86, 4.3 V-6 Cruise quit working

I was cruising home one night and the cruise kicked off. It has not worked since that night in Nov. 2006. I am trying to get motivated to fix the problem this spring. I have a Haynes manual and have checked the power to the brake switch. I replace the brake switch after the cruise stopped. Brake lights now work but still no cruise. The manual references a Cruise control Module and Vehicle Speed sensor Buffer. Where is the Cruise Control Module? I know where the ECM is, but the manual says Cruise control Module. Is there an easy fix that someone has experienced? I have nor checked the vacuum but every thing else still works. Thanks

The brake light switch and cruise control switches are different. Check all fuses, then check to make sure the wires are all properly connected. The control unit is the thing under the hood that a network of wires plugs into. It also has a vacuum line coming into it and leaving it. The line leaving will go to a big vacuum diaphragm.

Also, check out the schematic:

http://www.silicon212.org/cc1.jpg
http://www.silicon212.org/cc2.jpg

silicon212,
Thanks for the reply. I have also checked the vacuum switch that is on the brake pedal. It seems to be working with a test light and has vacuum. I will trace the vacuum hose back from the big vacuum tank at the front drivers side of the car. The diagram you included is the one I was referencing from the Haynes manual. I will post any progress or lack of progress as I continue. Thanks for the information.

ALL,
Thanks for all of the great information contained in this forum. I have handed down the 1986 Caprice to my step-son, so I will be leaving this forum. He will have to fix the cruise control and learn how to repair the car!
It should be a good learning experience for him.

lucky for him ;)

i had to buy my caprice from my step mother...

Hey evildragon, what modification was done to your knock module?

Hey evildragon, what modification was done to your knock module?
i pourposly installed the wrong knock module... i have an L99 engine, but i installed the knock module to the LT4..

the modules are the same, but the LT4 module doesn't pick up false knock, like the L99 and LT1 module can.. the result is increased performance.. my L99 actually peeled out, which apparently isn't known by the L99's... (the car also sounds like it has more power too)

I know I shouldn't be resurrecting older threads, but I just want to know where the cruise control module is located if anyone knows.

I know I shouldn't be resurrecting older threads, but I just want to know where the cruise control module is located if anyone knows.

It should be on the driver side inner fender.

it will have a big diaphragm looking thing, and a cable that connects to the throttle if it is similar to mine.
if it is connected, you can rev the engine by squeezing the diaphragm thing.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g103/GreyGoose006/IMAG0720.jpg
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g103/GreyGoose006/IMAG0719.jpg

Ohhhhh I didn't know it was part of the vaccum "thing". I was picturing a whole separate ECM looking unit. Thanks!

well mine just stopped working as well but it makes me wonder. if the cruise control is down can one still accelerate the car by the big diaphragm looking thing? is there a fuse for the cruise control. i might just have the problem in the whole turn signal and cruise control arm by the steering wheel. what do you all think?

yeah. the diaphragm thing is connected to the throttle directly.
i believe it is used to hold the throttle in place and modulate it with vacuum pressure.
theoretically, you could use a solenoid attached to a cable and hold a set throttle position and use that as a redneck cruise control, but i believe that it wouldnt pass inspection