How to enable/turn on cruise control

Rogue1bus · 01-09-2019, 12:26 PM

I have an Amtran 2002 t444e and it has the cruise control switches etc but they don’t do anything. I’m pretty sure that the cruise is probably just disabled which I’ve heard is common for school buses.

Can I turn it on with a cable and software or something myself? If so what cable/software do I need?

Or should I just take it to a dealership? If it’s not too expensive or difficult I’d prefer to do it myself...

BlackJohn · 01-09-2019, 01:11 PM

Likely need a vacuum source for that to work. Any pics of the unit installed?

John

PNW_Steve · 01-09-2019, 01:28 PM

I am pretty sure that the cruise control on the T444e is all computer. No vacuum source.

AFIK: It is an ECM programming option.

Dog Rescuer · 01-09-2019, 01:51 PM

My Cruise control button was set for RPM to warm the engine in the winter - it was computer switched by the fabulous CadillacKid Christopher. It will work as is for a steady RPM.

Johnny Mullet · 01-09-2019, 02:15 PM

If you are near NE Ohio or NE Pennsylvania, I can enable it also.

cadillackid · 01-09-2019, 02:35 PM

yeppers the others have it right, its an option most often disabled by the schools and easy to turn on... post where you sre at, there may be a fellow skoolie with the compouter interface nearby.. navistar gives away the Level 1 version of the software (servicemaxx J170

which you can enable it yourself, however you need the RP1210 interface box which is not cheap (even the knock-offs)..

finding someone to turn it on for you is likely the easiest for you unless you want to own the scan tools for future diagnosis and such
-Christopher

o1marc · 01-09-2019, 02:37 PM

My cruise control works fantastically, but the hi idle button does nothing.

cadillackid · 01-09-2019, 02:53 PM

marc, turn your cruise control main switch to ON , then try revving the engine with the pedal in neutral to where you want, then press 'SET' or you can hold down the resume / accel and it should slowly speed up the engine.

-Christopher

o1marc · 01-09-2019, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadillackid

marc, turn your cruise control main switch to ON , then try revving the engine with the pedal in neutral to where you want, then press 'SET' or you can hold down the resume / accel and it should slowly speed up the engine.

-Christopher

When I get it running I'll give that a try. Makes sense, though I thought it had a set high idle speed. Thanks

cadillackid · 01-09-2019, 02:57 PM

the cummins have a set high idle, most of the Navistars you can adjust as desired...

or you can enable the CAP which is an auto high idle adjust.. thats what I run on mine.. it idles itself up and down to maintain a coolant temp of 165-170

-Christopher

FamilyCircus · 01-09-2019, 03:01 PM

The problems Ive seen with cruise have also been faulty brake switches, just an fyi

cadillackid · 01-09-2019, 03:03 PM

faulty brake switch code on the navistar will also shut down the high idle feature, as well as a vehicle speed sensor code (breaks cruise and high idle)

Rogue1bus · 01-09-2019, 07:13 PM

Thanks for all the replies!

I’m in southeastern Virginia. (Portsmouth)

My ABS light is on and it displays associated codes indicating the ABS is not working. I haven’t gotten the idle up function to work.. so I might have to fix the brakes....

EastCoastCB · 01-09-2019, 08:16 PM

Anyone know how to get cruise control on my 99 Thomas w/3126? Do those scanners come with any cat software?

Johnny Mullet · 01-09-2019, 08:59 PM

A lot of the mainstream scanners do not come with engine specific software. They come with generic software which will basically read and clear codes. Each specific software for specific engines, brake systems, and/or transmissions can be added for a charge. Our shop has the International program, Wabco ABS, Allison transmission, and Paccar software since these are what we work on most.

cadillackid · 01-10-2019, 06:34 AM

my Navistar software supports some CATs although looks like just the newer stuff, not sure if it would detect your engine or not, it might.. some navistar class 8 stuff got CAT engines later on so im guessing thats why they are in there..

-Christopher

brokedown · 01-10-2019, 08:00 AM

I've thought about buying one of those chinese nexiq clones that come with a bunch of "trial" software, but now that i've got a mechanical cummins it fell off my list. I'd more or less expect those toggles to be available for each brand but that's just a guess.

Example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEXIQ2-USB-...mPEw:rk:3:pf:0

EastCoastCB · 01-10-2019, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brokedown

I've thought about buying one of those chinese nexiq clones that come with a bunch of "trial" software, but now that i've got a mechanical cummins it fell off my list. I'd more or less expect those toggles to be available for each brand but that's just a guess.

Example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEXIQ2-USB-...mPEw:rk:3:pf:0

I thought some of them came with some software. Thanks!

brokedown · 01-10-2019, 08:12 AM

Probably all old versions but shouldn't matter much for skoolie folks. More concerned about virus checking them, I'd run in a virtual machine for sure.

EastCoastCB · 01-10-2019, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brokedown

Probably all old versions but shouldn't matter much for skoolie folks. More concerned about virus checking them, I'd run in a virtual machine for sure.

Yea, IDK what that is... Stuff like that is why computer controlled stuff scares me.

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