Cruise control (odd situation)

[Noodle]

This is kind of pointless, but I need some insight on this just to fulfill my curiosity. My cruise control has never worked, until now.

Took my car in for inspection this week. I knew I needed new rotors and pads, so I replaced those, and nothing else.

I get my car back that day with a brand new shiny inspection sticker on it, bling blang. I happened to notice my CRUISE was showing on the dash. I'm thinking to myself, nah.

Sure as shit, my cruise control works now. My question is, what could they have even been remotely near that would have caused it to work again?

[evola4]

you know you actually have to pull the cruise stalk toward you to activate it and then press the set button write. when you want it completly off you can push it away form you and it is disabled. Are you sure it just wasn't in the off position the whole time.

[Teratorn]

I hope you don't take offense especially since I've talked to a few owners who weren't aware that you can turn the cruise on/off with the stalk. If you push the stalk away from you, it's off. If you pull it towards you like you would to 'resume', it's on. So it may have just been off the whole time? That's the easiest and most obvious solution that can often be overlooked. Otherwise, I can't see how else they would have easily 'fixed' it.

[Noodle]

I was expecting this, lol.

I knew you had to do that. I received a PM from Old Guy about the same thing. I'll say what I told him; I went over the manual about 15 times, wondering if it was just me, or if it was just simply not working.

I always kept the stock pulled towards me, because it just seemed like a better position (and plus the fact that my CC simply just didn't work). So, when I got my car back, CRUISE was on, and it was surprising.

I expect this to confuse many.

[Noodle]

Well, it's back to NOT working again. I have no idea what's going on with it. Anyone else have an issue with CC not working, at all?

[dirtybrd]

Sounds like a bad conection somewhere.

[jab3style]

Since you recently took it in for inspection. Tell them since then you noticed the cruise controle is no longer working. :)... I mean isn't this a reason why they put on a bling blang shine inspected sticker? It's prolly just a loose wire and should be an easy fix.

[MikeyB3]

My cruise control isnt working either, I dont know what thats' about.

[geekdandpunkd]

Well, it's back to NOT working again. I have no idea what's going on with it. Anyone else have an issue with CC not working, at all?

did you replace the faulty brake light switch? i haven't on mine yet but i think the cruise control is doing the same for me cause it was somehow seeing the brakes as being pressed (faulty switch) and if CC is on then it goes off when brakes are tapped... i'll replace mine and give an update

[diagnosticator]

This is kind of pointless, but I need some insight on this just to fulfill my curiosity. My cruise control has never worked, until now.

Took my car in for inspection this week. I knew I needed new rotors and pads, so I replaced those, and nothing else.

I get my car back that day with a brand new shiny inspection sticker on it, bling blang. I happened to notice my CRUISE was showing on the dash. I'm thinking to myself, nah.

Sure as shit, my cruise control works now. My question is, what could they have even been remotely near that would have caused it to work again?

When the "CRUISE" is illuminated or ON in the cluster, indicates that the CC is ENGAGED. It doesn't indicate the CC is ON but not engaged.

As others posted, the CC stalk switch is likely faulty, or the brake switch is faulty or not adjusted right. In VAG-COM, access the Steering Column Control Module*, and go to Measuring Blocks, you can see the several CC switches OPEN/OFF=0 and Closed/ON=1, to view the switch activity as you operate the CC switches. Go to the Central Electric Control Module*to view the status of the brake switch in the measuring blocks in the same fashion. Also check for any CC related DTCs in the SCCM* and or the engine ECU, or a DTC related to the brake switch in the CECM*.

[B6480Avant]

add me to the list mine doesn't work either and ive tried everything ive read the manual so many times convincing my self "i must have missed something" and nothing!! were does the cc light up in the cluster?

[ganuza]

I've heard of this happening when you have a bad brake light switch as mentioned above.

Even worse, if you don't replace that switch, you may have an extreme loss of power when you are trying to accelerate from a stop, as in when you are taking off from a start. This happened to me when I was trying to take a quick left in front of oncoming traffic. The car just lurched and then limped forward with no power as cars were rushing towards me. Very scary!!

The brake light switch thinks that the brakes are applied even when they have been released, the computer senses this and cuts power.

I suggest changing the switch yourself as it is incredibly easy and cheap.

[diagnosticator]

I've heard of this happening when you have a bad brake light switch as mentioned above.

Even worse, if you don't replace that switch, you may have an extreme loss of power when you are trying to accelerate from a stop, as in when you are taking off from a start. This happened to me when I was trying to take a quick left in front of oncoming traffic. The car just lurched and then limped forward with no power as cars were rushing towards me. Very scary!!

The brake light switch thinks that the brakes are applied even when they have been released, the computer senses this and cuts power.

I suggest changing the switch yourself as it is incredibly easy and cheap.

I agree, that's an important point. The B6 uses two brake switches, IE, a "brake" or "stop" light switch and a "brake pedal" switch, both in the same switch housing. A problem with either will effect the EPC and or CC function.

[B6480Avant]

I've heard of this happening when you have a bad brake light switch as mentioned above.

Even worse, if you don't replace that switch, you may have an extreme loss of power when you are trying to accelerate from a stop, as in when you are taking off from a start. This happened to me when I was trying to take a quick left in front of oncoming traffic. The car just lurched and then limped forward with no power as cars were rushing towards me. Very scary!!

The brake light switch thinks that the brakes are applied even when they have been released, the computer senses this and cuts power.

I suggest changing the switch yourself as it is incredibly easy and cheap.

are you serious!! sometimes my car bogs down so horribly when i try to accelerate and i get so frustrated how much are the sensors?

[ganuza]

I think I paid about $20 at the dealer, no kidding.

I tried to find the DIY I used, but couldn't find it. Do a search on brake light switch on here and Audiworld, and you should eventually find a write up.

The install is very easy, takes maybe 10 minutes.

[ganuza]

Here's a DIY on how to change the brake light switch:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1158315

you might have to register with the site.

Good luck

[A4p]

hmm i see you only have the 02. i thought that 03+ where the only one that comes with the cruise control. but cruise control is awesome, fix it imho.

[a6hcw]

My 1998 A6 Quattro wagon cruise control also doesn't work. The cruise control uses the brake light switch and a vacuum vent switch. The cruise control module has a relay inside, which may falfunction. The module must get a speed signal from the speed sensor on the transmission. You need to check for a vacuum leak, etc.
You need the BentleyPublishers.com Audi shop manual CD, for information or do a search of the forum.

[B6480Avant]

switched my break light switch today it cost $8.45 and it took me 10 min to install buuuut i havent driven it yet or even turned it on for that matter i hope it works now itstall was extremly easy and my old switch was shot it felt like it had sand in it it was not going in and out smooth at all and got stuck

[jhmarsh28]

So did this fix your CC.

I noticed my CC is not working today.

[B6480Avant]

nope well i tried it once right after i changed it and never tried again ever since i guess ill try again tomorrow maybe the computer needs to reset.