Cruise Control Question... - BMW Forum

thekid · 03-26-2006, 09:08 PM

Today I had the fun experiance of finding out that for some reason braking does turn off my cruise control. The result was that the car tried to speed up while I was trying to brake and sped up a lot when I released the brake. Where should I start looking? If it was electrical I would think that the whole system would not work... am I correct?

Furious · 03-27-2006, 03:39 AM

mm half correct electrical problems can cause so many problems, especially when the item your fixing is completely dependant on electronics as apposed to mechanical. if you were to step on the brake yes your cruise should shut off completely, but if you started to speed up, im a bit stumped, i would certainly get the issue resolved by a professional, as electrical problems can really be tough.

but.. as i re-read the thread, im wondering if your saying that the your car suddenly started to speed up dramatically when in cruise control mode... if this is the case than you might have pushed the cruise lever a certain way, either forwards or inwards, which is also a function to accelerate, matter of fact it could be to continue to accelerate untill you provide more input to the vehicle (i.e-braking or shutoff)

thekid · 03-27-2006, 09:33 AM

I do not believe that I could have... I was quite confused when it happened the first time, so I decided to try it for a second time to make sure and it definately is the case that braking does not shut off the crusie system and that I was in no way touching the lever.

I really just want to get an idea of what it could be before I take it any where. I'm at college, so I don't have a mechanic here and I am very sceptical of all mechanics until they have proven that they are fair and honest people.

drz · 03-27-2006, 10:18 AM

^^ The signal from the brake pedal may not be getting to the cruise control system. Try this: does pressing the clutch pedal shut off your cruise? If it does, then your problem is related only to your brake pedal, and you can rule out your cruise control not working. A lose connection could be the culprit. All in all, you can always go without cruise control.

Furious · 03-27-2006, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekid

I do not believe that I could have... I was quite confused when it happened the first time, so I decided to try it for a second time to make sure and it definately is the case that braking does not shut off the crusie system and that I was in no way touching the lever.

I really just want to get an idea of what it could be before I take it any where. I'm at college, so I don't have a mechanic here and I am very sceptical of all mechanics until they have proven that they are fair and honest people.

yeah its tough to find a mechanic who you can trust.. good luck dude, im a bit lost for thoughts

thekid · 03-27-2006, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drz

^^ The signal from the brake pedal may not be getting to the cruise control system. Try this: does pressing the clutch pedal shut off your cruise? If it does, then your problem is related only to your brake pedal, and you can rule out your cruise control not working. A lose connection could be the culprit. All in all, you can always go without cruise control.

Yeah, I usually do not use crusie control but I was feeling particularly lazy yesterday and had a longer drive than I usually do (5 1/2 hours instead of 4 1/2). I didn't think to try to clutch... I'll try the clutch the next time I am out.

e36surge · 03-28-2006, 05:40 PM

I have a mechanic friend at BMW here in Montreal. I've asked now a second time if he's seen many e36s with faulty cruise control modules. His reply has been no and has mentioned faulty break pedal switches. I posted this info on another thread. Now the link is not about your particular problem but it does show you where the brake pedal switch is.

This may not be your problem but it may help you narrow the possibilities.

http://www.users.fast.net/~slafredo/...clutch_pedal/#