As I look at the CTS-V steering wheel schematic in http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/doclib.html it appears that it has cruise control on the steering wheel instead of the Mickey the Mope click the stick we find on the SRX. After a 4,000 mile trip I really like the SRX despite all of the nuances I and others have described on this forum. However, I really would like to hear why from the "genius" who made the decision to make cruise control usable on the CTS-V and archaic on the SRX.

Maybe someone can come up with a usable after market (read properly engineered) steering wheel that fixes this.

On that same page is a link to the parts list - on page 125 (page 6 of the PDF) are part numbers for four different CTS multifunction steering wheel switches and the associated wiring harnesses. Mass production might mean that behind the steering column and dash where that wiring harness plugs in could be exactly the same for all the sigmas - would be worth talking to a knowledgable tech (one without ruptured eardrums presumably) about the feasability of a swap-out...

Thanks:
JC

i like the idea of the cruise control being where it is. i think its so convenient. i dont even need to move my hand and use the steering wheel as a keyboard! i dont even have to look at it to use the cruise control.

I'll bet you never owned a car with it on the wheel where it should be. Ford introduced cruise control on the steering wheel in the late 60s or early 70s. GM finally traded some patents or someting and acquired the right to do the same. You coudn't mean this if you ever had a car with good cruise cotrol. The next time you are at the dealer ask to drive a DeVille and try it, you'll like it. You can get cruise control on a stick in any cheap car you like.

I'll bet you never owned a car with it on the wheel where it should be. Ford introduced cruise control on the steering wheel in the late 60s or early 70s. GM finally traded some patents or someting and acquired the right to do the same. You coudn't mean this if you ever had a car with good cruise cotrol. The next time you are at the dealer ask to drive a DeVille and try it, you'll like it. You can get cruise control on a stick in any cheap car you like.

actually i did try one on a mazda. it was 'normal' and sometimes annoying.
dont know about the one in the deville but this one wasnt a bit better than the stick type.

i prefer the stick type because i see it easier to use (for me at least).

maybe because i have long fingers! :tisk:

I actually don't mind the cruise control either and I've had a number of cars with it in the "usual" position.

I like the cruise control on the stalk, but the rough edge around the button from the mold is kinda cheapo.

Count me in the cruise on the stalk camp (and I have driven several vehicles with it on the wheel). I have never understood the “overburdened” criticism (mainly in the automotive press) of the GM combination cruise, windshield wipers and turn single on one stalk. At least for me it is very intuitive and easy to use without taking my eyes off the road. I particularly don’t like unlighted cruise switches on the steering wheel.

I guess this is a real Coke/Pepsi issue - but for me the turnstalk cruise screams "Grand Am" or "Cavalier" while the steering wheel mounts are much more "Cadillac."

Perhaps if I drank more hot tea I'd have the necessary pinkie-finger dexterity this cheap Pontiac Sunfire turnstalk version requires (since I want to keep both hands on the wheel)? Maybe I'd appreciate it more? ... hmmm ... let me think ... NOT.

Oh well, to each his own.

Thank you John Caddy, looks like we have another SRX driver who has opted to move on from the old familiar 1982 Buick his grandmother used to drive.

Earlier rcawood replied "the GM combination cruise, windshield wipers and turn single on one stalk. At least for me it is very intuitive and easy to use without taking my eyes off the road. I particularly don’t like unlighted cruise switches on the steering wheel."

1. Who mentioned un-lighted? The CC buttons on a DeVille are very well lit up at night.

2. Sorry to tell you that the SRX pulled the wiper controls off of the "stalk" so they didn't even regress well. Also don't see any lighting on the stalk.

The cruise control is just the leading edge of the many regressions this car exhibits. Another example of regression is the loss of power tilt and telescoping steering. GM has been using the same control that the SRX uses to move the pedals to operate the steering wheel tilt and telescope functions on other Cadillacs and Corvettes. Instead of power tilt/telescope, we get a pedal in-out function that I use at least once a year. Maybe never again since both memories are now programmed. Yes I have tilt. I have a manual tilt that puts me right back to the 82 Buick. Frankly I would trade power pedals for power tilt/telescope any day.

You must pivot the driver car relationship around the fixed steering wheel front to back position by moving the seat and pedals to suit. A telescoping and tilting steering wheel allows a driver to alter their position relative to the dash and imparts conveniences such as a steering wheel exit position. In addition, the steering wheel tilt/tele can be adjusted to suit or to help fight fatigue while under way.

Ifsthey had retained a telescoping/tilt wheel allong with moveable pedals we would have something really creative and worthwhile as a driver could far better personalize their position relative to the vehicle.

Again , I really like the SRX. It is an outstanding car, it could have been a spectacular car.

a pedal in-out function

FINALLY! Someone spoke of how useless this feature is! No matter how fancy it looks.

I agree that he SRX should have a power tilt and telescopic wheel but In my case, I have a company car so when I'm not working my wife and I both use this car. Although we never change the position of the wheel, the pedals change every time.

Great car!

Still say they wasted a good button (Tilt/Tele) on a mediocore function.

[QUOTE=mack1a]
Earlier rcawood replied "the GM combination cruise, windshield wipers and turn single on one stalk. At least for me it is very intuitive and easy to use without taking my eyes off the road. I particularly don’t like unlighted cruise switches on the steering wheel."

1. Who mentioned un-lighted? The CC buttons on a DeVille are very well lit up at night.

2. Sorry to tell you that the SRX pulled the wiper controls off of the "stalk" so they didn't even regress well. Also don't see any lighting on the stalk."
[End QUOTE=mack1a]


Clearly I am the one who mentioned unlighted. I also (clearly) did not state the Deville cruise is unlighted. There are steering wheels with unlighted cruise controls (I owned one) and I expressed my dislike for that set-up.

I also thought I was clear on why a stalk works for ME (I don't have to take my eyes off the road). It therefore follows I have no need for a light if I don't need to look at the control in order to operate it.

People have different prefences as illustrated by other coments supporting both the stalk and steering wheel placement. There is no "right or wrong" answer in matters of preference.

As to the un-lighted comment. No you didn't mention whether the DeVille is lighted or un lighted. You just referred to un-lighted buttons and I related that my reference point (the DeVille) is lighted. I checked on my SRX and realized your comment must have been motivated by the fact that the buttons on the SRX wheel are not lit. That appears to be just another deliberate lowering of expectations.

I don't have to take my eyes off of the road to operate the DeVille and for that matter, I rerely have to move my hand while in cruise mode. I normally toggle the CC buttons to cope with people who can't maintain a constant speed or the idiot who creeps up on you in the other lane at something like a .5 MPH differential and forces you to either break speed because of a slower car in front of you or accelerate and pass then resume normal speed once you have built some distance between yourself and the Dilbert.

Yes each to his own but I just hate to see the cheapening of the brand.

A few of my thoughts:

1. As a HEAVY cruise control user, I have been perhaps the biggest critic of GM's turn-stalk-mounted cruise controls. Although this version is improved compared to my 85 Pontiac 6000's control, I still only give the SRX's a C+. It's now acceptable, but it is still the WORST control as compared to any of the steering wheel controls I've used in 25 other vehicles I've owned or rented. BTW, mine doesn't even "set" right and I've needed 5 visits to the Caddy dealership so far to get it diagnosed as defective, and now, the part is finally in! We'll see next Tuesday....

2. The pedal adjustments are a feature that is CRITICAL to all drivers with relatively short legs. For these drivers, it is not possible to move the seat up far enough without encroaching on the air bag's minimum deployment space safely and still be able to reach the pedals. If you have average length or longer legs, then you will get minimum value from this critically-important-to-some feature. That said, I think the SRX should also have a steering wheel tilt/telescoping feature too. This feature is equally important and useful for proper seating comfort and safety.

Whew, and I thought I was the only one (other than John Caddy) who didn't secretly yearn for his grandmothers 72 Buick. Just a joke folks.

To each his own. Your opinion doesn't make it right or wrong. Keep that in mind... Many of the points raised here have been valid but in the end it all comes down to personal preference.

Because I have a very bad back and cannot drive for long periods with my foot on the accelerator, I CANNOT drive for more than 15 minutes without a good cruise control. I use it to set speeds, accelerate, decelerate--everything but brake/stop. For my next car, I am definitely getting one of the new active cruise controls offered by BMW and others (they have built-in front bumper radar to maintain distance automatically). I would go as far as to say that I would give up my stereo or air conditioning before I lose my cruise control. That is how important and critical this feature is to me.

For those that like the GM-style control, where do you place your hands during your normal driving position? With modern airbags, no driver should be using the 10 and 2 positions (or anywhere in the upper half of the steering wheel for that matter). You should ALWAYS drive with hands at 8 and 4 or lower. Thus, ALL well-designed, thoughtful cruise controls are placed in the 8 and 4 positions. Only GM hasn't figured this out yet. Thus I state that the SRX's turn-stalk-mounted cruise control is poorly executed, not solely because of my personal preference (set is sluggish and the slide switch is awkward to reach and use), but also because it is flawed from a safety engineering perspective.

Because I have a very bad back and cannot drive for long periods with my foot on the accelerator, I CANNOT drive for more than 15 minutes without a good cruise control. I use it to set speeds, accelerate, decelerate--everything but brake/stop.

For those that like the GM-style control, where do you place your hands during your normal driving position? With modern airbags, no driver should be using the 10 and 2 positions (or anywhere in the upper half of the steering wheel for that matter). You should ALWAYS drive with hands at 8 and 4 or lower. Thus, ALL well-designed, thoughtful cruise controls are placed in the 8 and 4 positions. Only GM hasn't figured this out yet. Thus I state that the SRX's turn-stalk-mounted cruise control is poorly executed, not solely because of my personal preference (set is sluggish and the slide switch is awkward to reach and use), but also because it is flawed from a safety engineering perspective.

I often keep my hands right above the SRX two "spokes" which is roughly 9 and 3. According to the write-ups I have seen the recommendations are for placement between 9 & 3 and 8 & 4). I do not have the same level of control/quick steering wheel movement with the lower wheel hand positions. That said I don't drive with both hands on the wheel at all times.

With my hand placement the cruise falls readily to hand. However, even if I have to move my hand (from wherever it is placed) to operate the cruise I do not consider that a safety issue any more than making a control adjustment to the heating/cooling, radio, etc. (even less so because I do not need to look at the cruise).

Again this is a personal choice matter. I do not use the cruise control as you do. You describe using cruise as a replacement for the accelerator pedal (I would say most people do not use it in that fashion). I do agree that if I drove a car with the hand placement and need for accelerator replacement that you describe, I would prefer the cruise placed on the steering wheel.

FYI - I don’t know where the cruise buttons are, but if you are interested in another Cadillac, the new STS has adaptive cruise.

I checked on my SRX and realized your comment must have been motivated by the fact that the buttons on the SRX wheel are not lit.

If your steering wheel buttons are not lit, I think you have an electrical problem. My 05 controls are lighted. I do not think that was a change from 04 to 05.

I often keep my hands right above the SRX two "spokes" which is roughly 9 and 3. According to the write-ups I have seen the recommendations are for placement between 9 & 3 and 8 & 4). The main difference between driving with your hands above (versus below) the steering wheel "T" is likely an increased change of breaking your left arm and/or hand during any frontal impact that deploys your driver front airbag. In the position you describe, your left hand/arm would take a explosive force directly toward the door/window. Regardless, 9/3 or 8/4 are both much better than having your hand(s) anywhere near the top half of the wheel. In these cases, your hands/arms may be injured/broken using your face. :helpless: Ouch!

FYI - I don’t know where the cruise buttons are, but if you are interested in another Cadillac, the new STS has adaptive cruise. Adaptive Cruise = :thumbsup: Terpnut=:dance:

Okay, I am now a VERY unhappy camper! I have been to my dealer SIX times in the past three months to get my cruise control fixed (after twice having to come back because they needed to order parts). Now after replacing both the switch and the ECM, they are saying that the problem I am having is a known issue, is systemic to those models built around the same period as mine, and is NOT repairable. Again, my problem is that, once set, the cruise control cannot set again at a higher speed after the throttle is depressed. For example, I am going 55 mph and set the speed. Works fine. I step on the throttle/accelerator and am now traveling at 60 mph. I press set and.... nothing. Vehicle drifts back to 55 mph. Only way to set it at the higher speed is to turn the control off and on and then press set again. I am very frustrated and angry, and plan to write GM and/or Cadillac.

Does anyone out there have recommendations as to who to write or contact about this? I am also considering pursuing remedies under Maryland's lemon law. Because I have a serious back condition that demands the use of cruise control on long drives, I believe this nonconformity or defect "substantially impairs the use and market value of the motor vehicle".

Now after replacing both the switch and the ECM, they are saying that the problem I am having is a known issue, is systemic to those models built around the same period as mine, and is NOT repairable.

What is the manufacturing date?

i dont know why many of you belive the stalk type of cruise control is cheap, i personally have no prefrence. My dads 98 S class mercedes had it on a stalk too.

I probably say cheap just to insult the 2 Cadillac engineers who worked on the SRX.

Actually Ford has done cruise control the right way for years. GM finally did some trading or something to acquire the rights to do the steering wheel thing.

I think you will find that newer MB S types finally caught on and moved the cruise control to a position on the wheel so you can just use your fingers instead of groping around with a wierd appendage.

By the way, I also have the problem whereby you can't accellerate and set a higher speed without recycling the junk stick.

Cadillac has had an excellent and very smooth cruise control that was so good that you just did all throttle work with your fingers and just glided down the expressway.

They probably fired anyone with any experience and let new guys start all over and they are trying to recreate the wheel and this sorry excuse for a cruise control is what the kids came up with.

What is the manufacturing date?
December 2003

I probably say cheap just to insult the 2 Cadillac engineers who worked on the SRX.

Actually Ford has done cruise control the right way for years. GM finally did some trading or something to acquire the rights to do the steering wheel thing.

I think you will find that newer MB S types finally caught on and moved the cruise control to a position on the wheel so you can just use your fingers instead of groping around with a wierd appendage.

By the way, I also have the problem whereby you can't accellerate and set a higher speed without recycling the junk stick.

Cadillac has had an excellent and very smooth cruise control that was so good that you just did all throttle work with your fingers and just glided down the expressway.

They probably fired anyone with any experience and let new guys start all over and they are trying to recreate the wheel and this sorry excuse for a cruise control is what the kids came up with.We clearly think along the same lines. Please help me to complain! As a heavy cruise control user, this control is NOT acceptable. I want this fixed or replaced! It's especially frustrating, as each GM loaner car (Deville, Trailblazer, Malibu, Impala) I've gotten from the Caddy dealer has had a perfectly working cruise control! :banghead: :crying2:

my car is with the dealer again for tons of problems. i got a '03 cts as a replacement. it has cruise control on the steering wheel and i must say i am not excited about it at all. don't know if its the same as the cts-v but the buttons are in the bottom center of the wheel. i still think the stick type is more comfy.

Since you car goes in frequently you might ask them for a Deville next time and try that one before you let anything from a CTX influence you nagatively.

Since you car goes in frequently you might ask them for a Deville next time and try that one before you let anything from a CTX influence you nagatively.

yeah i think i will :)

Besides Mack and me, can anyone please confirm that they have the cruise control speed reset problem?

Terpnut, I went back to verify exactly what my problem is and it is slightly different than I stated the first time. First , I set the CC at 40 MPH. I then used the accelerate to bring it up to 45 MPH. After hitting set it then drifted down to 41 or so MPH. So in fact the CC speed did go up a bit but only after falling 4 MPH or so from the second setting.

In general, the CC is very slow to respond on the SRX. If you hit accelerate on a DTS it starts accelerating immediately, when you hit set it freezes right there. The SRX on the other hand sort of gasps first and actually drops down a bit before accelerating and then things seem to get complicated by transmission downshifts and all sorts of RPM build up, and a general hallablu about nothing from the engine comprtment.

All kidding aside, I could best characterize what happens as feeling like a turbo charger lag similar to what my old Turbo T-Bird had. (At least it had cruise control on the wheel ) Sorry, can't pass that up.
My vehicle was manufactured in 01/04 By the way, does anyone know when they changed from the radio free Europe on-Star antenna to the cute little stubby on the top?

The problem you are experiencing is essentially the same. In your example, regardless of whether it sets at 40 or 41 mph, it does NOT set at the proper speed, i.e. 45 mph. Even if others do not notice or care, this is a major problem for me that must be fixed. And yes, the control is also sluggish and inexact even when it is working.

My build is Feb 04 and I have the same cruise control problem - only way I can increase speed is to either
- press the accelerate button
or
- flip the cruise control off and then on again

I did a little more investigating. When CC set and established at 60 MPH I kicked it up to 70 clicked and it settled at about 67.

When you listen to the CC as it interacts with the engine it becomes obvious that there is a systemic design problem there. When you tell it to accelerate it lags then comes on with a substantial burst of throttle. From the amount of throttle applied it seems as if the CC is set up for a small 4 cylinder engine instead of a stomping V8.

Again, if you use a DeVille CC you can see the difference in that when you accelerate there is no lag and the tach does not jump the way it does on the SRX.

It's almost as if the whole CC (Stick and ECM) was lifted right off of a small 4 cylinder Chevy.

Tested the cruise control yesterday and it worked just as I thought it would. It is necessary to turn the cruise off and then on again if I want to increase speed setting using the accelerator pedal. Have never driven a GM that worked any differently. I read the manual (page 3-14) and it does state that you can accelerate and use the button on the end to reset at the higher speed.

I agree with mack1a that the Accelerate/Resume is not very smooth. I on occasion push and hold the A/R button and accelerate by foot. It is smoother and I feel I can get closer to the speed I want as opposed to using the switch only. Will admit that I am accustomed to turning GM cruise off and then back on when I want to reset at a higher speed. I will see what the dealer says and post later. Build date is 11/03

Mort--I've driven SEVEN different late-model GM vehicles in the past 12 months, and have owned or driven countless other GM vehicles over the years, and NONE of them have ever had any problems resetting at a higher speed using the throttle and set. This is definitely an SRX-specific problem and Cadillac has acknowledged it. Also, just to be very clear on the problem's "scope", it is possible to reset at a higher speed IF the higher speed is over 10 mph higher than the original speed. Mack may have gotten into this "zone".

The sad thing is that you almost get used to an inferior solution. Then I drive the DeVille and have ocassion to use the CC. Then you have to come back to the SRX and go through the acclimation and lowering of expectations process all over gain.

The best way to get over the many minimal attributes of the SRX is to nail it while getting on the expressway. I finally figured out my fatal attraction with this thing. It goes faster and handles better than it looks like it should.

Mort--I've driven SEVEN different late-model GM vehicles in the past 12 months, and have owned or driven countless other GM vehicles over the years, and NONE of them have ever had any problems resetting at a higher speed using the throttle and set. This is definitely an SRX-specific problem and Cadillac has acknowledged it. Also, just to be very clear on the problem's "scope", it is possible to reset at a higher speed IF the higher speed is over 10 mph higher than the original speed. Mack may have gotten into this "zone".

I just dropped my car off at the dealer for an oil change and the front end recall. I got an Escalade with 2,000 miles on it for a loaner and the cruise works the same way. You cannot accelerate and reset it at the higher speed. I guess it's not just an SRX thing.

Is it the same CC on a stalk thing or is it the version on the DeVille

On the stalk

Mort--I've driven SEVEN different late-model GM vehicles in the past 12 months, and have owned or driven countless other GM vehicles over the years, and NONE of them have ever had any problems resetting at a higher speed using the throttle and set. This is definitely an SRX-specific problem and Cadillac has acknowledged it. Also, just to be very clear on the problem's "scope", it is possible to reset at a higher speed IF the higher speed is over 10 mph higher than the original speed. Mack may have gotten into this "zone".

Terpnut, you have to know I never read manuals or instructions until absolutely necessary. My company car is a 2000 Buick and the cruise works as you have stated. My experience with GM cruise control, other than the Buick and now the SRX, is on 1985 and older GM models. Since 1980 have been in a 280ZX, '85 Buick (that was for some reason a hand full on snow) , Lincolns, Explorer, and Expedition. As a creature of habit I assumed the cruise was the same on the Buick as older GM cars and proved it to myself on the SRX by trying it. Will have to try the 10 mph or higher change on the SRX. The Buick did not require a 10 mph change to set.

So after several visits to the dealer, a sharply worded letter to Cadillac's GM and several phone calls to Cadillac Customer Service, their conclusion is:

1. There is no fix for the problem in our particular flawed production run
2. Cadillac took cover under their pathetic disclaimer that any functionality described in their user manual is "subject to change". Translation: GM does not promise that anything will actually WORK the way it is supposed to or at all.
3. The best they can offer me is free oil changes for 24 months/24,000 miles.

:annoyed:

Hey Terpnut, Take the oil changes & run! 24,000/3,000= 8 changes @ about $80 each. That's $640.00. Ain't too shabby! :bouncy:

Hey Terpnut, Take the oil changes & run! 24,000/3,000= 8 changes @ about $80 each. That's $640.00. Ain't too shabby! :bouncy:That assumes that I can get the oil changes when I want to every 3,000 miles. My guess is that they would only do them when the oil computer decides it is needed, perhaps every 7,500 miles or more. That would only amount to 3 changes x $70 each = $210. I'd rather have a working cruise control. Working with a Lemon Law attorney as we speak....

I've held off commenting here about the cruise control for long enough, as mostly I am completely satisfied with it.

I took an 80 mile trip today, and remembered what most were saying about the cruise.

I set the cruise, and proceeded to experiment. If I pushed accell, I could increase speed to whatever I wanted, and when I let go, cruise would keep it where I ended up.

I then tried to "bump" cruise, and for each one, I increased speed by 1 mph.

Same thing in reverse: Holding "set" buttin, I locked in at whatever speed it was when I let go; likewise, when tapping the "set" I would decrease speed by 1 mpg, and lock on it.

Therefore, I can only conclude that some of you have a defective cruise control &/or module, but, thankfully mine works quite well.

BTW, my SRX build is 3/2004.

PS: Yes, I woule prefer steering wheel controls, but have no qualms with it's current location.

Your third bullet says it all. The steriodial version of CC surges when you hold accelerate. It then falls of a few MPH when you let go. Yours sounds more like what I would see on the DTS.

Had mine looked at today and the consensus was it ain't great but it is consistent with 2 others they tested.

I have a neighbor from Luxemborg who used to be an automotive engineer in Germany. He and I have had many discussions regarding German vs American autos. I never had a tough time going up against him, when I used my Cadillac and Corvette experiences as my basis. However I close the garage door every time he passes because all it would take would be one glance at the front fenders to undo all credibility I have established for US cars. If he tried the CC he would probably start yodeling for joy.

Oh well I still like the styling and V8 performance.

I've held off commenting here about the cruise control for long enough, as mostly I am completely satisfied with it.

I took an 80 mile trip today, and remembered what most were saying about the cruise.

I set the cruise, and proceeded to experiment. If I pushed accell, I could increase speed to whatever I wanted, and when I let go, cruise would keep it where I ended up.

I then tried to "bump" cruise, and for each one, I increased speed by 1 mph.

Same thing in reverse: Holding "set" buttin, I locked in at whatever speed it was when I let go; likewise, when tapping the "set" I would decrease speed by 1 mpg, and lock on it.

Therefore, I can only conclude that some of you have a defective cruise control &/or module, but, thankfully mine works quite well.

BTW, my SRX build is 3/2004.

PS: Yes, I woule prefer steering wheel controls, but have no qualms with it's current location.This is all fine except you did not try the problem that I encounter frequently and MUST have working:

1. Hit 'set' at any speed
2. Hit the throttle/accelerator to a higher speed (e.g. 5 mph higher)
3. Hit 'set' again. Cruise control fails to set this speed and vehicle decelerates back to original set speed.

Driving by using a combination of cruise control and throttle is my primary means of highway driving and thus this is a significant flaw in my book.

Hey Terp -

Not sure from your description how exactly you're 'hitting' set when you are having issues. Have you maybe tried to accelerate using the throttle, reach your desired speed, then press and hold set for a couple of seconds and then let go of the button? If you just momentarily push set while cruise is engaged it'll do the 1 mph speed decrease on you and not set at the new desired, higher speed.
Just a thought...

Dechief

Hey Terp -

Not sure from your description how exactly you're 'hitting' set when you are having issues. Have you maybe tried to accelerate using the throttle, reach your desired speed, then press and hold set for a couple of seconds and then let go of the button? If you just momentarily push set while cruise is engaged it'll do the 1 mph speed decrease on you and not set at the new desired, higher speed.
Just a thought...

DechiefFirst, pressing and holding for a couple seconds is not per the specifications and would not be acceptable to any user. Second, it doesn't work regardless. Cadillac has already confirmed this as a defect. The only issue at hand is that they cannot and will not fix the defect.

First, pressing and holding for a couple seconds is not per the specifications and would not be acceptable to any user. Second, it doesn't work regardless. Cadillac has already confirmed this as a defect. The only issue at hand is that they cannot and will not fix the defect.

Well! I guess you told me, didn't you?! :hide: LOL... First, 'any user' is a pretty sweeping claim - I didn't know you presumed to speak for me or the other several thousand users who I'm sure are quite happy with their CC. 'Many users' would probably be more accurate. Second, it does work for me, which is why I made the suggestion as a helping hand to you. Too bad. I've no doubt it appears you have a defect and I'm sorry Cadillac isn't taking care of it for you.

To tell you the truth, I wasn't aware the cruise had a problem until you brought it up in this thread. I just thought that was the way it worked. It's obvious that I don't depend on cruise as much as "Terp" but to me, pushing the accelerate buttom until you hit your desired speed is not a problem. It is actually the way I use the cruise anyway. I think you spoke before of a "Lunging" effect when doing so but I don't experience that.

As stated earlier, I'm sorry to hear you are having problems with the cruise that is not acceptable to you and I hope you get Caddilac to take care of it the way they should. Good Luck :want:

Does anyone out there have a cruise control that works any different? So far I haven't heard from anyone who has. Maybe it's that way in all the SRX's

You know what the real problem is? It is an expectations issue. Someone who owns and drives a recent model DeVille can't help but be disappointed by the SRX CC and its' lack of featurability. I probably would have just bought another DTS but my bride wanted something more SUVish and then I got carried away by the V8 performance.

We will basically relegate the SRX to be the local errand car and utility vehicle and use the DTS for long hauls. That solves many things.

Well! I guess you told me, didn't you?! :hide: LOL... First, 'any user' is a pretty sweeping claim - I didn't know you presumed to speak for me or the other several thousand users who I'm sure are quite happy with their CC. 'Many users' would probably be more accurate. Second, it does work for me, which is why I made the suggestion as a helping hand to you. Too bad. I've no doubt it appears you have a defect and I'm sorry Cadillac isn't taking care of it for you.Sorry, I did not intend to take out my obvious frustrations on you--your suggestions are appreciated.

Does anyone out there have a cruise control that works any different? So far I haven't heard from anyone who has. Maybe it's that way in all the SRX'sCadillac has stated that this problem does not exist in recent production runs--it is supposedly fixed in all the latest models. I believe several board members have stated so.

You know what the real problem is? It is an expectations issue. Someone who owns and drives a recent model DeVille can't help but be disappointed by the SRX CC and its' lack of featurability. I probably would have just bought another DTS but my bride wanted something more SUVish and then I got carried away by the V8 performance.

We will basically relegate the SRX to be the local errand car and utility vehicle and use the DTS for long hauls. That solves many things.Mack is right-on--this is all about usage and expectations. If you do not have a bad back, have not used other clearly-superior CC's, or if you do not FULLY utilize every aspect of any CC, then you will not think anything negative of the SRX's CC. IOW, you have very low or no expectations of the CC since it is not that important to you. Right now, I would give up my power seats, windows, keyless, RSE or Nav system for a well-designed, properly positioned and fully working CC.

IOW, you have very low or no expectations of the CC since it is not that important to you.

Oh that's great. All of the people that have stated a preference for cruise on the stalk are suffering from a case of “low or no expectations”. I’ll be sure to contact you or Mack before my next purchase so I buy what you guys know to be the best.

You have a defective cruise control. I would be upset by that. However your opinion on which is better, wheel or stalk cruise, is no more “right” than any one else’s.

Gee, I'm sorry, Cadillac got me thouroghly trained on the wheel mounted CC. The wheel mounted CC was the Cadillac way. Because of several years of using it I have completely assimilated it into my over the road driving style. Then they took it away.

I guess they reverted to a manual tilt wheel with no telescope, no turn signals in the mirrors, stalk mounted CC and other changes to cut costs and to give people migrating from other brands something familiar to hang onto.

...your opinion on which is better, wheel or stalk cruise, is no more “right” than any one else’s.

(Except on the wheel is better.)

:D

BTW... The new Buick Lacrosse has as a featured reson to buy it: "... steering wheel controls enable you to set stereo volume, radio station, music source, cabin temperature and cruise control without ever taking your hands from the wheel." Proof! :rolleyes:

Oh that's great. All of the people that have stated a preference for cruise on the stalk are suffering from a case of “low or no expectations”. I’ll be sure to contact you or Mack before my next purchase so I buy what you guys know to be the best.

You have a defective cruise control. I would be upset by that. However your opinion on which is better, wheel or stalk cruise, is no more “right” than any one else’s.While I personally do prefer the wheel-mounted CC, my earlier remarks on specifications and expectations was NOT commenting on the wheel or stalk-mounted issue at all. I was only referring to purely objective matters (that the GM engineers have already admitted as problems) such as the "set" not functioning right and the sluggish reaction to the acceleration. The SRX's CC simply does not work as well as other CC's (even the other stalk-mounted ones!).

While I personally do prefer the wheel-mounted CC, my earlier remarks on specifications and expectations was NOT commenting on the wheel or stalk-mounted issue at all. I was only referring to purely objective matters (that the GM engineers have already admitted as problems) such as the "set" not functioning right and the sluggish reaction to the acceleration. The SRX's CC simply does not work as well as other CC's (even the other stalk-mounted ones!).

Your quote (below) did not indicate that you were talking about SRX's with a defective cruise. As I alluded to in my earlier comment, I too would be unhappy with a cruise that does not work as advertised. My 05 does not exhibit the issues you have.

Mack is right-on--this is all about usage and expectations. If you do not have a bad back, have not used other clearly-superior CC's, or if you do not FULLY utilize every aspect of any CC, then you will not think anything negative of the SRX's CC. IOW, you have very low or no expectations of the CC since it is not that important to you. Right now, I would give up my power seats, windows, keyless, RSE or Nav system for a well-designed, properly positioned and fully working CC.

I just happened to look at the Chevrolet site to see how similar the Equinox is to the SRX. I can't be positive but I am pretty sure that they put a steering wheel mounted cruise control on it. The interior picture has enough switches but I can't read the labeling well enough to be positive. Wouldn't that be a pisser if it is as I expect.

We have an 04 V6 AWD SRX built in February 04. Initially set the cruise at 70mph and accelerated using the reset/accelerate (far right on the on-off switch). Held the button until it hit 75, let the switch return to the on position and the car maintained 75. Accelerating and hitting the set button on the end of the stalk did not reset the speed to the higher setting.

Accelerating and hitting the set button on the end of the stalk did not reset the speed to the higher setting.If you are saying that you accelerated using the throttle and "set" failed to hold the higher speed, then you also have the defect.

If you are saying that you accelerated using the throttle and "set" failed to hold the higher speed, then you also have the defect.

Does the accelerate button on your cruise work or is it just that you do not like to use the cruise in that way?

I know it's not the way it's supposed to work but it does do the same thing as pressing the pedal. Every tap on the button is 1 MPH or hold it down and let it go when you hit the target.

I know you probably know all this. It's seems to be just a matter of principle now.

You are right, the cruise should work as designed and Cadillac should step up to the plate and fix it but using the button is good alternative for now.

Does the accelerate button on your cruise work or is it just that you do not like to use the cruise in that way?

I know it's not the way it's supposed to work but it does do the same thing as pressing the pedal. Every tap on the button is 1 MPH or hold it down and let it go when you hit the target.

I know you probably know all this. It's seems to be just a matter of principle now.

You are right, the cruise should work as designed and Cadillac should step up to the plate and fix it but using the button is good alternative for now.The accelerate slide switch of the SRX's CC works, but it reacts too slow/sluggish and, for me, is not as convenient as stepping on the throttle and "resetting". When moving into the fast lane, I would never trust the slide switch to do rapid acceleration where, for example, I may require a downshift to get to the proper speed in front of say, an 18-wheeler. Also because the CC is stalk-mounted (not to rehash the subjective part of this thread again), it is inconvenient to relocate my left hand from my normal driving position AND have to HOLD the switch for a period of time. Remember that I drive with my hands at the 8 and 4 positions. Thus a quick-reacting, steering-wheel-mounted CC anywhere in the lower half of the wheel would greatly mitigate my problem. In summary, the defective "set" functionality of the SRX's CC would be acceptable IF the CC were wheel-mounted, but unfortunately, it is both stalk-mounted and doesn't work right. :helpless:

Terpnut, having read all your posts on the cruise control I can see where you are coming from on this. For some the cruise is more important. I can live with the cruise not working as advertised simply because I am conditioned to turn the cruise off and back on as required to change speeds. I am at 9:00 o'clock with my left hand but still find the on/off switch a little more awkward than my company car (Buick). The accelerate button is only workable on the open road with no traffic due to response delay etc.
Still need to resolve my disk changing trip odometer-clearing problems and will bring up the cruise problem. I have not talked to my dealer yet but will see what they say.

Terpnut, having read all your posts on the cruise control I can see where you are coming from on this. For some the cruise is more important. I can live with the cruise not working as advertised simply because I am conditioned to turn the cruise off and back on as required to change speeds. I am at 9:00 o'clock with my left hand but still find the on/off switch a little more awkward than my company car (Buick). The accelerate button is only workable on the open road with no traffic due to response delay etc.
Still need to resolve my disk changing trip odometer-clearing problems and will bring up the cruise problem. I have not talked to my dealer yet but will see what they say.Yes, the bottom line is that I drive ACTIVELY with the CC. My performance tolerances are VERY tight because I use the CC in heavy traffic, tight passing maneuvers, merging, decelerating and accelerating to maintain following distances, etc.--all using my CC! Most drivers do NOT use their CC this actively and do not need the precision and performance that I demand. Heck, with only small exaggeration, go ahead and get rid of the brake and accelerator pedals completely, give me a good CC and I can drive by thumb or finger! That's it in a nutshell. :yup:

CC update

I drove a 2005 STS V8 today. They must have learned a lot from the SRX as many things were improved. I will discuss the CC here.

First the bad news, The 2005 CC interface is exactly the same with the "smart" stick. By the way, the $25,000 Chevy does have a steering wheel mounted CC. Guess we paid extra for the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruise Control.

Now for the good news. The CC is very well behaved in operation. I set the CC to speeds from 40 to 80 and then used the accelerate switch. In all instances there was a pause of about 1 second (not the hesitation which is more of a slowdown for a second or so on the SRX V8). Then the CC causes smooth acceleration that isn't so drastic that it often down shifts like my SRX. Thirdly, it sets on a speed and stays right there. All in all it works almost as well as the CC on my DTS. The DTS responds quicker when you hit accelerate.

So let's figure this out. Same engine...Same transmission..not the same chassis but that shouldn't matter. I will bet anything that the CC module is a different part number or at least a different code set.

My dealer test drove mine when I complained and then drove 2 more. Their position is that the other 2 behaved just like mine therefore mine is normal and I have to like and accept it because they told me so..

Trust me, this is not a dead issue. Their posture that assumes poor functionality is acceptable as long as it is the average functionality ain't gonna cut it with me.

I will keep you posted.

By the way, is there anybody out there who can supply the part number of a 2004 SRC CC module and a 2005 STS CC module?

My dealer test drove mine when I complained and then drove 2 more. Their position is that the other 2 behaved just like mine therefore mine is normal and I have to like and accept it because they told me so..

Trust me, this is not a dead issue. Their posture that assumes poor functionality is acceptable as long as it is the average functionality ain't gonna cut it with me.
According to Cadillac, this issue is dead. To summarize: "Take a couple free oil changes and go away since there is nothing more we can or will do". As everyone can already tell, I will not go away on this.

By the way, is there anybody out there who can supply the part number of a 2004 SRC CC module and a 2005 STS CC module?I should be an expert on this one! Over several visits, the dealership has replaced the following cruise control parts on my 2004 SRX:

Switch #25743472
Module #12581144
ECM #12581144

Sorry I haven't touched this topic for a few days but probably will take the car back next week. I still want to research STS part numbers and engineering levels (that is probably a Cadillac oxymoron) and see if that is the difference.

As I said earlier, service tried 2 other SRXes and said that my CC is working as designed. They determine design specifications and functions characteristics by taking a consensus of several vehicles.

This time, I am going to insist that they compare the way the SRX CC works (hesitating, surging and being difficult to set to desired speed) to the way it works on the STS. While the STS is still the same piece of crap on a stick, it does behave nicely and is obviously well integrated to the STS power plant and transmission. I have already ridden with my salesman in both cars and he was embarrassed.

Of course I will also ask them to align the front end on the SRX. Apparently what I need to do is wait for the older SRXes still on the lot (you know, the ones with the kinky radio free europe OnStar antennas like mine) to go away. Then I should insist that they use the Cadillac specifications and functional determination consensus method and compare my vehicles measurements to others on the lot.

This experience leads me to believe that any quality discussions on this topic are ambiguous. How can you determine whether or not a vehicle conforms to specifications and functional characteristics when they aren’t documented and the latest specification is the average of the set of vehicles you use for reference. Remember, the way to attain high quality measurements is to set low expectations.

According to Cadillac, this issue is dead. To summarize: "Take a couple free oil changes and go away since there is nothing more we can or will do". As everyone can already tell, I will not go away on this.

I should be an expert on this one! Over several visits, the dealership has replaced the following cruise control parts on my 2004 SRX:

Switch #25743472
Module #12581144
ECM #12581144
Terpnut, are you saying that they now have fixed your CC to operate as advertised? If not and you purchased from a Maryland dealer, then you should get Gary Williams to call the dealer for you. :) :worship: Bet they would fix it for him.

Terpnut, are you saying that they now have fixed your CC to operate as advertised? If not and you purchased from a Maryland dealer, then you should get Gary Williams to call the dealer for you. :) :worship: Bet they would fix it for him.No, these are all the parts that the dealer replaced in their futile attempt to fix the problem BEFORE they found out that this is a known problem and CANNOT be field-serviced. As for your suggestion on having Gary Williams make a call, I will certainly consider doing that the next time I see him. :D

This experience leads me to believe that any quality discussions on this topic are ambiguous. How can you determine whether or not a vehicle conforms to specifications and functional characteristics when they aren’t documented and the latest specification is the average of the set of vehicles you use for reference. Remember, the way to attain high quality measurements is to set low expectations.Remember in my situation, after realizing that their SRX CC does not work to specs and as documented, Cadillac retreated to their final line of defense, essentially: "The user manual specifically states that all vehicle functions are subject to change and may not work exactly as printed". Remember this next time your A/C or power steering fails--basically GM never promises that anything will work. Can you believe this attitude? :helpless: :madtalkin

so after i got my car back i thought i'd test the cruise control and see.

- drove at 60km/h
- set cruise
- accelerated using the cc accelerate/resume button
- while the resume button still pressed and when i reached 90km/h i pressed the set cruise
- speed went to like 88km/h and stopped

however i did notice the downshifts and all that crazy rpm going up and down but ONLY at low speeds (40km/h (25mph) - 60km/h(37mph)).

I guess this is a real Coke/Pepsi issue - but for me the turnstalk cruise screams "Grand Am" or "Cavalier" while the steering wheel mounts are much more "Cadillac."

Perhaps if I drank more hot tea I'd have the necessary pinkie-finger dexterity this cheap Pontiac Sunfire turnstalk version requires (since I want to keep both hands on the wheel)? Maybe I'd appreciate it more? ... hmmm ... let me think ... NOT.

Oh well, to each his own.

Hmm, nice thinking but lets take a look at that... It looks Grand Am if it has it on the stick but looks professional or nice to have it on the steering wheel? Well my friends 1995 Bronco has it on the steering wheel, my friends 1999 Ford F-150 has it on the wheel as well... Now on the other hand... A 2002-04 Cadillac Escalade has it on the stalk, a 2001 Porsche 911 has it on the stalk... So the porsche and the Caddy are the Grand Ams and the Fords are not? Hmm

so after i got my car back i thought i'd test the cruise control and see.

1. drove at 60km/h
2. set cruise
3. accelerated using the cc accelerate/resume button
4. while the resume button still pressed and when i reached 90km/h i pressed the set cruise
5. speed went to like 88km/h and stopped

however i did notice the downshifts and all that crazy rpm going up and down but ONLY at low speeds (40km/h (25mph) - 60km/h(37mph)).IF you are trying to duplicate my problem, then your step 3 is incorrect. You do not accelerate using the CC's slide switch/button, you must accelerate using the accelerator pedal/throttle. Then hit "set" at the higher speed. This is what does not work on earlier SRX production models.

I have a Trail Blazer for a loaner and the cruise works the same way

By the same way, do you mean that when you use the accelerste buttion it hesitates/actually lags for 1 or 2 seconds, ten over-accelerates or surges then backs off anywhere fron 2 to 5 MPH after you set to a new speed.

That is how the V8 SRX works. That is because the CC module is calibrated to run with the 6 cylinder engine. As Samboosa stated, the faster you go the closer it comes to performing correctly because the differences in throttle requirement between the 6 and 8 are starting to diminish.

Bottom line is just poor engineering. The new STS V8 works very well (as good as a DTS). I did find out that it is a different part number. Although, the service manager didn't think they would interchange as the STS is vastly different. Hell, after driving one and looking at the body panel fit I could have told him that.

I have a Trail Blazer for a loaner and the cruise works the same wayInteresting, since I had an '04 Trailblazer loaner a few months back, and I believe it worked perfectly.

Interesting, since I had an '04 Trailblazer loaner a few months back, and I believe it worked perfectly.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm....................

That could be. Cadillac can sometimes match up a CC module and a power plant to work smoothly as evidenced by the DTS and the new STS. I see no reason why Chevrolet can't do it also.

IF you are trying to duplicate my problem, then your step 3 is incorrect. You do not accelerate using the CC's slide switch/button, you must accelerate using the accelerator pedal/throttle. Then hit "set" at the higher speed. This is what does not work on earlier SRX production models.

I did that too. It works the same way.

Actually I have realised that if I don't remove my foot off the accelerator quickly and keep it for a second or 2 after setting the cc speed it actually keeps the correct speed without dropping down.

And the crazy downshifts do not happen all the time. I noticed it twice only on non-flat roads. It's like it downshifts to maintain the speed as you climb a bit in the road. Since it only happens when driving at lower speeds the downshifts only happen when the rpm is very low.

I took the SRX back to get the dealer to look at the CC again. I said that while it was OK with me to use other SRXes to prove that my CC was operating consistent with other SRXes I also wanted them to compare its' peration with a Deville, and an a STS.

Of course it didn't do well compared to Cadillacs and the service manager agreed that I should be dissastified. They wrote up a dealer trouble report (don't know if that means anything but it is something I can follow up on.

Recommend others who know a working CC from a now working CC also do the same and refer to the already existing DTR.

I don't think they will use a different part for the CC for the overseas. It must be the same. From reading the posts at least I think mine doesn't need to be reset to set a new speed.

Now this is going to sound a bit odd.

Today my cruise control is actually FORCING setting the new speed when I use the CC button to accelerate.

It just sits there at the new speed without me pressing the Set Speed button!

Actually, that sounds better that how it is supposed to operate. Don't complain about this one because they will "fix" it nd you'll be back to the original problems.

Just a clarification on one other thing. When I mentioned a different CC module I was refering to the fact that there would be differences in throttle requirements between a 6 and 8 cylinder engine. I think that my main complaint is that the over throttling and overspeeding seems to indicate that there is a systemic mis-match between the CC and the wan it manages the engine.