Member
This has happens 2x in the past couple months. I try to set cruise control and it won't set. The first time I tried a couple time then retried after 100 mile and it set. This time I held the stalk in the set/accelerate position for about 15 sec and it set. Are these symptoms typical of any particular fault?
Working on the 325 reminds me how much I LOVED my old Jeep Wrangler. A bus ate it.
BMW E36 Expert
Before you do anything, hook it up to a laptop and read out the CC module's fault memory.
If it has anything stored, will safe you chasing ghosts and doing unnecessary work.
Post result here if it's unclear.
p.s. use INPA or DIS, not some generic "Peak code" reader.
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Member
Thanks. I have a Peaks Research reader but no laptop software. It was behaving itself until today. 300 mile trip and it would be slow to engage, slow to adapt to hills, sometimes just disengage, sometimes only disengage with tapping the brakes.
Is this system dependent on other systems/sensors such as ABS, IAB or TPS?
Working on the 325 reminds me how much I LOVED my old Jeep Wrangler. A bus ate it.
Member
My money is on a dirty switch that turns the system ON. The Clutch and Brake pedals have switches on them that turn the Cruise OFF, but you would not overcome these switches by holding the system enable switch for long periods of time.
Member
Get A can of Deoxit 5% and clean the connector on the cruise control.
Also if you're going to be a BMW DIY'er then you should get INPA. Software is in the Z3 subforum. Just need a cheap laptop and cable.
Attn. NEWBIES: Use the search feature, 98% has already been discussed.
Click the search button, select "search single content type", select the "e36 sub forum" specifically, try the "search titles" then try the "search entire posts".
Member
Thanks guys. No clutch. Slushbox. OK I didn't know about the software. I have an older 10 inch 2gig netbook with an Atom processor sitting around. I was gathering symptom info and system info before proceeding. Not finding much on how the system works or the inner workings of this year cruise control actuator. Wasn't sure if disassembling the unit for inspection was a safe idea or not.
Have electrical contact cleaner. Not familiar with Deoxit 5%. I'll check it out.
Working on the 325 reminds me how much I LOVED my old Jeep Wrangler. A bus ate it.
Member
Couldn't find deoxit nearby when in CT. Got the CRC QD cleaner. Sprayed the actuator connection, the TPS connection and pulled the steering wheel cover to get to the cruise control switch base. Haven't had the cruise control work this good in many years. Probably this will do it but because it was 20 degrees hotter on Friday I will be cautiously optimistic. Will still get the Deoxit and spray that too. Just in case. Thanks again all. So nice to have a simple and cheap fix every now and then.
Working on the 325 reminds me how much I LOVED my old Jeep Wrangler. A bus ate it.
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