Johnny O
12-20-2005, 03:08 PM
Yes yet another newbie :D
Basically I have a problem with my 2000 Grand Caravan. The Cruise light came on approx 1 month ago and has stayed on since. I cannot engage the cruise and the controls on the wheel do not work. Any suggestions as to what might be the problem. There are approx 60K on her. It is not under warrenty.
Thanks,
Johnny O'
gas28man
12-20-2005, 03:45 PM
There are a couple of possibilities here. I'll try to take them from cheapest to most expensive.
The first would be the clockspring harness. It's basically a round wiring harness inside the steering wheel that connects the horn, cruise switches and air bag. It's covered under a recall for your vehicle so take it to the dealer for a freebie, even if you're out of warranty. If the airbag light is also on and your horn doesn't work, that would be the dead giveaway that it's the clockspring.
The other possibility is the combination brake light switch/wiring connector that mounts under the dash right above your brake pedal. The connector that plugs into the switch is for the cruise control (on mine, it's stamped right on the side of the part "speed control"). If the connector gets kicked, or otherwise goes bad or gets loose, you will lose cruise control function from the steering wheel. It's a $20, dealer-only part that takes about 15 minutes to replace.
Beyond that, you may have some problem at the cruise control servo. Most of the works for all this is mounted on and under your battery tray, under the hood. It's easier to get at than it sounds. Just pull the battery and there are three, easily-accessible bolts holding the tray in place, two on top, and one side-mounted. Could be simply a loose or broken wire or vacuum hose up here. If you don't find something obvious like that, then you might have to take it to someone who can properly diagnose cruise control issues.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.
Rick
Johnny O
12-20-2005, 04:05 PM
Great info and I do appreciate it. I will certanly give all those suggestions a try and let you know how I made out.
Horn and break light work fine but the break signal on the dash comes on sometimes especially when I make a left hand turn.
Anyhoo I appreciate the info.
Johnny O'
