So when I'm stopped and I hit the cruise button it says ready. When I take off the red triangle pops up and it says check cruise system. The sensor on the front bumper looks like its not damaged or anything. Has anyone had this problem? I don't even know where to begin on this car. Help is much appreciated

 

What trim level is your car? Laser or radar adaptive cruise control were only available on custom luxury and ultra luxury versions of the car (at least in 04-06). Other trim levels only have regular, non-adaptive cruise control. Laser cruise control is mounted below the bumper, just inside of the right fog lamp. Radar cruise control is mounted behind a protective plate in the center of the grille. There are no cruise control sensors mounted ON the bumper, just parking sensors and the headlamp washer covers (again, washers just on CL & UL levels).

 

Assuming it's radar, I've had a fait amount of problems with the system. The dealer replaced a distance control computer that solved the problem for a while, then a calibration procedure solved the problem and had it working better than it ever had until the red triangle of death reappeared.

The latest theory is an intermittent rear ride height sensor, which has caused the rear suspension to fully inflate but I'm not yet convinced it'll solve the radar cruise issue. $605 to find out.

 

I have a UL without PCS. Its mounted in the front bumper next to the fog light. If it hasd something to do with the car being lowered, thats my problem right there. i got the car at a much much lower level than stock so that might be the answer to the problem

 

The cruise control system worked well until last month. Now when the engage button is set, the red warning comes up and the dealer checked computer diagnostic codes calls for re-calibration which has not been successful. A new unit will cost between 2500 and 3000 which for my full luxury 2004 with 140K miles is not a good investment. Is there an after market fix or non-dealer approach that might work?

 

Can you override the system and go into normal cruise control mode? I don't recall the steps exactly, but it's something like turn on cruise and pull the stalk toward (?) you untill it goes into override. Check the owners manual.

 

If you push the cruise stalk toward the instrument panel it'll enter the normal mode, but this has to be done when you first engage the cruise control and while the vehicle is stopped. Once the red warning light is lit the engine will have to be restarted.

Kind of a pain in the @$$ to remember, but it does work to bypass the adaptive cruise.

 

Did this and it worked. I can remember that. I use the highway everyday so it's an easy fix. Thanks a bunch

 

Pish the control down away from you and you’ve got it.