control system to let it know when the brakes are being applied for the engine to know when it should stop accelerating.

Will the cruise control work if the check engine light is on?

The cruise control function will be disabled when the check engine light is on in most car models, even if the cause of the check engine light is not the cruise control itself. This is mainly due to safety reasons.

Can a vacuum leak affect cruise control?

Older vehicles use vacuum to control the throttle for the cruise control, and in this case a vacuum leak can heavily affect the cruise control. However, modern cruise controls are fully electric and in most cases will not be affected by a vacuum leak if the check engine light is not illuminated.

Although many people may think that the cruise control system is unimportant and not worth spending money to repair, the problem can be caused by a faulty part that will affect the engine’s performance or durability. Therefore, it is best not to ignore the problem if your cruise control is not working without first diagnosing the car properly.

If your cruise control still isn’t working after trying all the tips in this article, it’s probably time to take it in for a professional opinion from a mechanic. It may be a more serious problem that requires replacement parts or repairs. In the meantime, drive safe and enjoy the open road!

Learn more:

• Brake Lights Not Working But Tail Lights Are? (How to Fix)
• Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are? (How to Fix)
• Brake Lights Stay On? (5 Causes & How to Fix it)

Categories: Electric , Troubleshooting

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Toyota Highlander Owners Manual: Cruise control

Summary of functions.

• Setting the vehicle speed
• Adjusting the set speed
• Canceling and resuming the constant speed control

Using the driving support systems

More about toyota highlander:.

Under hood GENERAL MAINTENANCE 1. GENERAL NOTES Maintenance items may vary from country to country. Check the owner's manual supplement in which the maintenance schedule is shown. Every service item in the periodic maintenance schedule must be performed. Periodic maintenance service must be pe ...

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Welcome, here you'll have access to your Support Dashboard where you can see your support requests status or create a new request.

How do I operate the adaptive cruise control in my vehicle?

Adaptive cruise control supplements conventional cruise control with an active vehicle-to-vehicle distance control feature. designed for use on freeways and express ways, in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, your car automatically acceler... sep 24, 2022 • knowledge, new section, only answer.

Adaptive cruise control supplements conventional cruise control with an active vehicle-to-vehicle distance control feature. Designed for use on freeways and express ways, in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, your car automatically accelerates or decelerates in order to maintain a preset following distance from the vehicle traveling directly ahead of you.

To activate the system, press the "ON/OFF" button at the end of the stalk on the lower end of the right side of the steering wheel. The radar-ready indicator will appear in the Multi Information Display.

Accelerate or decelerate to your intended speed, then press the stalk down to set it. If you want to go faster, push the stalk upward and hold until you've reached the desired speed and then release it. Or, if you want to slow down, push the stalk down and hold as you decelerate, then release it once you've reached the desired speed.

To cancel cruise control, tap the brakes, pull the stalk towards you or turn the system off with the ON/OFF button.

Adaptive Cruise Control was designed to maintain the preset distance between your car and the car driving in the same lane directly ahead of you.

When it’s active, it automatically adjusts for changes in the speed of the vehicle traveling directly ahead of you in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle distance you set.

In the event that you would like to change the preset distance between vehicles, you can do so by using the radar range button located on the lower right side of the steering wheel. Simply press the button repeatedly to cycle through the ranges available. You'll find them displayed on the Multi Information Display. And finally, you can disable the distance holding feature by pushing the cruise control stalk away and holding it until the indicator disappears and the conventional cruise control indicator lights up.

Please click here  to view a video.

Disclaimer: Adaptive Cruise Control is designed to assist the driver and is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving practices. See your  Owner's Manual for important instructions and cautions.

Not all features are available on all vehicles and model grades. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details and important safety information.

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• Corolla 9th Gen/1st Gen Matrix (2003-2008)

Cruise Control Troubleshooting

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Hello, I am a new member and just bought a used 2004 Corolla LE. The car works great except for the Cruise. It will not set. Is there a troubleshooting guide someone may have put together on the forum? I searched w/o any luck. If not where do I start? Thanks !! Wayne  

When you say it does not set, do you mean the cruise shuts off, and the light goes out, or it does not keep the speed? Are you auto or manual? Check the actuator under the hood and clean the connections, also check fuses, the 3 brake lights, and brake fluid. Do you have any check engine lights on? Also, check a switch up on the break pedal that disables the cruise control, maybe that switch is unplugged or bent.  

i am having the same problem for almost 2 years. i am in a manual 03 S. mine turns on and the light comes on but wont set. i checked all the connections (that i believe of) and i cant get it to work.  

With the manual, you cannot have any pressure at all when you try to set the cruise. Try this it is worth a shot, hold the back of the clutch pedal with your foot then try to set the cruise. Any normal road vibration it will deactivate the cruise, for some reason, the clutch and CC is really sensitive. http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b40/webby242424/fuselocations.jpg Check 19, 22, 29. I doubt that they are bad, but it will help to eliminate them. If you cannot find a problem, it is likely the clutch switch or the brake switch for the CC. Look at the top of the clutch and brake pedals for the switch, and see if anything is broken/loose. Just in case no one knows how to use CC: Press button in on stalk - observe green light. Tap stalk down to set speed. Tap up or down to adjust set speed. Pull stalk toward you to cancel. Must be about 25 mph to work.  

Thanks for the suggestions. The car has an auto trans. Also I do not have any check engine light on. Let me clarify - I am not even able to get the green light to come on. Tonight I will do the following and let you know the results: Check the wiring connections at the cruise module, check the switch and connections on the brake pedal, check the fuses, 3rd brake light, fluid level  

Let us know, do you hear a click when you press the cruise button? If all of the stuff you checked is ok, it could be something as simple as the button.  

Just a suggestion, but maybe it is the CC control itself. They are very easy to change, and cost about $55, if you buy it somewhere other that from Toyota. If I recall correctly, it has an AC Delco part number. (I recently added CC to my 07 CE)  

For the owners of 2003-2004 cars, you should have a cruise control cable that connects to the throttle body. It's possible that the cable has broken, or somehow become disconnected from the throttle body (or cruise module). 2005-2008 cars don't have that -- the throttle is Drive-By-Wire (DBW), so there are no cables, and the ECU operates the cruise control through the DBW system.  

i checked all the fuses and they are fine. brake fluid is good also. Does anyone know where the cruise control actuator is located?  

if you just bought the car recently I am sure you have warrnaty on it, unless u bought it privately save urself the money and headaches and take it back to where u got it from and tell them to fix it I am sure you and less than 2 weeks grace period  

Last night I did the following: Mechanically checked the brake pedal switch to see if it was operating properly, checked the third brake light checked all of the wiring harness at the CC Module checked brake fluid. pulled the pedal back while driving ( above 25 MPH) and tried to get the CC green light to come on. - still no good. I did not check the fuses - which one is for the cruise? Wayne  

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b4...elocations.jpg Check 19, 22, 29.  

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