Cruise control

[John Caddy]

Originally Posted by rcawood

...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.)



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!

[Terpnut]

Originally Posted by rcawood

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!).

[rcawood]

Originally Posted by Terpnut

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.

Originally Posted by Terpnut

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.

[mack1a]

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.

[inline6]

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.

[Terpnut]

Originally Posted by inline6

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.

[Johnz]

Originally Posted by Terpnut

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.

[Terpnut]

Originally Posted by Johnz

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.

[MortnCyn]

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]

Originally Posted by MortnCyn

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.

[mack1a]

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?

[Terpnut]

Originally Posted by mack1a

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.

Originally Posted by mack1a

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

[mack1a]

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.

[MortnCyn]

Originally Posted by Terpnut

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. Bet they would fix it for him.

[Terpnut]

Originally Posted by MortnCyn

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. 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.