Cruise control not working-any suggestions

TexasZ3

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Points
14
Hi everyone.
I have a 1999 2.3 (2.5) Z3 Roadster and the cruise control has never worked since purchasing it one year ago. I am now trouble shooting the problem. I have checked the fuse and it's OK. Checked rear brake lights are working, and they are, I recently replaced the third brake light as that had failed. Also can confirm that there are no LED lights in rear brake light units.

Any suggestions on what to check next?

All suggestions welcomed

Thank you
 

Rudyrov

Zorg Guru (I)
American Zeds
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Points
95
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Model of Z
2.8 L Roadster
The cruise control is connected to a variety of systems that will trigger it to disconnect/disengage, one of those is the clutch pedal.
Download the diagram and trace the wiring.
 

TexasZ3

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Points
14
The cruise control is connected to a variety of systems that will trigger it to disconnect/disengage, one of those is the clutch pedal.
Download the diagram and trace the wiring.
Hi Rudyrov. Should have mentioned this is an automatic gearbox
 

Smudgemanuk

Zorg Addict
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 1, 2024
Points
53
Location
Bicester, Oxford
Model of Z
2.8l TU pre-facelift
Is your auto gearbox changing rough at all?

There is a recent thread on here where a member had a loss of cruise control and rough auto changes. It ended up being a faulty MAF.
 

bear2020

Zorg Guru (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 13, 2020
Points
93
Location
Norwich
Model of Z
Z3 3.0 & Z4 2.5
Is your auto gearbox changing rough at all?

There is a recent thread on here where a member had a loss of cruise control and rough auto changes. It ended up being a faulty MAF.
That was me! Yes it stopped working and I did the same checked everything electrically and when the code reader was put on it registered it as passive.
No code for the MAF being faulty, no engine light but the DME was getting no signal and the CFM was 0 so replaced the MAF. Cruise control back and gearbox issues sorted.
 

TexasZ3

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Points
14
Is your auto gearbox changing rough at all?

There is a recent thread on here where a member had a loss of cruise control and rough auto changes. It ended up being a faulty MAF.
Gearbox is changing smoothly. I have just cleaned the MAF with MAF cleaner and reinstalled it. No change.
 

TexasZ3

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Points
14
I had the gearbox completely rebuilt last year and have added about 350 miles on it with no problem. This week the check engine light came on and found error P0101 (MAF) problem and that's why I cleaned it and reinstalled it. May be time to purchase a new one but don't see how this error can stop the cruise control working?
 

Smudgemanuk

Zorg Addict
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 1, 2024
Points
53
Location
Bicester, Oxford
Model of Z
2.8l TU pre-facelift
My guess is that the cruise relies on a stable, predictable relationship between:
  • Throttle position
  • Engine load
  • Airflow in (via MAF)
  • Vehicle speed
With faulty MAF data the engine is less sure how much fuel need to be injected to keep the engine at a steady speed.

I think the ECU can detect this faulty MAF data and it electronically stops the cruise from working as a safety measure
 

bear2020

Zorg Guru (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 13, 2020
Points
93
Location
Norwich
Model of Z
Z3 3.0 & Z4 2.5
My guess is that the cruise relies on a stable, predictable relationship between:
  • Throttle position
  • Engine load
  • Airflow in (via MAF)
  • Vehicle speed
With faulty MAF data the engine is less sure how much fuel need to be injected to keep the engine at a steady speed.

I think the ECU can detect this faulty MAF data and it electronically stops the cruise from working as a safety measure
The DME gets a wrong signal. If you remove the MAF it will go back to a preset setting and you might see cruise control work again - unsure of this as never tested it.
 

TexasZ3

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Points
14
The DME gets a wrong signal. If you remove the MAF it will go back to a preset setting and you might see cruise control work again - unsure of this as never tested it.
I will try this and let you know the results.
 
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