All of a sudden, no cruise. THe light on the dash comes on, but I can't set or engage anything. ANy ideas? This is w/ the Smarty on and off, doesn't matter.

 

Check the vacuum pump that's under the passenger side battery.

MikeyB

 

What do I check, I'm not too familiar w/ the vacuum pump and what it does?

 

Not only the vacuum pump the vacuum lines as well.

Dodge used some hard plastic as vacuum lines and mine was rubbing a piece of steel on a bracket.

The good news is if it is a line you can fix it in the autozone parking lot!

 

OK, Dumb Q, what do I check on this pump? I've checked the lines, do I ohm out the pump, do I listen for the pump, I hope not??? WHat does this pump have to do w/ the cruise?

 

My cruise works for a short while, then cuts out. I figured the cutoff switch on the brake pedal was out of adjustment but haven't made it a priority to really check it yet. Any ideas?

 

My cruise control was working intermittently and I checked the codes and it gave a high voltage indication on cruise control switch or something like that. Replaced the left cruise switch on the steering wheel and it's fixed for $28. Turn the key on and off 3 times quickly and the codes will display in the odometer on an 03.

 

Don't feel bad, my Dakota's cruise control cuts in and out going down the road. I had the dealership replace the controls, but it still does it. I have given up on it because I do not drive it very far to work anyway, and that is the only reason it is still around plus the wife can't drive a stick. If you do come up with a solution let us know, it be the same reason for mine.

 

SO my question still is, what does the vacuum have to do w/ the cruise control? My dash light comes on when I turn the cruise to on, but I can't set anything. Does anyone know anything about this cruise control system?????

 

The vacuum is the source of power to pull on the throttle cable using a diaphram servo thing.

 

Are you sure on an 03? I was told my CC was totally electronic, I'm just wondering if I'm troubleshooting the wrong circuits.

 

The '03 with autos have the vacuum operated servo, only the manuals has full electronic CC. Do you have a shop manual for troubleshooting?

MikeyB

 

No I don't. What I'm trying to figure out is when is the vacuum pump supposed to be energized?

 

I have a 2004, hopefully this is the same for a 2003. The vacuum pump is energized any time the key is on, even if the engine has not been started. There must be a vacuum sensing switch somewhere because the vacuum pump does not run continuous but cycles. Something is telling it when additional vacuum is needed. Disconnect the wires feeding the vacuum pump and jump 12 volts straight from the battery to see if pump is good.

 

Thanks guys, it is a bad vacuum pump motor. Motor windings are open. Dealer wants $145.00 for this little jewel!