colsoncj

I've got an 87 Runner and I think the cruise control was a dealer installed unit. The control box says made in the USA and nothing matches the system in the FSM. Has anyone ever seen this or know anything about it? Mine stopped workin and I'm tryin to figure out how to fix it. The on/off/set lever is a third lever sticking out of the steering column, behind the light combo switch. The control unit is on the pass side of the truck, it has no main cruise switch on the dash, and no vaccum actuator on the drivers side by the firewall. I haven't looked to see if its got a cruise control brain in the drivers kick panel, but i'd put my money on it that it doesn't. Anyone know anything about this, or better yet know the diagnostics to the system?

Flamedx4

Is there any manufacturers name on any of the parts? (Rostra, OEM, SCS, Audiovox etc?)
Defo not a factory unit, you hit all the indicators.

colsoncj

Ok I looked high and low for a manufacturer's name. All I could find is Made in the USA and Patent Pending on the "controller" box under the hood.
How do you add pictures to a reply? I have pic of the control lever and "controller" box.

colsoncj

here's the controller box. its the thing in the center next to the diagnostic connector


another pic of it


here's the control lever on the column

Flamedx4

Haven't seen that particular unit before. Sorry to be no help...

I assume you've checked to see if it's getting power (must be a fuse somewhere) and checked all the connections etc.

If you can't diagnose it as a bad connector or something, your best bet is to yank the whole thing and buy a whole new one. They're only about $129, complete!

RedRunner_87

I will get some pics up. I have a '87 Runner w/Cruise control.

colsoncj

Thank you all for your help so far. I would like to see what your 4Runner's cruise looks like, and if you know anything about it. Should I have to get a new cruise setup, does anyone have any suggestions for a reliable unit?

RedRunner_87

Here is the LINK to the phote ablum.

Here is the Cruise Control stick


Me and my step-dad think this is related to the Cruise Control, but are unsure.

colsoncj

Yep, all that stuff is in the FSM, and my truck doesn't have it. Thanks for the pics! Does anyone know if it is easier to use all factory components and convert the truck if I can't get my sytem working again; or is it easier to just use an aftermarket kit?

Marc

I would use an aftermarket unit. I'm sure they are less expensive and also sure they will work better.

Flamedx4

Just for grins you might call a dealer and see if they are even available (good bet they are not) and then ask the price. Then go shopping for an aftermarket unit. They're all similar, nothing special about them, the engineering hasn't changed for decades and they're all pretty reliable. I've installed dozens of them, takes a couple hours. Anyone could do it.

Flamedx4

Here's a source or two:
http://www.truckaddons.com/Catalog/s...isecontrol.asp
http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...asp&d=11&s=185

Good ol' Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33595
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

4Runner 4Play

hey, colsoncj.... just a thought... I think all cruise control units whether OEM or aftermarket will have a shut off control. One of the things that would cause your cruise control to stop working would be 1 or 2 brake lights to be out. As in broken bulb or fuse etc... hope this helps. cheers

Flamedx4

You're right!! I've forgotten so much of this stuff over the years. Could be as simple as the brake light fuse, brake light switch out of adjustment, or if it's a vacuum op unit, the vacuum line on the brake switch loose, or even a bad vacuum switch (used to be very common...)

colsoncj

Well this weekend I'm going to have some time, so I'll take a look at it. If I figure out the in's and out's of this system I'll post it, in case someone else has the same system. Thanks for your help and I'll let you know what I find out.

colsoncj

Well i figured out what the problem was. The cruise control itself is fine., it just thinks that the clutch is depressed. All I need to do is adjust the clutch switch so that the cruise doesn't think that I'm pushing on the clutch and everything will be a-ok. I still don't have the foggiest idea who manufactures the cruise control unit, so if anyone does, let me know. Thanks to everyone for your help and input.