Cruise control for 96 Metro Manual

I want to add cruise to a 94 Geo Metro with a 5 speed manual transmission. Unfortunately I know *nothing* about cars. Pretend youre talking to a 4 year old. Where can I find information on who sells the kit/parts I will need, and how to install them for a complete novice?

For a discussion of aftermarket cruise control check this out: http://http://www.the12volt.com/cruises/cruises.asp

If you want to get a great idea of what it looks like installed, then go to your local boneyard and check it out there.

Here is the correct link

For a discussion of aftermarket cruise control check this out: http://www.the12volt.com/cruises/cruises.asp

If you want to get a great idea of what it looks like installed, then go to your local boneyard and check it out there.

i actually found that site on my own after some prudent googling, but it seems too general for me. how do i even know if the particular cruise control he refers to supports my car? or what additional parts i will need to get it installed?

Well as you figured out, it is just a general overview of installing cruise control. And there is a separate section for installing it in manual transaxles.

Here is a link to the diagram at autozone for a '93 Metro.
www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1f/6b/7c/0900823d801f6b7c.jsp (http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1f/6b/7c/0900823d801f6b7c.jsp)

The parts should be the same or similar for your model.

But I think going to the boneyard and looking at one installed is the best bet. Plus just dissassemble that one and then you know how to install it on your car. If it is in good condition, then you can get an OEM cruise for cheap.

This is a project I am planning for my '94 5 spd Metro.

Good luck.

I found a good deal on an aftermarket cruise control system from Audiovox. I have gotten everything installed, but unfortunately it does not work :( It turns on, but will not engage.

I have checked the voltage on every line to the cruise in the appropriate situations. Ground is grounded, +12V is +12.6V, cruise control power is +12 when on, brake line is +12 when on, set and resume buttons both show +12 when pressed. The two lines that I have not checked, and where the culprit most likely lies, are the VSS and Tach connections. Tach seems unlikely since it goes to the ignition coil and my handy Haynes manual provides a nice illustration for that one, but the VSS was confusing enough that it is my main suspect.

The reference guide from Audiovox indicates that my VSS wire should be "Above or behind the driver's side kick panel - connector above fuse panel" and that it should be Yellow/Green. The Engine Control System schematic in my Haynes shows the ECM with a line labelled 'Vehicle Speed In' as YEL/GRN so I think that may be my target, but locating it has proved problematic. There are a number of yellow/green (or green/yellow, or yellow/lightgreen, ugh) wires, and trying them all is one of my next resorts. If anyone can provide any guidance on where this wire might be located I would be most thankful.

A year of on-again off-again searching for the VSS wire (every time I get annoyed at the behavior of the cruise running from tach-only) and I still haven't found it. Any help would be appreciated.

Have a look-see thru the following thread below.

"I tend to exceed the speed limit" - a few down from this thread.

Crvett69 describes his installation of the AUDIOVOX CC on his wife's Metro.....

I bought the Audiovox CC for $114 from Schucks and intend to install it when
I get off my dead arse...!

Post how you do/did it.

Doctorbill

on your 96 metro its a yellow wire with a green stripe. flop the glove box down and you will see the computer right behind it. the wire you want is on the center computer plug. i am going to get some pics of the way i mounted it and send them to dr bill so he can see how i mounted it. did you mount the cable to the tb or the gas pedal inside the car?

darn forum won't update the index... i edited my original post to correct the 96/94 typo like i year ago...

my metro is a 94, not a 96. the wiring in question is above the clutch, not behind the glovebox. and i know its yellow/green, but that doesnt really narrow it down enough.

it should still be on the center wire plug on the computer

Here are some photos that Crvett69 sent to me to help me install my Audiovox CCS100 cruise control
in my '93 Geo Metro 3 cylinder - affectionately called "The Phoenix" because it arose from the ashes...

He said I could post them.

Maybe these will help someone installing the Cruise Control.

He did the Vacuum Servo Cable attachment to the upper portion of the gas pedal,
instead of the rotating Throttle Lever - good idea !

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6880/hookuptogaspedal2ds3.jpg

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/734/hookuptogaspedal1ma2.jpg

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/8767/ccenginecompartmentsr3.jpg

Any questions? ---> Ask Crvett69 - a good guy!

DoctorBill

I was looking in my Engine Compartment to install my Cruise Control Vacuum
Unit and it seems like there is less room than your photo shows Crvett69 !

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/3015/enginecompartment1vy0.jpg

Did you go in thru the clutch cable area?

Also, I wondered if it would be a nice place to install the CC Control Unit as
shown in this photo?

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/2602/controlboxxz1.jpg

Waddayathink?

DoctorBill

PS - What is that "thing' sticking up off of the Transmission ?

Well, I got it all hooked up today and road tested it and it won't engage....

Damn.

Crvett69 - sent you a private message.

I tried everything I could think of.

Went thru the "Trouble Shooting" part of the manual to no avail - everything
checks out.

I have a good Vacuum in the hose.

I am tempted to put the magnets on the large portion of the right side half
shaft and see if that works.

I found the so called Yellow/Green Stripe VSS wire and hooked it to the gray
wire as per instructions.

I don't know if that wire has any signal in it though. Could my Tach be
interfering with the signal?

I tried switching wires on the Coil, nothing.

Light on the control unit comes on, so does the backlight when I turn on the
parking light.

BUT - zip!

DoctorBill

I called the 800 number (800-225-6074) and after wading thru their Phone Mail System,
was told that the purple wire to the brake can have no voltage to it when the
brake is off or it will disengage the system.

I cut the wire - no effect.

The Vacuum must be good! 14 - 21 PSI vacuum - under load (driving).

So I need to put a gauge on the engine and drive at speed to check for good vacuum.

I'll be back.....

DoctorBill

Go see my latest Thread about the Vacuum problem with my Metro...

"Vacuum problem - Car works great! Crazy!"

Here is a Motorcycle installation of this same Audiovox model:
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/cruise-control.htm

This guy made a Vacuum Module our of PVC Pipe and some check valves
from NAPA !

DoctorBill

I just installed an audiovox ccs 100 on my 95 geo metro just last week-end. Pardon my bragging but it worked the very first time out. I think this is a pretty tough undertaking for someone without a lot of mechanical experience as you have described yourself. My installation was on a manual trans. It works entirely off of the tac signal, no weights installed, no VSS sensor used. I am very impressed with the way it works for me and it's simplicity. I did not even have to wire anything to the clutch engaged switch. The computer just knows to disengage when the rpms go up suddenly. Did you set all the little switches in the servo correctly? If you want I will try to answer specific questions for you.

I triple checked everything.

I tried everything that the Support People told me at their 800 number and
nothing worked.

ALL of the "Trouble Shooting" readings were dead on...

So I sent the Vacuum Control Servo back to Audiovox today....

I think it is dead meat. My Karma.........

Man - it was so easy removing it!

BTW - my vacuum was 8 PSI while giving any gas. 25 PSI at idle.

So my Vacuum Canister coming from the front of the Intake Manifold and from the MAP Sensor line
holds 25 PSI continuously.
Two one-->way vacuum valves from NAPA allow either line to maintain a good vacuum.
The canister (3" PVC Pipe) is 0.6 Liter (600 mL).

I have photos of the whole process to put on this Forum when I am done...

I had an Audiovox 25 years ago and it worked right away back then.
So I assume I just got a "lemon" this time.

DoctorBill

Have you got it working yet? I will be glad to tell you how I hooked mine up if you like.

I sent the Vacuum Module back to the Audiovox Repair Center in hauppage, NY.

They got it Friday July 6th.

We'll see just how fast they take care of this problem.

DoctorBill

I just now finished installing one of the Audiovox units on my 93 Swift 4 cyl. Would like to have attached the cable to the TBI but there just wasn't room due to the valve cover being in the way. Instead I used some of the bracketry included in the kit to attach it to the throttle peddle lever and that worked fine. Pain in the ass to get to things under the dash for a guy my size so I removed the throttle peddle assembly to work on it on the bench. The unit works good even without the vacuum canister but I'll probably build one when I get around to it.

Q

I am 5' 10" and 187 lbs - but that isn't the problem so much as being 64 and
not very flexible and having to wear glasses for every different close-up
distance. I had to work with my left hand only - no room under there...

I got a letter back from Audiovox repair in hauppage, NY that said they recieved
the Vacuum Control unit.

Somewhere on their web site it says they have a 14 day turnaround.

Hope so.....

I'd really like to get it working - caught myself doing 60 mph on Highway 27
yesterday - COPs (constable on patrol) all over the place - now even in common
cars and vans - sneaky buggers!

Seems like they are never around when I see the freaking drunks and crazies
driving that road.

Question - why do some people pass you when you are obviously in a long line of slow cars?
Like it is going to be better driving behind the car in front of you going the
same speed as the cars in front of them and so on and so on...?

DoctorBill

As I mentioned before, I had sent the Vacuum Control Module back to Audiovox
in Hauppage, NY for repair and they received it on the 9th of July.

Today UPS dropped off a package.

They sent me an entire new unit!

The whole "Ball of Wax" as they say in California.....

Tomorrow I will put the Vacuum Control Module back in.

If that doesn't work, I now have another Dashboard Switch to check out if my
old one was the problem.

Ahhh'll be baaack......maybe I can "Terminate" this problem!

DoctorBill

Just back from my first long trip after installing the cruise control, about 1500 miles. Sure is nice! I found it maintains speed very well on hills and is able to pull the throttle to about 90 percent even without a vacuum tank. I tried setting the sensitivity dip switches to the middle settings and found the speed would vary about 3 mph. The most sensitive setting would hold speed to within 1 mph, which I prefer. The only drawback I see is that it jumps slightly when pushing the engagement switch.

Average gas mileage on the trip was just over 50 with the best tank being 53.5. Best ever for my 1.3L. Power was excellent with the higher compression from the ring job I did last weekend. It did burn some oil though, evidently sucking it through the valve seals. Stepping on the throttle after long down hill runs caused noticeable puffs of smoke. I have new valve seals to put in this weekend.

Q

As I said recently, Audiovox sent me a whole new Cruise Control.

Today I set all the little dip switches to off (down) except number 7 which the
Trouble Shooting guy on the phone said should be up for the Magnetic Pickup.

I checked ALL the wires for voltage and such and each one checked out as per
the manual.

Tried it out - NOTHING! Not a single peep or jump. The Accelerate button
does nothing either.

So......I pulled the new switch out of the plastic bag and stuck it into the
coupler to see if my old switch was the problem. NOTHING.
The switch lights up as it should, but no cigar!

I unhooked the line from the brake light to see if that was somehow feeding a stop signal - NOTHING.

So either GOD doesn't want me to have a Cruise Control or (my first guess at
this point) maybe the PLUG that goes into the Vacuum Module (Servo Assembly),
isn't making contact with those pins. Maybe if I solder the Bastards in place.....

I can measure voltages all day long at the connectors, but if a wire isn't making
a good connection - no workie!

A second guess - I'm wondering if maybe the +12 wire I used is on when the key is on
but off when the engine is actually running....(?)
You do the troubleshooting test with the key on. I can hook the RED directly to the battery to check that.

If anybody has any ideas, I sure would like to hear about them right now!

I will try whatever I can, but the LAST RESORT is to go to an automotive
Electrical Shop and have them check it out - probably cost me as much as
the Cruise Control itself cost in the first place....

DoctorBill .....I'll Be Back....

Bill,

Why the magnets? You shouldn't need them on your car.

I wouldn't solder the wires to the control unit. It's not likely there is a contact problem with that type of connector. I assume you have it plugged in the right direction and pushed all the way in.

Did you remove the jumper plug in the control unit that is used for automatic transmissions?

Best wire to get 12V+ when key is on is the cig lighter wire.

I believe my 93 Swift has the same wiring setup as your car and my switches are set to 1 on, 2 off, 3 on, 4 off, 5 on, 6 off, 7 on.

Q

if you were closer you could compare it to the one in her car and see if we could figure out whats wrong

1. Yes - I removed the Jumper as soon as I got the replacement unit.

2. I matched the colors of the wires to the diagram in the manual for the plug
going into the Vacuum Servo Module. The voltages on THAT plug match
what the manual says. The plug is pushed in all the way.

3. I did the Magnets when the unit wouldn't work with the Yellow/Green signal
wire from the ECM.

Besides, I like the magnet system since it is related to the vehicle's actual speed. I used that way about 30 years ago on a VW Rabbit -
worked well !

I have done this before - worked immediately. That's why this is so damned
frustrating! Same unit.

I think it is time to do some Sherlock Holmsian logic - "If all else fails, use the simple art of elimination..."

Probably something so freaking simple that when I find it, I'll laugh - yah, right !

DoctorBill....I'll be back

PS - I am sorely tempted to do as they warn against - Jack-stand the car up
and run the system in my driveway so I can monitor things as the work...!

Any suggestions on how to TEST the Cruise Control sans automobile?

12 volt battery - some signal input (battery trickle charger - 4800 cps) - some
kind of vacuum source.

It ought to then "Pull" on the cable when the switch is pushed - no?

The damned thing is so simple - as apparently I am for not being able to get the
freaking thing to work....

Who said they got it to work of off the coil alone? Did you hook the gray
wire to the coil?

It has been Bar-B-Que hot in my driveway last couple of days when I could
get to it - no shade available, so keep the faith - I will conquer this Bugger
or die trying....

DoctorBill

I don't know if any one gives a big Rat's Rump about this....

I finally found out why my Audiovox Cruise Control wouldn't work.

I had wired up EVERYTHING as per the instructions.

It all checked out. Wouldn't work.

Called "Patrick" at the Audiovox Tech Service number and he advised me.

What he told me to do - didn't work.

So in desperation, I cut the 12 volt wire from the Ignition Key wire (Black/White
strip) to the ORANGE Fused wire going to the Switch Pad on the dashboard
and hooked BOTH red POWER wires directly to the Positive Battery
Post.

Walla! Now it works fine....! WTF is that all about ?

That large Black/White Strip wire must have some signal running on top of the
+12 volts that screws with the Cruise Control's electronics.

Do any of you Geo Metro wizards have any idea which wire from the Ignition
Key that I should use ?

Crvett69 - do you remember which wire you chose to use for Keyed Power?

I thought I'd post this to perhaps help some other poor bugger who might have
the bad Karma as I did.

I'm all happy now....all's well in Geo Metro land again....Metro on folks!

DoctorBill

PS - Someone suggested I use the wire to the Cigarette Lighter, but I want to make that
12 volts constantly so I can recharge my Cell Phone with the Ciggie Lighter socket whilst
I am in the store or work....gotta have my Cell Phone working so my wife can call me with
"things to buy" before coming home.....!

Glad to hear you got it working. I used the wire to the cig lighter, and yes it would be nice if the cig lighter plug worked even with the key out.

I built and installed a vacuum canister this morning. For the tank I soldered together two baby formula cans (about the size of 1 lb coffee cans) and soldered in a small brass tube. I then went down to the auto parts store and bought a vacuum check valve which has one 1/4" end to connect to the manifold vacuum and two 1/8" ends. One 1/8" end connects to the cruise control unit and the other goes to the vacuum canister. It did increase the throttle pull on steep hills.

Q

Let me tell you folks, this Audiovox Cruise Control is the "Cat's Pajamas" !!!

I am so glad I took the time to install the MAGNETIC PICKUP !

Why ?

I have to shift up and down from 4th to 5th and back periodically. Hills.

I set the speed to 55 mph.

All I have to do is touch the RESUME button and the Metro goes back to 55 mph
regardless of what gear I am in !

Since the Mag Pickup operates on the car's speed and not the Tach or Coil,
changing gears does not alter the pulses per minute.

Nice !

Now I can drive at night and I don't have to constantly take my eyes off the
road to check my speed.

Allows me to keep a sharp eye out for Deer.

Sure as shooting, if you glance down at the speedometer, that's when old
Mr. Deer will pop out of the underbrush in front of you!

So now I'll see him and be able to react, not hit him while I'm checking my speed.

Knock on wood.....

Mr Policeman lurking somewhere with his RADAR or LASER won't be after me.

BTW - I'm going to cut the Ciggie Lighter wire, put the lighter socket directly to
the Battery and use the Ciggie Lighter wire for running the Cruise Control (Keyed)

That way, I can recharge my Cell Phone whilest in the Wal-Mart or at work
directly from the car battery. I'll fuse the Battery wire for 5 AMPS to protect from
shorts.

DoctorBill