do i have cruise control???

[voodoo]

this sounds stupid.....

i have an '81 350

i have the stalk that has the buttons for the cruise control.... but it doesn't work. i bought this car from a dealer..... hence can't ask the owner direct if the cc works.

when i switch the cc on and try to 'set' the cruise speed..... there is no light on the instrument cluster to indicate if it's on [is there a light to begin with?] & the speed doesn't hold :confused

my question is..... do i have the required components for cc in the first place? maybe i just have the buttons but not the works!! if i do.... then i gotta get it fixed!

thanks in advance

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Cruise Control probably was an option on your 81 since you have the stalk with buttons, but it obviously isn't working.
Most likely it is the transducer that has gone out. That is the problem with my own cc. I believe the transducer is on the firewall on the driver's side engine compartment. I think it is a small square-ish box. I just checked my Assembly Manual and while it shows a drawing of the transducer it does not show where it is on the firewall.
Don't know about the light, you'll need to ask the 81ers.
Heidi

 

[voodoo]

thanks!

need to have this checked before my next long drive.

any idea how much this transducer cost?

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Sorry, I have not been concerned with getting mine repaired at this time so I don't know the replacement costs. Check out the big Corvette Catalogs like MidAmerica, Ecklers and Corvette Central.
You may also check the Portal (blue tab at top of page) and it will list parts suppliers you can call.
Heidi

 

[Evolution1980]

Check vacuum and diaphragm

You could have a broken vacuum line or you may have a hole in the cruise control ("CC") diaphragm.

An easy way to check the diaphragm is to disconnect the linkage to the curburetor and unplug the vacuum line from the other side. Then suck in on the nipple on the diaphragm and see if it holds the vacuum. If it slowly releases (or doesn't move at all when you inhale), then your diaphragm is shot. That being the case, I have my working original one if you need to replace yours.

 

[C3forME]

A new transducer runs about $130.00-$150.00 range the last time I checked, which was about 6 months ago.

 

[billyvette]

cruise control- to have or not to have

the transducer is on the driver's side inner fender, with two cables - one from the trans and another to the dash speedo gauge.

Mid america lists them for 99.99, I purchased one from the local NAPA store (they had to order it)and they have an exchange program like a battery or alternator - "core charge" if you do not send the old one back.

My 78 was the same way when I bought it, then the speedo died due to the transducer locking up and breaking the plastic cable end. The transducer had to be replaced to get my speedo working and as a side benefit I got my cruise control back. This cc is very primitive to the electronic cc of today.

 

[Bender]

I have a new 350, so is it possible they left the crusise controll in but just did not hook it up? If not how much is a whole new one?

 

[Evolution1980]

Just so ya know...CC on these older cars was really crappy, as far as consistency. You go up or down hills and the speed can fluctuate as much as 5-10mph by the time you get back to flat. It's old technology vacuum CC. It's not electronic like on today's vehicles.

 

[voodoo]

thanks for so much details!

since evolution said its quite a crappy system.... i may not wanna invest $$$ to get it working...

Furthermore.... my mechanic found the lower ball joints worn and the control arm bushings need to be replaced..... parts and labour abt $500 smackeroooos!ad
this is crazy man.... [oh.... he found out as he was abt to align my front wheels cos the car is pulling right...]