'86 Cruise Control Switch removal

[Art B.]

My cruise control quit working last week and after checking the servo, vacuum lines, check valve and brake switch, I think I found the problem with the "set" button on the cruise control switch. Does anyone know how that lever comes off the steering column?

[Ernie Fry]

Re: '86 Cruise Control Switch removal

Art,

There is a right way and a wrong way to replace the lever.

The right way is to tear apart the top of the steering column and replace the lever.

The wrong way is to pull the lever out of the column, cut the wire and install the new lever.

If you go to this link, you will see a picture of what the lever looks like.

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...MS0SDVTFF4C4V8

[Art B.]

Re: '86 Cruise Control Switch removal

Thanks, Ernie. I am tempted to do it the "wrong" way as it is less involved, but I probably will do it the correct way and take my time. It bothers me, however, that the GM engineers could not come up with a better way to replace that lever. From other C4 owners I have had contact with, the cruise control switch seems to be one of the weak links in the whole cruise control system.

[Ernie Fry]

[Art B.]

Re: '86 Cruise Control Switch removal

I ran a continuity test on the wires at the end of the connector under the dash.
I also ran a voltage check to make sure. The "set" lead was always making contact even though the set button seemed to work OK. Since the replacement of the switch is not an easy job, I cut the "set" lead, ran a couple of jumpers from the ends and took the car for a road test. Sure enough, as soon as I touched the jumper leads, the cruise control engaged and worked normally.