Cruise control on manual transmission. The operating principle of cruise control and instructions for use. Some features for different types of cars

The auxiliary systems that a car is equipped with are designed to help the driver control the vehicle. One such useful system is cruise control. The equipment was invented in the United States of America and can be mounted on cars with manual or automatic transmission.

What is cruise control in a car?

This device, the main objective which is to maintain a given speed. In other words, the system is capable of increasing the gas when the speed decreases and limiting the speed in case of acceleration - for example, when the car is moving downhill. And all this without the involvement of a driver.

When will the system be useful?

This option is very important on long trips - a tired driver accustomed to monotonous driving will need a reliable assistant. Moving along a long section of the highway, the driver sets a specific constant speed - the system saves the selected mode. The driver can sit back more comfortably in his seat, relax, and give his legs a rest.

City traffic will not allow cruise control to reach its full potential because the vehicle does not travel at a constant speed. And the system is activated only when the car goes faster than 40 km/h.

How does cruise control work?

This simple device is a servo drive. Using a cable or rod, it is connected to a mechanism that regulates the gas supply. When the car is traveling at a stable speed, the accelerator pedal is fixed at a certain angle. If the driver activates cruise control, the system remembers this position and records the current speed.

For example, when a car is driving uphill, the following happens:

The speed drops.
The sensors inform the electronic unit about this.
The ECU sends a command to the servo drive to change the angle of the throttle sector and increase the fuel supply.
The speed starts to increase.

How does cruise control work on an automatic?

In machines with an automatic machine, the system carries out all processes independently. When the speed reaches the set point, the servo drive will stop and the throttle sector will be locked in the desired position.

How does cruise control work on a manual?

The functioning of the system in a car with a manual transmission is practically no different from work in cars with an automatic transmission. However, there are still some nuances: the car enthusiast will have to take part in the process. So, when driving uphill with cruise control activated, the driver will not be able to shift to a lower gear - he will have to press the gas additionally, otherwise he will not be able to overcome the hill.

Is it possible to install additional cruise control?

Yes, you can. System installation services are relevant for motorists whose cars are not equipped with this device as standard.

How to operate cruise control?

The control unit is located on the steering wheel, which makes it possible to use the option with maximum comfort. The system assumes the presence of several keys:

ON/OFF– responsible for activation and deactivation.
SET/ASSEL– regulates speed. One press of the button will allow the system to remember the speed at which the car was traveling at the time of pressing. Subsequent pressing of the button will increase the speed by a specific value.
COAST– reduces the speed by a specified value.
RESUME– returns the system to the previously relevant speed.

Please note that when the system is activated, the corresponding icon located on the instrument panel will illuminate green.

Also, in a car with a manual transmission, the brake and clutch pedals are involved in controlling the system. Even slight pressure on the pedals deactivates the cruise control, causing the car to switch to manual control. Some models do not have keys ON/OFF– their functions are performed by a button SET/ASSEL(responsible for turning on) and the brake pedal (responsible for turning off).

Types of cruise control

System passive type is a simple device that is designed to maintain a given speed. The system includes sensors, a control unit, and a throttle valve actuator.

The mechanism of operation of passive cruise control is very simple. When the speed reaches the optimal level, in the driver's opinion, he activates the system. ECU sensors remember speed and throttle position. If road conditions change (for example, the car is moving downhill or uphill), the sensors notify the ECU, and the control unit sends a signal to the throttle actuator. To maintain a stable speed, the actuator must open or close the valve.
Active cruise control is most often called adaptive.

Adaptive cruise control

This is an innovative system that performs two functions:

Maintains the assigned speed;
Monitors traffic conditions. It is for this purpose that cameras, sensors, and radars are integrated into the system.

How does this happen? The system monitors the car ahead and adapts to its speed. This allows you to maintain a safe distance between two cars.

The most modern systems are also able to take into account road markings - they will not allow the car to leave its lane.

The main purpose of adaptive cruise control is to eliminate the likelihood of a collision with a car driving in front of you. If the system does not have time to react and slow down in time, it will warn the driver - he will be able to brake or change the trajectory to avoid an accident. The most advanced devices are capable of independently engaging the braking system.

Advantages and disadvantages of cruise control

Many car enthusiasts admit that cruise control is very useful. This opinion is explained by the following:

During a long trip, the driver can rest.
The system can be easily installed on any car - with automatic or manual transmission, with gasoline or diesel engines.
When driving at a stable speed, gasoline or diesel is not consumed so actively. According to statistics, fuel savings are 4–7%.
Cruise control is an effective passive safety system. For example, adaptive cruise control creates an acceptable distance between cars and, as a result, minimizes the likelihood of a collision, and the speed limiter function will not allow you to increase the speed of the car until you press the gas pedal to the floor.

The disadvantages of the system include:

Possibility of error. For example, if the sensors are clogged or the radar is broken, the cruise control may assume that the car ahead is at an unsafe distance. The result is a sharp decrease in speed until a complete stop. The driver is not always prepared for such a situation.
Loss of vigilance. The car enthusiast, shifting his responsibilities for driving the car to the system, becomes less susceptible to changes in the road situation.

During long trips, many drivers are faced with the fact that constantly keeping their foot on the gas pedal in a fixed position leads to rapid fatigue. It is to simplify control when driving long distances that most modern cars are equipped with a special system called cruise control.

But it is worth noting that some car enthusiasts do not know how to use this type of system. This is exactly what this article will discuss.

The content of the article:

How to use cruise control. General leadership

The standard cruise control system has 5 control buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

"On"— manual activation of the system;
"Off"— manual system shutdown;
"Set\Accel"— setting and increasing the value of the controlled speed;
"Resume"— restoration of the previously set speed value;
"Coast"— reduction of the controlled speed value;

In addition, the system is additionally controlled from the brake pedal.

Before using cruise control, you need to familiarize yourself with the purpose of the controls and operating modes of the control system.

The main operating mode switch or control panel has at the end a system activation key, indicated by a characteristic symbol or the inscription CRUISE and ON/OFF. The system can be activated when the vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h.

The control system has the following operating modes

The mode allows you to set a controlled speed and set the automatic tracking mode "SET" (S);
You can change the set speed upwards using the mode "ACCEL" (+; A).
You can reduce the set speed using the mode "COAST" (–; C).
You can restore the previous value of the set speed after a change using the mode "RESUME" (RES; R).
The mode allows you to exit the tracking mode for a given speed "CANCEL".

Instructions for using cruise control modes

When the vehicle speed is from 40 to 100 km/h, by briefly pressing the switch to the SET position, you can switch the system to automatic tracking and speed control mode.
By holding the switch in the COAS position in auto-follow mode, you can reduce the driving speed, and you can set a new value after releasing the switch. By pressing briefly, the speed can be reduced by 1.5 km/h.
To forcefully exit the mode of automatically maintaining the set speed, press the CANCEL key.

How to enable and disable cruise control?

On most cars, the cruise control buttons are located either on the steering column or on the steering wheel.

Before turning cruise control into active mode, it is mandatory to perform a certain procedure:

Cruise control on

1). Turn on the system by pressing the buttons with the cruise control logo or with the inscription CRUISE and ON/OFF. At the same time, on dashboard The white control indicator should light up. We accelerate the car to the required speed (more than 40 km/h) and briefly press the switch to the SET (S) position. The system indicator on the instrument panel will turn green. This will activate the automatic tracking mode.

Cruise control activated

To increase the set speed, move the switch to the RES/+ (RES/ACC) position until the car reaches the desired speed.

To reduce the set speed, press and hold the switch in the (COAST/SET) position until the speed decreases to the desired value.

To disable the automatic speed control mode, press the keys with the disable icon or the inscription CANCEL, the OFF buttons, press the brake pedal, and move the automatic transmission knob from position D to the neutral position. In addition, the automatic mode is also switched off during sudden accelerations above 1.5 m/s.

How to turn on cruise control on a KIA

How to turn on cruise control on a Toyota

How to turn on cruise control on an Opel

How to turn on cruise control on a Nissan

November 4, 2017

In all modern cars, the operation of the engine is controlled by an electronic unit - it doses fuel, supplies a spark discharge and performs a host of other functions. Thanks to this innovation, it became possible to introduce automated systems to help the driver control the vehicle. If you are thinking about buying a new car up to 5 years old, then you should first understand what cruise control is in a car and how electronics increase driving comfort.

Cruise Speed System Features

While driving, the driver must constantly press the accelerator pedal. During medium- and long-distance trips, this causes noticeable fatigue. Holding your leg in a tense state for a long time leads to pain in the muscles, knee or foot. the main task any cruise control system will save you from pressing the gas pedal and drive the car at a given speed.

A simplified principle of operation looks like this:

Having driven onto a country road or a bypass road within the city, the driver accelerates to cruising speed and turns on the electronic assistant button.
The system records the speed value and subsequently maintains it, despite changes in the terrain (slopes, rises, and so on). The driver takes his foot off the pedal and steers the car using the steering wheel only.
If you need to accelerate for a short time (for example, to overtake), just press the gas, perform a maneuver and release the pedal again. The car will return to its previous speed automatically.
To return to manual control, press the mode off button or touch the brake pedal. On a car equipped with a manual transmission, the automatic operation is stopped by either of the two pedals - clutch or brake.

Important nuance! The electronics that maintain cruising speed are activated after accelerating to 30 or 40 km/h, depending on the make of the car. The system does not help you move slowly.

Cruise control allows you to adjust the speed using buttons located on the steering wheel or lever. One press of the “+” button accelerates the car by 1–1.8 km/h (the amount of increase depends on the settings of the specific control unit). Accordingly, the “minus” key slows down the car in the same way.

The algorithm described above is used by a budget electronic system - passive cruise control, installed on most passenger cars. But there is another, more advanced version of the “assistant” - adaptive cruise control, which can maintain a distance from the car in front, “link” to road markings and even brake in front of an obstacle. The operation of both systems is discussed in more detail below.

Operating principle of passive cruise control

The simplest system for maintaining cruising speed includes the following main elements:

vacuum or electric drive for turning the throttle valve with a cable;
electronic control unit;
set of sensors;
control buttons located on the steering column switch or directly on the steering wheel.

Note. The number and type of sensors depends on the specific brand of car. Typically the kit includes a speed meter and limit switches for the brake and clutch pedals.

The controller, operating independently of the main engine control unit, is installed under the dashboard. The drive connected to the ECU is located next to the throttle valve and is connected to it by a cable. Cruise control on “mechanics” works according to the following algorithm:

The driver accelerates the car to cruising speed, turns on the automatic and releases the accelerator pedal.
The controller remembers the speed value and sends a command to the drive, which opens the throttle to the required angle.
When driving uphill, the sensor records the deceleration of the car and transmits information to the control unit. The ECU forces the drive to open the throttle more, the fuel supply increases and the car maintains its original speed.
On a descent, the picture is the opposite - the throttle closes as the car accelerates downhill.
If the driver speeds up or slows down vehicle buttons, the damper is rotated by the drive at a small angle.

On a manual transmission, the effect of cruise control is limited to the speed range of one gear. If for some reason (for example, a steep hill) the car slows down to 30–40 km/h, the system is automatically deactivated. The electronics operate in a similar way when pressing the clutch and changing gears, so the driver has to constantly resume its operation.

With an automatic transmission, using cruise control is much more convenient. Since the automatic transmission changes gears depending on the oil pressure in the torque converter, that is, on engine speed, switching occurs automatically during acceleration or deceleration of the car. Robotic boxes equipped with an electric drive receive a request to engage the next gear from the controller.

On vehicles equipped with an electronic gas pedal, the throttle is initially controlled by a vacuum or electric drive. After activating the mode, the ECU takes over control of the drive mechanism and maintains the course speed.

How the adaptive version works

Advanced electronic systems are installed on cars equipped with an automatic transmission or CVT. In addition to the elements listed above, adaptive cruise control involves an ultrasonic radar, a brake drive and several additional sensors mounted in the car’s body parts.

How active cruise control works:

At a certain speed exceeding 40–50 km/h (the exact value depends on the make and model of the car), the driver activates the automation and releases the gas pedal. You need to perform an additional action - set the distance to the obstacle or the car moving in front using a separate key. The number is reflected on the display of the on-board computer.
When the radar detects an approach to a vehicle, the ECU closes the throttle and slows down, and then adjusts to the speed of the object, maintaining the set distance.
If the front car brakes, the electronics will stop the car. To move away, the driver needs to press the accelerator or press the appropriate key.
If the vehicle ahead veers off the road, cruise control will accelerate your car to the initially set speed.

The system will respond to a stationary obstacle by braking until it comes to a complete stop. You must understand that simply turning on the cruise is not enough control; you need to monitor the road situation yourself. The radar coverage range is 150–200 m and at high speed this distance may not be enough for braking. When approaching a static obstacle, the driver must take control.

In business class cars and above, adaptive cruise control is often combined with other useful systems - recognition of road markings and signs, collision avoidance and automatic high beam control.

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Cruise control system - device and characteristics

Reading the characteristics of various cars, you can see that some trim levels are equipped with a cruise control system. What kind of system is this, what does it control and why is it needed at all?

First of all, it must be said that many people still cannot understand the principle of operation of cruise control, and therefore either do not use it at all, or try to use it, but they do not succeed.

Cruise control, in simple terms, is a device that allows you to maintain a constant set speed of the car. First of all, it is best used during long journeys along country highways, because there is no need to constantly press the gas pedal, and therefore the leg will not get tired.

Why did cruise control become popular?

For the first time, such a development was used back in the 50s of the last century, but was used extremely rarely due to technical problems and shortcomings. The real understanding of the benefits of using cruise control came in the 70s, when the financial crisis broke out and gasoline prices soared.

With a cruise control system, fuel consumption when traveling along long routes is significantly reduced, since optimal engine operation is maintained.

Drivers could only watch the road. American drivers really liked the invention, because in the USA distances are measured in thousands of kilometers, and the car is the favorite means of transportation for the majority of the population.

The device of the cruise control system

The cruise control system consists of several main parts:

control module - a mini-computer that is installed in the engine compartment;
throttle valve drive - this can be a pneumatic or electric drive connected to the throttle;
switch - displayed on the steering wheel or on the instrument panel;
various sensors - speed, throttle, wheel speed, etc.

If the car leaves the assembly line with this option, then cruise control is integrated into common system driving. Ready-made systems are also sold that can be installed on a car with any type of engine or gearbox.

How does cruise control work?

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The essence of its operation is that throttle control is transferred from the gas pedal to the cruise control servo. The driver selects the driving mode, enters the desired speed value, the system itself navigates and, depending on the conditions, selects the most optimal engine operating modes in order to maintain the desired speed level.

The systems are different, but cruise control is controlled according to the same scheme:

On/Off — turn on or off;
Set/Acceleration - set the speed - that is, you can transfer throttle control to the cruise control and the speed that was at the time of activation will be maintained, or you can enter another higher speed indicator;
Resume — restore the last settings that were at the time of shutdown (disconnection is done by pressing the brake pedal);
Coast - speed reduction.

That is, the operating algorithm is approximately this: On - Set (activation and setting the speed) - pressing the brake (disabling) - Resume (recovery) - Coast (reduction, if you need to switch to a lower speed mode.

Typically, cruise control is activated at speeds above 60 km/h, although the system itself can operate at 30-40 km/h.

Adaptive cruise control

On this moment the most advanced system is adaptive. It is almost close to the analogue of an autopilot in aviation, with the difference that the driver still needs to turn the steering wheel.

Adaptive cruise control differs from ordinary cruise control by the presence of a radar, which analyzes the distance to vehicles in front and maintains the desired distance. If the front cars begin to slow down or accelerate, the impulses are transmitted to the control module, and from there to the pneumatic throttle actuator. That is, the driver does not need to press on the gas or, conversely, reduce speed.

Development of more advanced systems is underway, the capabilities of which will be significantly expanded.

How to use cruise control, using the example of a SKODA Octavia car

Cruise video from KIA

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The development of the modern automotive industry makes significant adjustments to the very style of driving a vehicle. Knowledge of the rules traffic, complete control over the situation, following clearly established rules - all this makes up the workday of any motorist, and is a mandatory set of attributes of any trip behind the wheel. But the change of generations and the bright mind of the developers made it possible to escape from all these nuances for a certain time, while being on the road. The introduction of cruise control systems into vehicles of different segments and quality is not a surprise to anyone now. However, how does manual cruise control work, and is such a combination even possible if it is not provided for by the factory? Let's try to figure this out together.

What is cruise control

Cruise control (Passive Cruise Control "PCC") is a system that allows you to maintain a given speed automatically, without driver intervention in the process. This control principle implies facilitating the driver's participation in the partial loss of control over driving. On long trips, this function allows you to distract yourself from the driving process, up to a certain point.

To understand the principle of operation of cruise control in general, you need to understand how cruise on an automatic transmission (automatic transmission) works. There are several options for control systems for this function. For example, some cars are equipped with a special button located on the steering wheel, after activation of which the car accelerates by exactly 1 km/h. Depending on the presses, the speed level will also change (20 presses will speed up the car by 20 kilometers per hour). To stop PCC, you must press the gas or brake pedal.

Adaptive Cruise Control System

With the first manifestations of interest in such a product, the creators of such systems began to actively promote and modernize the existing product. New generations have improved the system's response to driver reactions, and the stability of cruise control has increased. However, the real breakthrough was the invention of the adaptive type of cruise control (“ACC” - Adaptive Cruise Control).

Being a similar type of system, adaptive cruise control has a number of advantages that allow you to take the comfort of your trip to the extreme. new level. The system design includes a radar installation (in some versions there are several of them), which takes into account the distance to the nearest object in front and controls the speed limit depending on the situation. In other words, adaptive cruise control allows you to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, adapting to changes in its speed.

The beacon located in the radiator part actively interacts not only with the digital processor, but also with the braking system. After the obstacle ahead disappears, the vehicle automatically returns to its original speed.

Operation of cruise control on a manual transmission

The operating principles are clear, now all that remains is to figure out the last question: “how does manual cruise control work?” A distinctive mistake of many drivers is complete confidence even in those matters in which they are incompetent. Statistical data confirms that many drivers find it impossible to operate cruise control on a car with a manual transmission. However, this is not at all true.

In order to understand how a mechanical cruise works, it is necessary to conduct a preliminary analysis. Naturally, this system is not provided for in normal vehicle operation. Almost all examples found on the road are the product of manual installation of this system. The operating principle of manual cruise control involves installing a bracket and a cable to the accelerator pedal, thereby controlling the speed of the car. Manual cruise control works by placing the system control button next to the deflector (bottom).

In general, the operation of cruise control on a manual transmission is no different from that of cars with an automatic transmission. However, it has several important nuances. The first of them is a reduction in speed to 40 km/h with a sharp decrease in speed in autonomous mode (difficult ascent to a hill). The second side of the coin is the impossibility of switching to a lower gear in automatic mode in the event of entering an incline.

Pros and cons of cruise control

We figured out how cruise control works on a manual, but is it really necessary for cars with this type of gear shift? First of all, before making a decision to retrofit your car with such a system, you need to take into account the nature of your driving. For densely populated areas, there is little point in installing cruise control (even the adaptive type). But for drivers who make frequent country routes and cover huge distances in this mode, such a system will serve as a good assistant.

Just one press of a button is enough, and the car will automatically maintain the set speed pace. At this time, the driver’s leg and posture will not be overstrained by the mechanical impact on the gas pedal, and he will be able to concentrate on the section of road being overcome. In addition, even after performing the necessary maneuvers (overtaking or detour), the car will automatically return to its set speed limit.

In addition, you should take a responsible approach to the decision to install such a product that is not standard equipment. For owners of manual transmissions, the “try and see the result” option may not be beneficial in terms of cost savings. In addition, the installation process itself will take a lot of trouble, because installing cruise control is a painstaking job that requires a certain level of knowledge in the structure of the car.

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