First, I realize that this forum is mainly for off-road topics, but I have a problem that is beginning to bother me.  I own a '97 Sidekick Sport, and am having issues with the cruise control on it. The problem I am having is when I get up to the speed I want and engage the cruise, then let off of the gas pedal, the truck immediately loses 5-7 MPH, then the throttle opens up to regain the lost speed, the converter unlocks, and the truck accelerates back up to the set speed. However, the converter will not lock back up, even after several minutes. Sometimes it will downshift into 3rd gear, get back up to the set speed, and not shift back into Overdrive. This is all on flat ground by the way. If I cancel the cruise, let the converter lock back up,  reset the cruise and hold my foot on the pedal for 15-20 seconds, the cruise will (sometimes) then take over without unlocking the converter. Is this normal? I notice that anytime I press on the pedal it will unlock the converter. Being my daily driver, I'm trying to get as much mileage as possible, and that 2-300 RPM difference seems substantial. What can I check, or do I have to go to the dealer? The nearest one is 100 miles away. Can I take it to a Chevy dealership? Would the Tracker diagnostics for the same year be compatible? Is this even a problem, or just something that these things do? Thanks!

The solution to your problem depends on wether the Cruise Control is factory or aftermarket.

Personally, I don't know if Suzuki had a factory Cruise Control for your truck.  I, on the other hand, have an Audiovox aftermarket Cruise Control on my '93 JLX and will be forced to take it to a shop that works on AudioVox products to get mine fixed.

That said, you need to visit your local Suzuki dealer and find out exactly the situation on your Cruise Control system (factory or aftermarket?) then act as appropriate.

Most Cruise Controls work using vacuum from the engine.  It is possible that, if you have a system that uses a vacuum line in it's control loop, that the line might be leaking a bit causing the symptons that you are describing.  That is where I would start checking first.  Vacuum lines are cheap and easy to replace.


Hope this helps!

Can I take it to a Chevy dealership? Would the Tracker diagnostics for the same year be compatible?

Yes and yes.

Hey Ack, I have the same Audiovox cruise control in my 95 Tracker and I've never had any problems with it. Worked so well I even adapted one to my  '88 Harley! It also works great and has proved very reliable. Just don't get the switch assembly too wet.

Hey Ack, I have the same Audiovox cruise control in my 95 Tracker and I've never had any problems with it. Worked so well I even adapted one to my  '88 Harley! It also works great and has proved very reliable. Just don't get the switch assembly too wet.

My problem is a bit on the stupid-simple side  that danged ball-chain connector on the end of the cable that goes to the throttle is broken.  I have been having a lot of trouble finding replacement parts to fix the problem and I'm not wanting to do a shade-tree mechanic fix on it. 

All the other creature comforts (power windows, etc) on my '93 4-door are working so I don't feel like pushing my luck..     

I need aato take a look, but I'm pretty sure I have at least one of those I'm not using and can send to you. I didn't use one on my Harley as the cable from the cruise is connected directly to the throttle cam. On the Trackick's you have to connect it to the gas pedal linkage so I did'nt use one there either. Let me know if you want it, i'll drop it in the mail.