Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Cruise Control Brake Release Switch

Cruise control is a feature found on virtually all modern vehicles. The cruise control feature works to maintain the vehicle at a constant speed without the need to step on the accelerator pedal. Once activated, the cruise control system will keep the vehicle at a constant speed or rate of acceleration until it is switched off manually or the brake pedal is stepped on. When the brake pedal is stepped on, the cruise control brake release switch is tripped and the cruise control system is then cut off.

The switch is designed to disable power to the cruise control system when the brakes are applied to prevent the possibility of attempting to slow the vehicle while the engine is accelerating. When it fails, it can cause issues with deactivating the cruise control system, which in certain scenarios can be a safety concern. Usually a bad or failing cruise control brake release switch will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem that should be serviced as soon as possible.

Cruise control cuts off unexpectedly

One of the symptoms commonly associated with a bad cruise control brake release switch is a cruise control system that cuts off unexpectedly. If the switch has any sort of contact or internal issues, it may cause the cruise control system to cut off unexpectedly when activated, even if the pedal is not stepped on. This will be inconvenient in trying to use the cruise control system, as it will constantly need to be reactivated and set every time the power is cut.

Cruise control stays on even when the brakes are applied

Another common symptom of a potential problem with the cruise control brake release switch is a cruise control system that stays on even when the brakes are applied. If the cruise control switch fails, it will not be able to deactivate the cruise control system when the brake pedal is depressed. This will cause the vehicle to continue to accelerate as the brakes are being applied, which can cause them to overheat and damage the components. Usually the cruise control will have to be switched off by hand in order to stop the vehicle from continuing to accelerate.

The cruise control brake release switch is an important component in maintaining the proper functionality of the cruise control system. Without it, the cruise control system will have to be deactivated manually by hand, as opposed to automatically when the pedal is stepped on. For this reason, if you suspect that your cruise control brake release switch may be having an issue, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to determine if your car needs a cruise control brake release switch replacement.


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Jesse

17 years of experience
127 reviews
Jesse
17 years of experience
Jaguar S-Type V8-4.2L - Brake System Inspection - Palm Coast, Florida
Jesse showed up for the appointment timely and ready to work. He was polite and professional and competent. He took sufficient time to inspect the vehicle and explained in layman's terms any problems and whatever corrective work that might be required. I highly recommend Jesse and hope to have him service my vehicles again in the future if needed.
Ford Escape - Brake System Inspection - Daytona Beach, Florida
Jesse arrived on time after sending notice 15 mins prior. A true professional Jesse got right down to business. He started his inspection work right away and did a thorough professional job and determined the solution to his findings. I am very pleased. He is a true expert mechanic.

Johnny

34 years of experience
392 reviews
Johnny
34 years of experience
Toyota RAV4 L4-2.4L - Brake System Inspection - Sacramento, California
Johnny arrived early which was great, he performed the inspection in less than half an hour, and gave us a complete quote for all items needing attention, including the brakes as our main concern. Johnny is fast and efficient so I scheduled the work done by him.
Ford Escape - Brake System Inspection - Sacramento, California
The convenience is worth the cost. I was also tired of the dealership not really caring about my old car. Last couple of times I had to wait well over an hour to get my car after the dealership said "It's ready!". They also wouldn't fix the things I asked saying they didn't have time and I need to come back.

Luis

30 years of experience
119 reviews
Luis
30 years of experience
Honda Accord V6-3.0L - Brake System Inspection - Northbrook, Illinois
He's excellent. On Time, honest and all repairs done quickly and correctly. Book him if he's available!

Christopher

16 years of experience
246 reviews
Christopher
16 years of experience
Nissan Sentra L4-2.0L - Brake System Inspection - Charlotte, North Carolina
Very informative and made sure to clarify on what he spoke on so that I understood what was happening with my car

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