On my way to work today I dropped into Autobarn to pick up a fuse after accidentally earthing my footwell lights and blowing the interior light fuse. I asked about their cruise control kits, and the guy said something about one being $450 - $500. I didn't get a chance to see it or ask many questions as I was in a hurry and customers were lining up.

So I ask, has anyone had any experience with the kit I was priced? Or atleast know the model so I can research it a bit. And will it be easy to do, installing a cruise control kit? Cheers for the help guys.

When I had my 99 TH few years ago, mine came with cruise and it was an exec. Maybe because mine was a 3.5 that they came with it and not the 3.0
I would investigate getting the cruise from a TH wreck and retrofitting it, prob get it cheaper and it will look completely factory.

Yeah, I'm guessing yours was added at factory. Mines pretty basic, hell, I don't even have a drivers airbag :S

Getting factory one would be harder though, wouldn't it involve installing a new loom, or is there a simple way of doing it. Is there a guide on doing it this way? That's where the kit would come in handy as it has instructions.

Mine was basic also, no drivers bag, if anything, it would be easier as most of the plugs would most likely be there.
I'm sure a few of the guys have done it with the factory kit and said it was quite easy to do.

Also think of it this way;
You buy the aftermarket kit, install it, and down the track, it stops working, you find that the model of the kit you bought is no longer made and so you are left with broken cruise.
Retro fit the factory kit, it breaks later on, and you simply go to the wreckers or parts dealer and simply buy a replacement part and you back to having cruise.
Plus if you decide to sell, you can honestly say it has factory cruise :D

Hmm, did a bit of searching on the forums and it looks like I might have to install all the wiring and practically rip the dash out. Not really my piece of cake.

Also think of it this way;
You buy the aftermarket kit, install it, and down the track, it stops working, you find that the model of the kit you bought is no longer made and so you are left with broken cruise.
Retro fit the factory kit, it breaks later on, and you simply go to the wreckers or parts dealer and simply buy a replacement part and you back to having cruise.
Plus if you decide to sell, you can honestly say it has factory cruise :D

:yeahthat:

Don't know anything specific about that cruise kit, but in general, if it's like any of the other aftermarket crap that autobarn or supercheap sell, then good luck!

If you are that keen on cruise, I reckon do it once and do it properly (ie: retrofit the factory cruise).

Does Mal do cruise? Is it worth asking him?

You'll probably find you will need to rip half the dash out for the aftermarket kit also.

I don't know about the aftermarket kit, but with the factory cruise, it is quite good, I like the fact that it keeps your speed steady on down hill sections, reduces the need for you to dab the brakes to keep from speeding up downhill and into that hiding cop in the bushes with his radar gun.

Does Mal do cruise? Is it worth asking him?

You can only but ask.

I've fitted a few AP50 and AP60 units over the years to my kid's cars - never had a problem with any of them. Installation can be done in a few hours and the wiring is included and ultra simple. They are available on Ebay for $200 to $300 and come with a guarantee plus they have been making these units for almost 20 years and haven't gone broke so they are not a "fly by night" operation. There is also a help line that you can ring if you are a bit unsure of something.
Do a Google search on AP50 or AP60 and decide for yourself.

"I don't know about the aftermarket kit, but with the factory cruise, it is quite good, I like the fact that it keeps your speed steady on down hill sections, reduces the need for you to dab the brakes to keep from speeding up downhill and into that hiding cop in the bushes with his radar gun. "

I don't know about yours, but the cruise controls on both our TF sedan nd our Pajero don't control speed on downhill runs. Once the speed exceeds the set point, the throttle is closed and the car runs away. On our regular route, there is a steep hill which, if you leave the Magna on cruise, the speed increases from 100 to 120. The Pajero only gets to about 110, but it has the aerodynamics of a brick.

Unless a cruise control can also apply the brakes, it is not capable of reducing cruise speed rolling down a hill beyond closing the throttle. How effective closing the throttle is in controlling speed, depends on how steep the slope is, really. Now if it was hooked up to TCL, it could do some braking, I suppose.

My only experience with cruise control is a Yank car driving in California, it was a bit rough on throttle changes. My TS wagon when I bought it had an aftermarket cruise on it, shoddy layout and - need I say - not functioning. Removed it. My conclusion? Meh, I can live without one.

Mind you, my next car will have one. lol And leccy windows. Just for shits & giggles.

I know our fg falcon maintains downhill speeds better than our old ve calais. Possibly different degrees lf engine braking.

For starters what model do you have and is your car auto or manual

YEs the dash has to come out but it is well worth the effort (no biggie really) to have factory cruise that is accurate and works

I am wrecking a TH at the moment with cruise, is an exec but is at manual but I should have an engine harness here as well which will fit as well

You will need
Main under dash loom
Upper dash loom
Engine loom
Cruise ECU
Steering wheel backing plate and switch
Globe in your cluster
Clock spring
Throttle Body
Vac pump

For starters what model do you have and is your car auto or manual

YEs the dash has to come out but it is well worth the effort (no biggie really) to have factory cruise that is accurate and works

I am wrecking a TH at the moment with cruise, is an exec but is at manual but I should have an engine harness here as well which will fit as well

You will need
Main under dash loom
Upper dash loom
Engine loom
Cruise ECU
Steering wheel backing plate and switch
Globe in your cluster
Clock spring
Throttle Body
Vac pump

Are all those parts sourceable from the TH you're wrecking? If so then ill shoot you a PM and put this plan into action and ill also have to get some costs from you Also, does this exec have a nice clean cluster cover by any chance? Mines covered in hairline scratches :/

I don't know about yours, but the cruise controls on both our TF sedan nd our Pajero don't control speed on downhill runs. Once the speed exceeds the set point, the throttle is closed and the car runs away. On our regular route, there is a steep hill which, if you leave the Magna on cruise, the speed increases from 100 to 120. The Pajero only gets to about 110, but it has the aerodynamics of a brick.
It might've been an improvement in the latter systems, my TL will down change on decent and hold its pace, more or less. Big downhills you'll have to brake, it can't brake for you. Honestly can't remember if my KE did the same or not.

I personally prefer factory with any of this gear so I'd steer clear of any aftermarket kits, but I'm a bit of pedantic like that.

It might've been an improvement in the latter systems, my TL will down change on decent and hold its pace, more or less. Big downhills you'll have to brake, it can't brake for you. Honestly can't remember if my KE did the same or not.

I personally prefer factory with any of this gear so I'd steer clear of any aftermarket kits, but I'm a bit of pedantic like that.

My TJII Doesnt do that... so it must be a change between the facelift