Installing Cruise Control SL1

[Jim@HiTek]

Saturn SL1 67K miles.

Car did not come with cruise control.

Because I wanted cruise control (CC) I bought a guaranteed & tested salvage setup consisting of the under dash gas pedal control box, and the CC steering wheel with the installed switches.

There is a wiring bundle and connector for the gas pedal control box and that is connected.

Installed those two items and the CC light lights up, but the CC does not function. I did get up over 35 MPH for testing. Tried over several miles to get any operation and other then the CC light staying lit, no indication it works.

When plugging everything in, I was sure the CC's wiring for both switches (Off/On & Resume/Coast) interconnected with existing wiring. According to the Chassis electrical drawing I have, there's only two functional wires for those two switches (works along with the ground wire going to the steering wheel's metal portion) and I'm fairly certain I didn't miss any hidden connector. Don't see anywhere to connect an extra connector to existing wiring in the steering column anyway.

What am I forgetting or missing?

Anyone else do this before and know of a complete guide?

Does anyone have a link to a test I can run to verify operation?

Thanks for any help!

[trottida]

The BCM needs to be programmed to enable the cruise control using a GM Tech2 scanner. It's basically a switch in the software (flip a bit). You can alternatively swap out the BCM for one optioned with cruise control and all the other options you have on your car but there is a subsequent process to pair the PCM and BCM (applicable to Gen3 S Series). If not followed then you disable your car because of the BCM security programming. If not done right then you have to have it reprogrammed anyways (flashed).

Programming the BCM typically can only be done by a GM dealer and the knowledge on how to do it is somewhat weak given the age of the Saturn S Series. When I did mine 8+ years ago they charged the minimum shop charge which was 1 hour labour ($108 CAD at the time). Some have been able to get a community college autoshop (with a GM Tech2) to do the work. Others have been able to negotiate with the GM dealer for 1/2 hour shop time. If they know how to do it it takes less than 15 minute I believe.

OldNuc has a Tech2 screenshot in his photo library that show the screen where it is enabled. I think the path to get there is also included. Bring this with you to the dealer.

Here is a link to said screenshot >> OBD-II PCM Options

Read this thread >> http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...=167370&page=2

[Jim@HiTek]

I've read and thought I understood that the models 1999 and earlier required that bit to be set, but not those 2000 and up. One poster here on the forum back in 2011 said he couldn't get his to work until he changed the steering column...but no explanation what might have been different. Didn't say anything about going to the dealer. Neither have other threads I've found for 'newer' Saturns.

Not saying you're wrong, just confused by what I've read.

Which one of yours did you add a CC?

Thanks.

[trottida]

Originally Posted by Jim@HiTek

I've read and thought I understood that the models 1999 and earlier required that bit to be set, but not those 2000 and up. One poster here on the forum back in 2011 said he couldn't get his to work until he changed the steering column...but no explanation what might have been different. Didn't say anything about going to the dealer. Neither have other threads I've found for 'newer' Saturns.

Not saying you're wrong, just confused by what I've read.

Which one of yours did you add a CC?

Thanks.

The 2001 SL1. I can confirm it definitely does need to be programmed for it to work in a Gen3. Until I had it programmed, I had the exact same results - CC light displays but CC does not work.

Steering column replacement was likely because the steering wheel CC wiring was not present and the clock spring needed to be replaced (I suspect). This was the case for a small number of Gen3 S Series. Most came with the wiring included regardless of if you had the cruise control option from the factory.

I think you have it backwards, Gen1 definitely did not need programming and early Gen2 (if not all) came with it enabled. There was no BCM in 1991 through 1999 S Series; it was introduced in the Gen3 models.

[Jim@HiTek]

Great. Thanks for the info.

So now I know for sure that I need that done, told by someone who did it. I'll get it done here eventually. Have already contacted the local GM dealer.

I am a full time RV'er so I have the luxury of checking wherever I happen to be at the time during my travels for a GM or auto shop with a a GM Tech2 tool to program if for me. If I don't like the price, or they don't seem to know what they're doing I'll just move on and ask shops at my next stop.

Eventually, I'll probably run into a experienced shop that needs the work for a reasonable price. If not, I'll just bite the bullet and do it...gotta have me some CC.

Thanks again!

[trottida]

Your welcome. I suppose I should have stated I did it when I advised you in your other post a few months ago. Regardless, your traveling in the right direction now. Happy trails!