Cougsfan

My cruise control doesn't work. It was suggested in this forum that might have a vacuum problem. So I got a vacuum pump and checked things out. I disconnected the vacuum line at the firewall and connected to the line going into the firewall and started the truck. The truck was pulling about a half a bar of vacuum. I then connected to the cruise control unit and pulled a vacuum on it with a hand pump. It holds any vacuum I made quite nicely. So I am guessing I don't have a vacuum problem.
A little more background: The cruise control light comes on. but it just won't set. Any suggestions on what to do next?
Thanks, Cougsfan

plvaulter06

the vacuum like often times gets eaten by battery acid. Take the driver's side battery out and check out that line that is right underneath it. Probably your best bet

Cougsfan

If the line were eaten up by acid, I would assume it that would create a problem to where it wouldn't hold a vacuum. It does hold a vacuum quite well. And the vacuum source is good too.

infidel

Could be your brake switch.
Try engaging the cruise while lifting the brake pedal with your foot.

Cougsfan

You are a genius, Infidel. Pulled up on the brake pedal and the cruise control works fine. So I used some contact cement to add a little rubber spacer on the switch's contact point to get more engagement from the pedal arm. Lo and behold, Not only my cruise control works now, but that annoying anti-lock brake light that I have been trying to figure out why is on intermittently; now it stays off all the time too.
Thanks for your help.

infidel

If you want to replace the switch they are only $10 at Napa.

BTW I am a '70 EWU graduate, grew up in Chelan

Haulin_in_Dixie

Chelan, as in Chelan Wa, through the tunnel?

infidel

Yep, but in name only.
I'm actually from halfway between Chelan and Pateros.
The north end of that tunnel has the distinction of the stretch of highway in the US with the most deer kills annually. Average is around 2000 per year with a high of over 4000. Sometimes the place looks like a bomb went off.

Haulin_in_Dixie

My brother in law worked for Blue Chelan right at the old bridge. got up there often due to that. They have since moved and divorced... Only tunnel that I know of that the Jake has to be used going through. Straight piped, sounds great...

kawi600

Yikes.. Ive seen the aftermath of a few deer kills. Last one I drove by was some guy hauling half a deer off the road.
Ive seen a lot up here but so far have been lucky.

Haulin_in_Dixie

this past winter, cost me $4900 to put the freightliner back together. Have an antler, six point, it stuck in the trailer. I learned that a six point buck does not fit under a car haul trailer with an expanded metal floor. After being softened up by the front wheel and then the drivers, the expanded metal shaved him down till he fit. I had blood and guts, all over the rig, even spattered on the cars.

infidel

More people have been killed by deer than all other animals combined.
This includes sharks, snakes, spiders, etc.
The deer population has gotten way out of hand, they seem to do better living amongst people than in the wild.