Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

Junkyard Cruise Control Install for every TJ

188K views 283 replies 67 participants last post by  armyvet25 
#1 ·
Jeep Wrangler Cruise Control

Ok, so this was a long time coming but I finally got around to doing a write-up on installing cruise when you don't have the wires using only salvage yard parts.

This should cover all years more or less. If you come across something different let me know. (Other than wire color, every year seems to be different).

Going to be typing this up in parts due to work and boredom. Hope to finish the thread by the end of next week. Gives you time to get parts and work along with it if you like ;)

One day you too can have more buttons!
 
See less See more
1
#2 ·
Here is a list of the parts you'll likely need:
1) Cruise control solenoid. (Should have servo cable attached.)
2) Cruise control solenoid mounting plate (Likely already attached to the solenoid when you buy it.)
3) Bolts for mounting the solenoid bracket. (I used license plate vanity bolts I happened to have lying around, whatever works.)
4) Wiring harness pigtail for solenoid. (The 4 pin is all you need, but the more wire the better.)
5) Vacuum line. ( I used windshield washer line of the same diameter.)
6) Clockspring with cruise control pigtail.)
7) Cruise control switches. (These are different for different years. I think '03 is the changeover year.)
8) ECU pins. (I got a whole wiring harness because I didn't know what I'd need, but all I used were 4 pins from the ECU plug. If you can find them separately, post a link and I'll update this thread).
9) Spade Connectors. (Or solder or crimp, whatever you prefer).

If you don't know what these look like there will be photos in the writeup, just read on.
 
#3 ·
BTW: jeepsareus.com sells a kit for this if you have the wires installed for $300 if you don't want to expend a huge effort sourcing parts. The wiring harness is another $300 though. I couldn't justify the expense, but the time saved would have been immense. If ya got the plug, you should probably get their kit.
 
#4 ·
Tools:
Steering wheel puller. (If you already have the proper clockspring you won't need this.)
Wire strippers.
Pliers.
Allen keys.
Metric socket wrenches. (¼ is best for tight spaces like behind the airbag.)
32 Safety pins for if you screw up royally. (More on this later.)
 
#6 ·
Now you need to pull your airbag to see if you have the right clockspring.


Unplug your negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes for the capacitor to discharge. You don't need to unplug any fuses. No power= no airbag. Do be careful here. I gotta admit, I felt uncomfortable until the thing was out and unplugged.
 
#7 ·
You are looking for the cruise control switch wires.

They may lead to the dummy covers where your cruise switches would be.
If you have these GREAT! You don't need a new clockspring. You won't need a steering wheel puller, and you only need parts #1-6. (This is gonna be so cheap for you.)
 
#10 ·
So I began by getting every part on the list and a full wiring harness. The harness alone is now $300 in addition to the $300 you spent for a factory cruise control kit. I spent $260 for everything at a salvage yard: the whole harness, fuse box, clockspring, everything. Deleting unnecessary items might have dropped my cost to $140 or so. Hindsight. Agh.
 
#13 ·
But, as I like to make things difficult. My donor vehicle was a '98 and mine is an '04. FUN!
Fortunately there are pre-drilled holes in the fender-well with a backer plate already there!
All I had to do was grab some old green plate mount bolts and, easy.


Here's the backer plate.

Nice that at least one part was easy.
 
#16 ·
Lead a vacuum line (or washer fluid line, whatever) along your servo cable to a plugged T that is just below your intake manifold on the driver's side.

Cant see it? Find a vacuum line and run the length of it. You will find it. If it ain't there I'll be surprised.
Remove the plug and connect your line, soapy water helps ease the process. We're only talking 15psi max (I have heard) so it just press fits.
Zip tie the vacuum line to the control cable so it doesn't escape. (You can see this in the photos above indicating solenoid location.)

Ok, easy part done! You have a solenoid!

Now you need something to tell it what to do.
 
#18 ·
Ok, more to follow on Monday.

A side note: I'm pretty new here but I have had great luck on this forum with polite, thoughtful posters and I'm trying to give back by posting some info. Thanks for all your help with my other problems whether you know it or not.

I am not debating whether a TRUE jeep should have cruise. I wanted it for my long drives out of Texas to backpack or flyfish or whatever and I am so glad to have it. Thanks for understanding that some jeepers really like having this.
 
#20 ·
Ok, slow Monday morning. Lets give your cruise control some senses and then a brain!

First the senses. Your cruise must know when you are pressing its buttons. For this you will need the proper clockspring.

Remove your Airbag just like you did when you checked to see if you had one already. (If you have one, you'll have to do this anyway to install your new buttons.)
The best tool to use for this is a small 1/4" ratchet with a 10mm socket on a short extension. A 10mm spin-tite will also work.
 
#22 ·
I think 1997 had a horn cover that integrated the buttons. You need to be sure you have the right buttons for your model year. I had to source some on ebay for my '04. I have a set of 1998 buttons. They are different shapes for the different model year's wheels and worse, different resistances! So no matter what, the buttons and clockspring will have to be from your specific model run.
Here is a photo of a set from a 1998. I am selling them when I get time. PM me if interested guaranteed to work for a '98. Check for other years.
 
#238 · (Edited)
I think 1997 had a horn cover that integrated the buttons. You need to be sure you have the right buttons for your model year. I had to source some on ebay for my '04. I have a set of 1998 buttons. They are different shapes for the different model year's wheels and worse, different resistances! So no matter what, the buttons and clockspring will have to be from your specific model run.
Here is a photo of a set from a 1998. I am selling them when I get time. PM me if interested guaranteed to work for a '98. Check for other years.
I was able to add cruise control to my early 1997, using the original 97 TJ PCM, and a 03-06 style steering wheel off a Grand Cherokee (I'm not sure of the exact year). My instrument cluster is currently one from a 2001 XJ, which fully functions on my 97 TJ.

I was able to modify the control pads to work with the 97 PCM, by replacing two of the resistors, removing the default "None" position resistor, and bridging over the CANCEL resistor to create a dead short when closed.

Position Original ValueModified 1997 Value
None19kOpen (remove resistor for open circuit)
ON440980 (ideal replacement target is 909 +/- 10%, but 980 works like a charm)
SET5.5k actual (documented to be 4.1k)6.6k (replace existing with 6.6k resistor)
RESUME/ACCEL15.4k (documented to be 8.35k, but OEM resistor was already 15.4k)15.4K (leave existing resistor unchanged)
CANCEL1.15K0 (close circuit by bridge the existing resistor with a wire)
COAST2.5k2.5k (2.9K +/-10% is ideal target, but 2.5k works fine)


Modding the controls isn't too hard if you're handy with a soldering iron.

For those similarly inclined to use the newer steering wheel, the easiest approach for the clockspring would be to use an 03-06 TJ clockspring, or matching XJ clockspring with cruise, as it should fit right into place on the steering column. I took the more difficult path of using a newer Grand Cherokee clockspring that supports both cruise and radio controls, which requires 7 total contacts (Airbag=2, cruise=1, radio=2, horn=1). To use the later Grand Cherokee clockspring required taking a Dremel to the face of my steering column to shape it to accept the larger clockspring. It can be done successfully, but unless you're dead set on radio controls, I would suggest the easy route and just use a clockspring that supports cruise and drops right in place (or just use the older wheel as is typical).

For the servo I used one from a 1999 Grand Cherokee, which uses the same connector as the TJ. Works great.

Not one single cruise control-related wire was in place on my early 97, including the absence of a BR/YL sensor ground wire in the cab. I was able to run the sensor ground wire (BR/YL) from the battery sensor (on the bottom of the battery mount) and extend that for my steering wheel control sensor ground.

The brake/stoplight switch itself was also missing contacts for the CC circuit, so replaced it with one from a 98. The 98 switch shaft was actually too long, so I had to trim it to fit. I used pins 3 and 4 from the female plug off an XJ and added them to my existing brake/stoplight harness.

A lot of work, but the end result works great!
Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Bumper Automotive tire Vehicle door
 
#23 ·
As before, you better have unplugged your battery and let the capacitor discharge for a few minutes!

If you do not have the correct clockspring you are going to have to unplug the horn and airbag wires from the airbag.

Remove the airbag and place it somewhere safe. It is a tiny bomb.

Make sure your wheels are pointed straight ahead.
Remove the steering nut in the center of the wheel with a large socket, it is in the center of the wheel.
 
#24 ·
Now you get to use your steering wheel puller.
You can get a steering wheel puller from any autozone. They are less than $30 and work for multiple vehicles.


The puller has multiple pin sizes.
Look at the holes on either side of the steering nut.
Place the appropriate sized pins through the puller thread them into those holes.
 
#25 ·
There is a bolt that goes through the center of the puller and sits on the steering post where you removed the steering nut.

This is going to take some effort and you may have to wiggle the wheel, but it will pop off withing just a few turns. One it pops, remove the wheel puller and the wheel should slide right off.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top