2008 Toyota Tacoma Cruise Contol Not Working - Case study

During this video I walk through the tests and checks that I performed while diagnosing this 2008 Toyota Tacoma. I used a Snapon Modis Edge scanner to scan the cruise control module and check the signal from the cruise control switch. This test confirms that the clock spring and circuit is intact and that the problem is in the switch. I installed a new cruise control switch in the steering wheel and then tested it with the scanner. By performing the signal test before unhooking the battery I was able to prevent further testing of the clock spring and the wiring to the ECU. After everything was fully assembled I drove the vehicle and the cruise did work.

[@TMouse-hd5jb]

Thank you for your video. I was able to resolve my cruise control pain very easily thanks your work.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

You are welcome!

[@VoltageDropDiagnostics]

Just playing catch up with all of your older videos! Great case study Chad!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Thanks PJ. This is probably a common diag and repair for you.

[@VoltageDropDiagnostics]

ThePracticalMechanic nope. I’ve only seen that switch go bad one time on a Toyota lol. I feel like they only fail when people are a little too aggressive with them lol

[@eddiaz8987]

Excellent camera work and verbal explanations. Thank you.

[@DC-nc6vt]

Thank you very much! This has been driving me crazy.

[@MrAgoniatis]

Great video, my 05' 4runner 4.0L air bag light is on , my cruise still works .

[@diegoluna1850]

Great video, exactly what I was looking for! Thanks

[@kevinmaxwell6610]

OK, I tried everything,my switch isn't working at all. So I found this video and remembered spilling coffee everywhere a week ago 😂 . I tuned the switch upright and sprayed CRC 3-36 multi-purpose precision spray (not sold in stores) to wash out the switch. Now it works. I did the same thing on a window switch 3 years ago, and it still works. This stuff is amazing. I'm working on a 2006 Avalon.

[@vivianwong3729]

My 2010 corolla cruise control failed for sometime. When I pressed the on/off button, no light on dash. After I watched this video, I bought the switch from amazon and had it changed. Whole process took 30 minutes, Bingo it work!!! Thanks so much.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

That’s awesome. Glad it was the same deal on the Corolla.

[@ottallman]

Just changed mine on my 2012 scion xb and it still doesn’t work 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@tomthatcher3444]

Excellent, well understood video.. thanks so much for the information

[@paulstrangers2943]

Very good logical approach to an electrical issue.

[@LHall-tu4xp]

Thanks for the video... replacement switch solved my issue.

[@groovedaddy1213]

Really good video and very helpful!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Glad it helped. Did you get your cruise control working again or are you just preparing for the job?

[@cheeseheadfiddle]

Excellent video. Super clear and helpful

[@ronleblanc3290]

Great video! Thanks for a thorough explanation!!!!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

My pleasure!

[@KareemKhan-yg7uv]

Thanks you gentlemen before that I was trouble in that same problem

[@spelunkerd]

Interesting to see signals from all four switches come through one wire, with a resistor between each switch. If it's a 5Volt signal from the PCM, with a big upstream resistor, it must read voltage and infer which button is pressed. Some engineer must have spent a few months designing that one, saving several feet of extra wires and clockspring connections.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I still wish they had a check signal when no buttons are pressed. It would help confirm if the switch had an issue or the clock spring.

[@Aziznajjd]

Thanks for sharing

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

I like your thinking with regards to removing the airbag and disconnecting the battery. This can mess with a few things depending on the vehicle. I have a 2004 Tacoma, 4 wheel drive 5 speed manual. The Cruise control does not work but the cruise light turns on when I hit the on switch. Not sure I am going to fix it. This is a feature I never really use and this truck is not going to be on long freeway rides. So shocked at how well the engine, the V-6, runs with 142,000 miles on it. I get a bit of soft whine from 1st, 2nd and 3rd but shifts like new. EXCELLENT presentation. Good grasp of automotive electronics. Thanks.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I hate that whine. I have had 3 trucks with tranny whine in the last 10 yrs. most had 150k-300k. A used transmission was cheaper and faster for me than a rebuild. The worst part for me is the whine while sitting in neutral. The one bearing that fails doesn’t cost that much but the labor to get to that bearing is the hard part. Thank you for stopping by.

[@parkerbirch1635]

Clock spring from china $8.00 free shipping. Takes 15 minutes to install. Fixes the horn and cruise control. Its a common problem, I'm on my second one in 12 years. 06 Tacoma

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Parker Birch 👍🏻 When the horn stops working at the same time it’s a pretty safe bet to say the clock spring (spiral cable)is bad. I’m surprised I haven’t had another one in shop yet to film the clock spring process. We used to replace them all the time.

[@tigerfn84]

I still have no horn and cruise after replacing the clock spring. All fuses are good. Any ideas?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

The two systems only have one part in common and that is the clock spring(spiral cable). My guess would be you got a defective clockspring or something isn’t plugged in completely.

[@tigerfn84]

@@ThePracticalMechanic thank you. Have you come across any issues in the past with the steering shaft bearing? I've seen a video or 2 of the bearing starting to get corrosion which may cause a grounding issue. I guess that's what I get for purchasing a $30 clock spring. Factory or any brand you recommend?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Mike Kelly I haven’t seen the shaft bearing failure but I don’t see too much corrosion in Colorado. I always use factory for my customers but many others on here have had good luck with the cheaper options.

[@Jay-yh5qi]

Great vedio, thanks for sharing! Where can I purchase the battery impact tool you used to disassemble the steering???

[@ecomech7464]

very goood vid thanks for your time

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

No problem. 👍🏻

[@scalebuilder_sweden]

Thanks! My Toyota Land cruiser 200 does the same.

[@johnmpifer]

2007 PreRunner TRD Off-Road 4.0 Access Cab here (bought new June 2007 by me, now has 225K). Mine’s been acting up for several months now, at least. Arm switch (on end of stalk) won’t work sometimes. Other functions (set, cancel, resume) usually work, but today those also started intermittently not working. I believe the switch is the problem. I’m going to order the switch and use your video as my guide. Thank you so much for posting this! You have a new subscriber. John Nashville, TN

[@johnmpifer]

Do you have a suggestion on best place to order switch?

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

I'm looking for information on in an E3 error code on radar assisted cruise control.

[@georged1085]

Do you know the difference between the clock spring with and without steering wheel controls/ cruise control? They all look the same

[@sibp901]

This was a great video. I have a 2002 Toyota Rav4. The cruise control turns on, but it does not engage when I go to "set" the speed. I get a blinking Cruise light on my dash. I replaced the brake light switch but it did not correct the issue. Would you recommend replacing the cruise control switch?

[@telcobilly]

My 2008 Tacoma just started doing that a few days ago. Did you find out what what the problem is?

[@kimsterific]

dear ThePracticalMechanic: i have 1999 taco 2.7 prerunner 4 cylnd. my cc was sporatic a few months ago it would turn on and accelerate( 55+mph) on its own then slow down to(-45mph) .it finally stopped working. toyo tec said 125 $ for diagnostics.do u have any idea what might be wrong ? is it a simple(under $200) and is it worth fixing ? ty luv ya

[@maryloubailey8192]

Awesomeness

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Thank you. 🤙🏻

[@TreuNorthExplorers]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Thank you and no problem. Did you have a bad switch as well? Going into this I half expected to have a bad spiral cable(clock spring) but luckily it was just the switch which was a lot cheaper.

[@TreuNorthExplorers]

I’m with you, going into it half expecting a new clockspring is needed. I own an 06 Taco and just purchased a replacement switch off of amazon (non Oem but has good reviews and way cheaper). I’ll let you know how it goes after I install. www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00RVJY8CY/ref=chk_gwtyp_product?smid=&psc=1

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

KTS Champ WOW that switch is a lot cheaper than oem. Did it fit and function good?

[@TreuNorthExplorers]

Just purchased and it arrives on Monday. Will keep you posted.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

That would be great.

[@username6333]

Hey, I am from Colorado as well. I have the same issue with my Tacoma. Where is your shop located?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I’m a couple hours South of Denver. If you want to email me I can contact you with more information. [e-mail]

[@rodneyhamilton7395]

Helpfiul video, but, perhaps you could do a diagnositic video that does not include needing a $1200 scan tool

[@johnmcdonald4747]

@ ThePracticalMechanic I have a 2005 Tacoma 2.7L Prerunner AccessCab. My spiral cable was replaced around 2008 free of charge at dealership because my airbag light stayed on (Recall). My cruise control is not working. The on and off switch will only work if I turn the steering wheel. Once the cluster is on it will never “set” or engage at a certain speed. My horn works fine. What could the problem be? Thanks.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Most likely the spiral cable has failed again. If you were capable of turning the wheel while pressing the set button it would probably set for you. The spiral cable must have a bad spot that causes an open circuit while the wheels are pointed straight ahead. The horn has a separate wire trace in the spiral cable and it must still be intact.

[@padoob6685]

Sweet!

[@BryanChance]

"The Practical Mechanical" I like that name.

[@westonloeser6434]

I have a question. I thought my CC switch was bad because the cruise light wont come on and cruise control doesn't work. However, when I turn the steering wheel about a quarter turn the and then try and turn on the CC it will turn on, but once the steering wheel is straight up and down I lose control of being able to turn on/off the CC. Im guessing this is probably a clock spring issue?

[@stevekagia9526]

I have same issues tried to change the switch but nothing worked out i wonder what to do next

[@robertosequoia]

Tengo sequoia 02 cuando le doy al interruptor me flashea tengo q darle varias veces asta que se pone bien que seria

[@nachtjager77]

What size torx???

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

I am not quite clear on one last thing regarding the clock spring as it relates to the Cruise control on-off. My Cruise is not working. But the on-off cruise indicator turns on and remains on until I turn it off. Are other "wires" from the other cruise control paddle switches running trough the clock spring? My Cruise paddle switch is somewhat loose feeling. I still haven't replaced the cruise switch assembly. I want to be sure I don't have a bad clock spring. Since the Cruise indicator does work, could the clock spring still be bad? How many Cruise contrl related lines run through the Clock spring? That is a better question.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

There is only one cruise wire in the clock spring. All of the cruise signals are sent on that one wire. So if the on/off button works the clock spring should be ok.

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

@@ThePracticalMechanic Thank you for the education.

[@j-gonzalez]

is changing the cruise control switch wires something i can actually do? i swapped the switch but it still doesn’t work. my new switch came with new wires but i’m a little afraid to change them since they’re connected to main airbag wires.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

The wires for the switch rarely fail but it shouldn’t be to bad to swap them out. If your not comfortable swapping the wire it may be beat to take it to a shop. It is also possible that the airbag spatial cable has failed.

[@pintohatesyou]

Did you figure it out ?? Having the same problems right now

[@j-gonzalez]

@@pintohatesyou no, i switched the wires and that didn’t work, so i came to a conclusion that it must be the clock spring. i haven’t actually swapped the clock spring yet though. just got lazy and left it be until i got access to my truck again.

[@EZkauai]

Did this end up being the fix? I have the same truck and my cruise control sometimes wont turn on and sometimes it will turn on and wont turn off. There are also times where the cancel wont work and I have to push the brake to cancel.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

It can be either the switch or the clock spring(spiral cable).

[@madisonduncan1439]

I have the same exact model Tacoma. My cruise light comes on when I click the switch but it will not 'set'. and yes, I know what I am doing. It was working fine a week ago. :/ I adjusted the clutch push rod and it hasn't worked since. Any thoughts?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Madison Duncan There are two switches on the clutch pedal assembly. One is up high on the underside of the dash and the other one is down low by the floor. The one down by the floor is for your starter enable circuit and the one that is up high is a cruise control deactivation switch. There should be a little rubber pad or button on the clutch pedal that presses up against the cruise control deactivation switch. Verify that that rubber pad is still in place because if it’s not then the cruise switch will not be fully depressed.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Were you able to get the cruise control functional again?

[@rodneybooth4069]

Mine worked for about 5 days and than did the very same thing as before, started intermitten and than finally would no come on at all when driving. You can stop and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and the cruise light comes on,,,,,but the cruise does not function when driving. I feel it's the clock spring after all.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

They are both common failures. I did 2 clock springs and 1 switch this week. It’s possible that you had both intermittent failures happening at the same time.

[@username6333]

the torx screws on my tacoma are impossible to unscrew... any suggestions?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Are they rounded out or just hard to access? Sometimes you have to turn the wheel to gain access to them. If rounded out it will be a difficult task and the bolts may need to be replaced afterwords.

[@automatedcomment]

Hit the gym

[@reidericson3690]

Could you give me the link for the part

[@AftabAli-qp2qr]

Mine was gone bad and once I checked the vacuum lines I found one was leaking when I fixed that it’s all good now

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

That’s great!!👍🏼 seems they use two different types of cruise systems. (electric servo or vacuum servo)

[@OBZRV82]

Interesting 🤔 I got a Engine Check P0455 code (gross leak) and my CC stop working as well. Make me wonder if there both related.

[@gayhind459]

I installed the cruise control in my toyota 2014 but it doesn't work not even light on for cruise control in dash screen. I have installed exactly same way like you have done. Removed the airbag stuff on steering and plugged in the new cruise control . After placed back the airbag and reconnect the main battery. But unfortunately not successful🙃. Kindly guide me what i should?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Unfortunately you may have a clockspring(spiral cable).

[@russellfortner9070]

I replaced my switch this morning, but it still doesn't work. The switch I bought has the same Toyota part number. The light on the dash still will not come on. The old switch at first sometimes would come on and sometimes not, then it stopped turning on altogether so i assumed it was just the switch. Is there anything that has to be reset with the computer to tell it the part has been replaced?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Nothing needs to be reset. The computer has no way of verifying switch integrity so no codes will be set. It’s possible that the clock spring (spiral cable) has failed as well causing the intermittent cruise operation.

[@russellfortner9070]

@@ThePracticalMechanic Thanks for the reply and great video on how to do these repairs. I guess I will have to order a clock spring. I hope it isn't the wrong cruise control switch. I looked the same but was a cheap $14 part from Ebay.

[@oskarmorales1168]

Hola consulto puede ser q al no funcionar la velocidad crucero se relacione con el no funcionar de la bocina?2008 srv 3.0 a/t

[@michael507201]

no creo mi. caso si me sirve la bocina pero no me sirve el crucero

[@brianrychetsky2377]

Will the Solus Edge perform this same test?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Yes. The Solus Edge will have the same functionality as my Modus for scanning the airbag system. Just a heads up if you are running software version 17.4 or 18.2 there is a free patch available to fix an issue with toyotas. I did a video on it a few weeks ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXzPd6NsabmAbsU

[@brianrychetsky2377]

I went ahead and purchased a Modis because they had a deal going. I'm not getting any on-off function on any switch but also showing codes for VSS and LF/LR wheel speed sensors. ordering the sensors because they are cheap. But, if I'm not showing function for any button would you think I need to replace the switch or the clockspring? I searched the knowledge database on snap-on but couldn't find anything that would answer my question.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

It could still be either the switch or the clock spring because there is no confirmation signal circuit built into the switch. If the horn works and the airbag light is off then the switch is a likely fault. If you you decide to dive in deeper for testing you can pull the airbag (safety recommended) and unplug the switch you can then check resistance of the switch. the main on/off signal should be close to 0 ohms the other three positions of the switch will have varying resistance. Most likely the on off circuit is open.

[@brianrychetsky2377]

Thank you, going to give that a try.

[@hardrive032699]

My 2012 Tacoma has check engine and trac light come on at same time and my cruise stops working. When they go off, cruise works.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Cruise control is disabled by most engine fault codes. Scan the engine for codes and fix that issue to correct the warning light and inoperative cruise control.

[@VanDoomFTW]

Video was great but mine also had the weird click on the button and this did not fix my problem. If you ever decide to do a clockspring video, I would be more than happy to donate my tacoma! lol

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

You in Colorado? If so we could work something out.

[@VanDoomFTW]

California, sadly. I'm sure there are plenty who would take you up on the TacomaWorld forums if you're serious!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

If I don’t get one in here soon I may put a post up for that.

[@shillingbanjo]

im in the same boat. changed my switch to no avail. If I turn my wheel all the way I can get the light to come on but that's it. Im assuming clock spring?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Sounds like the clock spring has failed. When you turn it all the way to one side it probably allows enough contact to turn on.

[@jusride7]

Aloha

[@k5nutt]

Didn't see you check the function of the clutch switch.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

If the cruise light would have illuminated but speed could not be set I would have gone down a different path checking brake light status and clutch pedal status. These Toyotas should illuminate cruise light as soon as the master cruise on/off button is pressed. If they don’t then you typically have an issue with the clockspring or cruise on/off button.

[@danielrace4174]

Please send cruise control steering wiring to ecu for toyota hiace 2015, thank you

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Sorry I don’t have access to HiAce in North America.

[@danielrace4174]

@@ThePracticalMechanic TQ

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

I have the same problem with my 2004 Lexus RX330 the controller feels hard and crispy

[@KareemKhan-yg7uv]

Thanks you gentlemen before that I was trouble in that same problem

[@jmicrogers]

So I have an 05 tacoma. CC doesn’t work. The cruise light will light up automatically on the 1st start of the day, but doesn’t function. Then on 2nd start the cruise light will not be on. If I wait an hour or so and start the truck again, cruise light will be light. Any suggestions?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I think I would check modules for codes first. There may be something else inhibiting the cruise operation. I don’t remember the cruise control light self illuminating without pressing the button. Pay attention to the position of the steering wheel on the first start and the try it next time with wheel in a different spot. The clock spring might be shorting power to the cruise control system.

[@jmicrogers]

ThePracticalMechanic so I just replaced the clock spring - didn’t fix it.

[@jmicrogers]

ThePracticalMechanic also - the airbag light is on now that I replaced the clock spring

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

That’s not a good sign. What brand clockspring did you use? Did you make sure to point the wheels straight ahead when you installed it? Might want to unhook the battery and verify that the connections are fully seated. There is a safety built into the connectors that short the wiring to prevent static built up unless the connector is fully seated.

[@jmicrogers]

ThePracticalMechanic so do you think I shorted the airbag - or could it just throw the code because in unplugged it and plugged it back in?