The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.
When the vehicle speed sensor fails or the wiring harness prevents signal transmission, the speedometer is the first thing that will stop functioning properly. This can be an intermittent issue where the speedometer only works occasionally, the speedometer may cease all function, or the speedometer may read erratically or incorrectly. Also, the traction control and anti lock brake warning lights specific to each vehicle may be illuminated, depending on the design of those systems. You may notice the vehicle hesitate to accelerate, cruise control will not function properly, and the vehicle may not shift properly through all of the gears.
In the event that a wheel speed sensor fails, the ABS, traction control system (TCS) and manufacturer specific stability control system lights will illuminate, informing the driver that the systems are disabled. The vehicle will be more prone to tire slip, and normal driving patterns may need to be adjusted to correct for the loss of computer control. On older vehicle's, the speedometer can be affected, causing illumination of the check engine light as well.
The cruise control switch can cause complete failure of the cruise control feature, but in a lucky scenario only partial functionality will be lost. This means that the cruise control may come on, but that it will not increase in speed automatically, or the cancel button does not work leading the driver to cancel cruise control with the foot brake. In some vehicles, the cruise control light may illuminate, or a warning message may be displayed due to lack of functionality.
When it comes to the malfunctioning cruise control in a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, the urgency of addressing the issue cannot be overstated. Ignoring symptoms such as erratic speed changes or unresponsive controls can lead to serious safety risks, including the potential for accidents due to loss of vehicle control. Additionally, a faulty cruise control system may not only compromise your driving experience but can also negatively impact the overall performance of your vehicle, affecting acceleration and speedometer accuracy. By promptly diagnosing and fixing the problem, you can prevent further damage to critical components like the control module or throttle, which could result in more costly repairs down the line. Therefore, while it may seem like a minor inconvenience, taking action to resolve cruise control issues is essential for maintaining both safety and comfort on the road.
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