Expert: Roland Finston - 7/9/2011

Question
98 Sebring JXi convertible, 2.5l. Cruise control either will not engage and shuts off, or shuts off shortly after engaging. Once it shuts off, it won't come on again until the car is restarted. I suspect vacuum lines. How do I access the vacuum storage reservoir on the rear firewall? Are the screws accessed from inside the cabin? Is there another possible problem besides vacuum lines (electronic)?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Karl,
The resevoir, to remove it, requires that you take off the intake manifold, according to the manual. Easier would be to put a vacuum gauge on the vacuum hose that attaches to the servo unit. With the engine idling it should show 10 inches of mercury or more and hold the reading after the engine is shut off. It could also be a brake light that is coming 'on' too easily due to mal-adjustment of the brake pedal to the brake lamp switch, or an electical issue with the switch on the steering column.
The '98 manual has 12 pages of text and 2 pages of wiring diagrams. I can xerox and postal mail you those. If you would send me back four 44-cent stamps after you get them that would cover my cost. Send me a 'private' followup question that tells me your postal mailing address.
Roland
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