Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

98 5-speed manual 4.0 cruise control not working

Austin O.

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2022
Messages
698
Location
Blacksburg, VA
Since I got the jeep, cruise control hasn’t worked. The light turns on, but nothing happens after that. A/C and stuff all works fine, does that rule out Vaccum lines? What do I need to check out to get this fixed?
 
I had the same issue. First thing to do is pull the switches from the steering wheel and clean them up-alcohol and soft cotton. The contacts get quite nasty over 25 years. Before jacking with the steering wheel, disconnect the battery (forgive me for stating the obvious). After they are cleaned, give it a shot. If you are still having the problem, the next culprit is likely the clock spring. If you need to replace the clock spring, I advise you to use the OEM unit. And, as our Disturbed American above states, check all of your vacuum lines.
 
I had the same issue. First thing to do is pull the switches from the steering wheel and clean them up-alcohol and soft cotton. The contacts get quite nasty over 25 years. Before jacking with the steering wheel, disconnect the battery (forgive me for stating the obvious). After they are cleaned, give it a shot. If you are still having the problem, the next culprit is likely the clock spring. If you need to replace the clock spring, I advise you to use the OEM unit. And, as our Disturbed American above states, check all of your vacuum lines.

I’ll do that. Thank you. How do I check vacuum lines?
 
You can get a smoke machine specifically for this purpose. Expensive option if you are only going to use it once. The least cost approach is visual in conjunction with feel. If any of the lines are hard and brittle, just replace them all. The lines on the driver's side are subject to a bit higher heat due to proximity of the exhaust manifold. And that's where your CC lines as well as intake manifold lines are.
 
I'm gonna take another stab at my cruise control issues... I've done some stuff, here's what I know:
- I don't believe there are any vacuum leaks, all lines are in good condition and connected. No cracks found
- I don't believe it is a clock spring problem because everything else is working perfectly, only issues with CC
- The cruise light comes on on the dash but I cannot set cruise speed
- I just cleaned the switches and after doing so did resistance testing on them. Everything lived up to FSM requirements. I probably should've checked resistance before cleaning them too...
- After doing that, I went for a quick drive and tried to set cruise at about 50mph (didn't work) - didn't get the chance to go on the highway to go faster. What's the minimum cruise speed??
Is there anything else to check? Do I need to be driving faster? At this point I feel like the actual module is the issue...
 
I'm gonna take another stab at my cruise control issues... I've done some stuff, here's what I know:
- I don't believe there are any vacuum leaks, all lines are in good condition and connected. No cracks found
- I don't believe it is a clock spring problem because everything else is working perfectly, only issues with CC
- The cruise light comes on on the dash but I cannot set cruise speed
- I just cleaned the switches and after doing so did resistance testing on them. Everything lived up to FSM requirements. I probably should've checked resistance before cleaning them too...
- After doing that, I went for a quick drive and tried to set cruise at about 50mph (didn't work) - didn't get the chance to go on the highway to go faster. What's the minimum cruise speed??
Is there anything else to check? Do I need to be driving faster? At this point I feel like the actual module is the issue...

Not sure what the minimum speed is: under 30 is my guess. That's the speed I set mine for when I'm traveling on certain long stretches in certain towns where the speed limit is 25. EDIT: checked my owner's manual, nothing about cruise or speed control. Checked the owner's manual supplement:

IMG_3362.jpeg
 
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I'm wondering if your PCM is actually getting the speed signal from the instrument cluster. Or, could be the module. Can you get your hands on a known good module and do a swap?
 
Only way I’m getting a known good one is buying one… don’t know anyone with a tj unfortunately. I’m open to buying one, don’t know where from though, any suggestions? I’m assuming mopar if possible…
 
I use mine for quick naps on the drive to work and back. Mostly, I use it for jaunts down to Bean Station TN and to the Outer Banks.

You're supposed to use your Tesla for that so you can sue them when you crash. Nothing impresses me more than drunk rich folks letting their Tesla get them home. Officer, yes we're drunk, but the car was actually driving.
 
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Only way I’m getting a known good one is buying one… don’t know anyone with a tj unfortunately. I’m open to buying one, don’t know where from though, any suggestions? I’m assuming mopar if possible…

I just checked-these are discontinued. There are a number of used servo units for sale on fleabay. Here is the search info-first number is Mopar specific and second number is Jeep specific. Definitely double check for your year and model as there may be something different.

Jeep 4669979 52110387AA SERVO-Speed Control
 
On long trips, the CC keeps me out of trouble. What kills me is that I didn't also tick the box for dana 44s front and rear on the order form. It would have cost much less than a retrofit.
 
My question stands. CC with a manual? I guess some things make sense to certain people. People think my choices are strange.
Took my dog for a swim.
View attachment 481608
Gave my cat a shower.
View attachment 481610

I bought a manual for a reason. I love driving. I don't want CC so that I can avoid driving - not at all. I, as an 18 year old, only own 1 car. If I want to drive long distances, the TJ is my only option. I've done it many times, and yeah, it really isn't that big of a deal, but it does get tiring holding the gas down the entire time. It would be nice to not have to do that for 2+ hours if I don't have to. Unlike many teenagers too currently, I actually go do stuff outside of the house. I don't play video games, I don't have social media, only time I'm ever sitting around at home is when I'm watching football or doing homework. I'm on trips back and forth to the mountains all the time, climbing, backpacking, mtn biking, skiing, offroading, etc. That's a two hour drive there and back on the highway and that is the only time that I will ever be using CC. I try to avoid the highway as much as I can - as you know, its not the most pleasant in a TJ. It's additionally a courtesy to other people on the highway that I use CC. There's many reasons, none have to do with me being lazy.
 
I just checked-these are discontinued. There are a number of used servo units for sale on fleabay. Here is the search info-first number is Mopar specific and second number is Jeep specific. Definitely double check for your year and model as there may be something different.

Jeep 4669979 52110387AA SERVO-Speed Control

Thanks, makes sense why I was having trouble finding them... I'll order something soon and try it out. Thanks for all your help!
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator