Cruise control stops working

Excellent response. It makes sense. I'll try that and if it works, I'd like to make a donation with my PayPal accounts. Do you accept PayPal? Jack Ellenberger

Wow, I am 70 years old so I got a reclining lawn chair with a nice thick cushion and laid in that just outside the vehicle and wiggled my way in. I guessed right with 14mm wrench and turned the switch in about a turn and a half. I test drove it about 25 miles and presto! It all worked flawlessly. You deserve a donation directly. I don't like to give to most organization because they often bug the bejesus out of me for more and more. You know the deal! I would like to send you $40.00 via pPayPal please for your time and knowledge! Please say yes! God bless you. Jack Ellenberger.

I sent you a $40.00 "cup of coffee" donation via PayPal. I'm very please and thankful for your very accurate help. It worked and problem is fixed. Thank you, Pete.

I have the same problem as the other guy who has a 2002 Toyota Highlander with the cruise control problem. My car and cruise control not engaging are the same as his. Mine started failing at 275000 miles. Controls work, lights work, cruise does not engage.

Thank you

I noted that my "D" light (Drive) was flickering while I was driving. When it did that the cruise control dis-engaged. I adjusted the shift cable, the "D" light stopped flickering and cruise control is working fine. Google Toyota Electronic Transmission Checks and you should find a document with a section to "Inspect and Adjust the Shift Cable". There is a basic diagram on it. I couldn't get it to adjust using their directions so I tried this with the help of my 8 year old.

The shift cable on the Highlander is located under the battery, about an arm's length down. I removed the battery restraint to give better access for my right arm. You'll need a 12mm socket, the small version works good. Place the vehicle on a flat spot and engage emergency break. Locate the shift cable, there are two bolts. Loosen the left bolt, don't remove. Having another person (8 year old) help in the car is great. Turn on the power but don't start the car. Shift the transmission to Drive. Return to the shift cable and slightly adjust/rotate the arm until the 8 year old tells you the D light is staying lit. Tighten down the bolt. Check Park, Reverse, Neutral, etc. Lights should work OK. I couldn't get the the L light to come on but the transmission still engages. Test drive. Cost = your time. Help from the 8 year old, priceless.

Thank you for the reply. In my case it turned out to be a cable connection problem. A wise Service Technician opened the hood, unplugged the electric cable that came up from the unit, and plugged it back in. The 2002 Highlander now has 374,000 miles and the cruise control continues to work great.

The drive light on the dashboard flickers on and off. It is a circuit board design so no lights. If cruise control is on it goes off if the light goes off. Is there something on the transmission that sends a signal to the dash to say it is in drive? Any thought on what to check?

This is a cut/paste from another post. I noted that my "D" light (Drive) was flickering while I was driving. When it did that the cruise control dis-engaged. I adjusted the shift cable, the "D" light stopped flickering and cruise control is working fine. Google Toyota Electronic Transmission Checks and you should find a document with a section to "Inspect and Adjust the Shift Cable". There is a basic diagram on it. I couldn't get it to adjust using their directions so I tried this with the help of my 8 year old.

The shift cable on the Highlander is located under the battery, about an arm's length down. I removed the battery restraint to give better access for my right arm. You'll need a 12mm socket, the small version works good. Place the vehicle on a flat spot and engage emergency break. Locate the shift cable, there are two bolts. Loosen the left bolt, don't remove. Having another person (8 year old) help in the car is great. Turn on the power but don't start the car. Shift the transmission to Drive. Return to the shift cable and slightly adjust/rotate the arm until the 8 year old tells you the D light is staying lit. Tighten down the bolt. Check Park, Reverse, Neutral, etc. Lights should work OK. I couldn't get the the L light to come on but the transmission still engages. Test drive. Cost = your time. Help from the 8 year old, priceless.

You have the wrong person. I had the problem with the cruise control and you or Pete told me how to fix it and now it works. I sent $40 via PayPal for ur help. Jack Ellenberger.

Roger that. Thanks! I am very pleased with all your services. It is so unusual to find a simple solution that works and kept me away of the dealers expensive charges. I am sure it would have been at least $150.00 plus tax verses my $40.00 donation. Sellers, Buyers, everyone should realize we are ALL consumers and love a good deal. Even Gates, Buffet, Bezos love a good deal! Thank you all again. Im a new believer in 2carpros! Jack Ellenberger.