Cruise control not working properly

ROBERTPORTER

MEMBER
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY
3.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
212,000 MILES

My cruise control on my van listed above LX model will set (and hold the speed), and when I tap the brakes it will quit. But the center button will not resume the cruise control nor will the top button (three buttons on the right side of the steering wheel). I've replaced the buttons twice, still not fixing the problem.
If I'm in traffic and don't want to tap the brakes, clicking off the master (on the dash), works then I wait a few seconds and turn the master back on.
To recap, I don't think the buttons are bad, but could this be a wiring short, bad clock spring, or bad cruise control module (near the front on the passenger side)?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,345 POSTS

9 times out of 10 it will be the clock spring (cable reel) that has gone bad. Here are the instructions on how to fix it with diagrams below:
Removal
Before proceeding, see AIRBAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING SYSTEM under DISABLING and ACTIVATING AIRBAG SYSTEM. Ensure front wheels are aligned straight ahead. Remove driver-side air bag assembly. See DUAL-STAGE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG MODULE.
Disconnect horn, radio remote and cruise control switch connectors at center of steering wheel. See Fig 1. Remove steering wheel bolt. Using a steering wheel puller, remove steering wheel. Remove dashboard lower cover. See Fig 2. Remove steering column cover retaining screws and upper and lower column covers. See Fig 3. Disconnect cable reel connectors from main harness. See Fig 4. Disengage cable reel retaining tab and remove cable reel.
Installation
If unsure of cable reel position, perform cable reel centering procedure. See CABLE REEL CENTERING under ADJUSTMENTS. To install, reverse removal procedure. Prior to installing cable reel onto steering column, align turn signal cancel sleeve projections vertically. See Fig 5. Install NEW steering wheel bolt and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Activate air bag system. See ACTIVATING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIRBAG SYSTEM. Check system for proper operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

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