RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (2002)
Cruise Control Switch: Description and Operation
There are two separate switch pods that operate the speed control system. The steering-wheel-mounted switches use multiplexed circuits to provide
inputs to the PCM for ON, OFF, RESUME, ACCELERATE, SET, DECEL and CANCEL modes. Refer to the owner's manual for more information on
speed control switch functions and setting procedures.
The individual switches cannot be repaired. If one switch fails, the entire switch module must be replaced.
When speed control is selected by depressing the ON, OFF switch, the PCM allows a set speed to be stored in its RAM for speed control. To store a set
speed, depress the SET switch while the vehicle is moving at a speed between approximately 35 and 85 mph. In order for the speed control to engage,
the brakes cannot be applied, nor can the gear selector be indicating the transmission is in Park or Neutral.
The speed control can be disengaged manually by:
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Stepping on the brake pedal
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Depressing the OFF switch
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Depressing the CANCEL switch.
The speed control can be disengaged also by any of the following conditions:
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An indication of Park or Neutral
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The VSS signal increases at a rate of 10 mph per second (indicates that the co-efficient of friction between the road surface and tires is extremely
low)
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Depressing the clutch pedal.
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Excessive engine rpm (indicates that the transmission may be in a low gear)
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The VSS signal decreases at a rate of 10 mph per second (indicates that the vehicle may have decelerated at an extremely high rate)
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If the actual speed is not within 20 mph of the set speed
The previous disengagement conditions are programmed for added safety.
Once the speed control has been disengaged, depressing the ACCEL switch restores the vehicle to the target speed that was stored in the PCM's RAM.
NOTE: Depressing the OFF switch will erase the set speed stored in the PCM's RAM.
If, while the speed control is engaged, the driver wishes to increase vehicle speed, the PCM is programmed for an acceleration feature. With the ACCEL
switch held closed, the vehicle accelerates slowly to the desired speed. The new target speed is stored in the PCM's RAM when the ACCEL switch is
released. The PCM also has a "tap-up" feature in which vehicle speed increases at a rate of approximately 2 mph for each momentary switch activation
of the ACCEL switch.
The PCM also provides a means to decelerate with- out disengaging speed control. To decelerate from an existing recorded target speed, depress and
hold the COAST switch until the desired speed is reached. Then release the switch. The ON, OFF switch operates two components: the PCM's ON, OFF
input, and the battery voltage to the brake switch, which powers the speed control servo.
Multiplexing
The PCM sends out 5 volts through a fixed resistor and monitors the voltage change between the fixed resistor and the switches. If none of the
switches are depressed, the PCM will measure 5 volts at the sensor point (open circuit). If a switch with no resistor is closed, the PCM will measure 0
volts (grounded circuit). Now, if a resistor is added to a switch, then the PCM will measure some voltage proportional to the size of the resistor. By
adding a different resistor to each switch, the PCM will see a different voltage depending on which switch is pushed.
Another resistor has been added to the 'at rest circuit' causing the PCM to never see 5 volts. This was done for diagnostic purposes. If the switch
circuit should open (bad connection), then the PCM will see the 5 volts and know the circuit is bad. The PCM will then set an open circuit fault.
