How to Troubleshoot a Chrysler Concorde Cruise Control

You may be having trouble with your Chrysler Concorde cruise control system. That's not uncommon for Chrysler vehicles with more than 60,000 miles on them. However, before you start replacing cruise control units--which are very expensive--you should do some basic troubleshooting to verify that it is the cruise control module that has failed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the fuse for the cruise control. A power surge caused by a faulty alternator (not uncommon on Chryslers) can cause various fuses to blow out. Remove the fuse panel cover under the steering wheel. Pull the fuse for the cruise control using the supplied fuse puller (it is located on the fuse panel). If you cannot find the fuse, use the fuse diagram on the underside of the fuse cover. There is a metal strip inside the fuse. It should be intact. If it looks burnt or the strip is broken, replace the fuse with working fuse of the same amperage (stamped onto the top of the fuse).

2. Check the vacuum lines. Start the engine and open the hood. Place your ear down into the engine bay and listen for any "sucking" sounds. These are vacuum leaks. Vacuum leaks are caused by holes in the vacuum lines, so you can also visually inspect the lines for any signs of wear or damage. A vacuum leak will prevent the vacuum actuator inside the cruise control unit from setting the vehicle speed. Make sure that you check the vacuum hose running off the brake booster on the driver's side of the engine bay. The only hose running off the brake booster is the vacuum hose.

3. Check the speed sensor and wiring. You may need to lift up your Concorde with a floor jack using the front jack point behind the radiator. The speed sensor on most Chryslers is on the underside of the transmission behind the engine. The sensor looks like a small plug sticking out of the transmission with wires running off of it. Check the wiring for any signs of physical damage. Any damage to the speed sensor will prevent the cruise control from setting the vehicle speed properly.

4. Check to make sure that the cruise control switch is set to "on" in the passenger cabin.

5. Drive the Concorde at speeds above 40 mph and engage the cruise control. If the speed sensor is not damaged, the fuse is not blown and there is vacuum pressure, the module itself may be malfunctioning. You will need to have the module in the engine bay replaced.

Tips & Warnings

• For specific information about your Chrysler Concorde's cruise control, as well as the exact location of the cruise control module for your model, consult the particular vehicle's manual (see Resources).

Resources

• Chrysler Service Manuals

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