4400 Cruise Magnet

[JCB]

Hey All,

I'm having trouble with the 4400 cruise magnet (60). I've seen a couple posts with the same problem and not much follow-up solution. The magnet holds while the switch is depressed, and the magnet quickly lets go when the dash switch is released.

I've removed the cast pedal (54) and shined away some corrosion with an emery cloth. That didn't fix it. The magnet seems to be engaging squarely, and I backed out the retainer nut (66) to allow the magnet to slide further in its case (65) and make good contact with the pedal. Still didn't fix it.

What's my next trouble shooting step? Do I look for a relay? Do I grind the pedal to give the magnet better surface purchase? Do electromagnets magnets wear out? Do I need to buy parts?

Thanks for any help.

Joe

 

[kennyd]

Stupid question maybe, but how is the condition of your battery? If you have low voltage then the magnet will not be at full strength.

 

[hawkeye08]

First, let me admit I know nothing about a 4400.

I don't know exactly what problem you are describing, but perhaps it is that the magnet does not continue to hold after the dash switch is released?

If it works while the switch is depressed, then perhaps that would rule out battery or voltage issues. I suspect that there might be a relay somewhere that is supposed to "latch" when the cruise is engaged, and then stay engaged until the brake is applied or the switch pressed again?

So, if that is generally how it works, then the first place I would look is for the circuit that turns it off or a faulty relay.

If that is not how it works, then nice chatting and good luck.

 

[JCB]

Thanks guys,

Both good tips. I will check battery voltage, and then look for a relay.

Joe

 

[kennyd]

Maybe getting the workshop manual would be a good idea also, probably 'round $75 on CD.

 

[Wayne_H]

Try replacing the switch.... That fixed the problem on my 4400.

Wayne

Hey All,

I'm having trouble with the 4400 cruise magnet (60). I've seen a couple posts with the same problem and not much follow-up solution. The magnet holds while the switch is depressed, and the magnet quickly lets go when the dash switch is released.

I've removed the cast pedal (54) and shined away some corrosion with an emery cloth. That didn't fix it. The magnet seems to be engaging squarely, and I backed out the retainer nut (66) to allow the magnet to slide further in its case (65) and make good contact with the pedal. Still didn't fix it.

What's my next trouble shooting step? Do I look for a relay? Do I grind the pedal to give the magnet better surface purchase? Do electromagnets magnets wear out? Do I need to buy parts?

Thanks for any help.

Joe

 

[beenthere]

Maybe get a meter on for a voltage check when the magnet holds and as it progresses to not holding anymore. That would at least check out what is going to the magnet.

There was an early recall on the magnet used in the cruise control (on my 4300). I think it was simply a bolt head in the center of the magnet that had too much thickness, and there was a risk it would catch on the forward arm and restrict a safe return for stop.

I'll peruse the CD to see if anything shows up that might help.
Here are a couple tests.

 

[JCB]

Try replacing the switch.... That fixed the problem on my 4400.

Wayne

Thanks Wayne,

It's good to know that the switch can go bad and can be the solution.

 

[JCB]

Here are a couple tests.

Nice!

Thanks beenthere! I'll run these tests and hopefully it points me to a resolution. I just ordered the CD's as Kenny suggested. I didn't really know they had this level of support.

Thanks again,

Joe

 

[beenthere]

Here are a couple 3 more that might help track it down.

 

[jpinca]

Exact same problem on my 4300. I'm pretty sure it's the switch as it doesn't click into the "ON" position like it used to.

 

[stuart]

My magnet was working. JUST NOT HOLDING. I ground down the plate to allow smooth surface contact and that solved it.

 

[crhunts]

What plate did you grind down? Do you have a picture?

 

[beenthere]

The magnet grabs the forward pedal so likely that is the "plate" referred to here.

Edit:
There is a s/n break between early version forward pedal and later version forward pedal. (s/n 440290 change where the plate is not used, it appears). There was a "dtac" upgrade on my early 4300 but don't recall just why.. a tech came out and changed something to do with the magnet holding the pedal, and it has worked great since then (20 years ago).

Showing both later on left and earlier on right here..