Cruise Control Drops Out Unpredictably
 

When I got my 83 240D, the cruise didn't work at all. So I got a replacement amp from jamesdean, installed it, and cruise works fine. EXCEPT, every now and again when going over a bump the cruise will drop out. Doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason....I can go for days on end with cruise working perfectly going over all manner of bumps.....then I can have a day will it will drop out over even the slightest bumps.

Assuming that we can give Kris the benefit of the doubt that the rebuilt amp is in perfect working order (which I think we can....he does great work), what could the issue be?

Peter at GDL says he suspects a wiring connector....but cannot advise me as to where such connectors would be since he doesn't actually work on the cars.

I thought I had solved the problem by cleaning the contacts on the cable from the actuator (male and female), but the issue seems to persist.

Any help/suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

Check your clutch disengage switch.

Hope this helps.

Also verify your brake light switch, connector C104 under the dash (that feeds the whole rear of the car) and the brake bulbs themselves.

All cars have a brake switch, M/T has a clutch switch too. If either switch is on the hairy edge it might bounce the contacts going over bumps and dump the cruise.

Remember that the cc passes current through the brake bulbs to ground to permit engagement. If the ground path fails the cruise will drop out.

Hitting a bump screams loose connection or miss adjusted switch to me.