🚨 Diagnostic Profile
Vehicle Make: Chrysler
Description: Cruise Control Clutch Control Circuit High. This fault indicates the powertrain control module has detected a clutch control circuit reading above the expected range for the cruise control clutch switch or actuator circuit, commonly associated with the brake or clutch pedal switch and cruise control wiring. Confirm the exact fault definition for the specific model year and engine in the service information before proceeding.
🚨 Repair Difficulty Tier
Tier: [Intermediate]
Diagnosis requires electrical circuit testing and familiarity with switch and harness testing procedures. Replacement of a switch is typically straightforward, but wiring repairs and module programming, if required, increase complexity.
🛠️ Resolution Steps
Step 1: Preliminary Inspection
- Verify battery voltage is above 12.4V at rest and charging system output is within specification (typically 13.5-14.7V at idle) before performing any circuit testing, as low system voltage can cause false circuit-high readings.
- Check for stored and pending DTCs on all modules (PCM, BCM, and SKIM if applicable) and record freeze frame data, noting engine RPM and vehicle speed at the time the fault set.
- Visually inspect the brake pedal switch (which on most Chrysler platforms shares circuitry with the cruise control deactivation function) and clutch pedal position switch (on manual transmission applications) connectors for corrosion, bent pins, melted plastic, or loose seating.
- Inspect the wiring harness near the pedal bracket assembly, under-dash steering column area, and firewall grommet for chafing, pinching, rodent damage, or heat damage, as this harness run is a common chafe point against the brake pedal bracket.
- Check for aftermarket accessories (remote start, alarm systems, or trailer brake controllers) that may have been spliced into the brake switch or cruise circuits.
- Confirm pedal switch plunger travel and adjustment (self-adjusting on most modern Chrysler pedal switches via ratcheting collar) seats fully against the pedal arm with no excessive play.
Step 2: Diagnostic Verification
- Connect a scan tool capable of bidirectional PCM communication and monitor Cruise Control Switch status, Brake Switch status, and Clutch Switch status PIDs in real time while slowly actuating the brake and clutch pedals, confirming each switch transitions cleanly between open and closed states with no intermittent dropouts.
- With the key on, engine off, measure circuit voltage at the switch connector signal circuit using a digital multimeter referenced to a known good chassis ground; the circuit should read close to system reference voltage (typically 5V on PCM-referenced circuits or battery voltage on switched 12V circuits) when the switch is in its normal de-energized state, and near 0V when actuated, or vice versa depending on circuit design.
- Perform a voltage drop test across the signal and ground circuits with the circuit under load (switch actuated) — voltage drop should not exceed approximately 0.1-0.2V across any connector or splice; higher readings indicate corrosion or a high-resistance connection consistent with a circuit-high fault.
- Check circuit continuity and resistance to ground and to reference voltage per the factory wiring diagram for the specific model and powertrain, cross-referencing connector pinouts at the PCM and switch harness connectors rather than assuming pin numbers without the correct diagram on hand.
- Test the switch itself with an ohmmeter disconnected from the harness in each pedal position (released and depressed), confirming it reads near 0 ohms (closed) in one state and open circuit (infinite resistance) in the other, per the switch’s normally open/normally closed design.
- Clear the DTC, and road test through multiple full-throttle, braking, and clutch-actuation cycles (if manual transmission) to determine whether the fault returns under normal operating conditions, confirming repair effectiveness.
Step 3: Resolution & Reset Process
- Replace the faulty pedal switch, repair the damaged harness section using OEM-grade splice connectors and adhesive-lined heat shrink, or correct the connector/terminal issue, as indicated by testing results in Step 2.
- Verify all repairs meet proper torque specifications for pedal bracket hardware, full connector locking engagement (listen for the audible click), and weatherproofing of any splices per factory service procedures.
- Reinstall any knee bolster trim, under-dash panels, or steering column covers removed for access and confirm proper pedal return spring operation and full pedal travel with no binding.
- Clear all DTCs with the scan tool and perform a complete drive cycle, including sustained highway speeds above 30 mph with cruise control engaged, multiple brake applications, and (for manual transmissions) multiple clutch actuations.
- Confirm that the cruise control system engages, maintains set speed, disengages properly on brake and clutch application, and resumes correctly via the RESUME function, and that no DTCs return after the drive cycle.
- Document all test readings (voltage, resistance, continuity values), parts replaced with part numbers, and final verification drive cycle results on the repair order for warranty and future diagnostic reference.
📦 Parts, Labor, and Budget Estimates
Required Components/Software:
- Brake pedal switch or clutch pedal position switch, as diagnosed (confirm exact OEM part number via VIN lookup at time of repair, as this varies by model year and transmission type)
- Steering wheel-mounted cruise control switch module (if diagnosed as faulty; often integrated into the steering wheel clockspring assembly on newer platforms)
- Wiring repair kit including OEM-style connector pins, weatherproof splice connectors, and correct gauge loom material (if required)
- OEM-level scan tool (such as a Snap-on, Autel, or dealer-level wiTECH equivalent) with current Chrysler service information subscription and software updates
Average Component Price:
- Brake/clutch pedal switch: approximately $20-$75 USD (part only)
- Steering wheel cruise control switch/clockspring assembly: approximately $80-$250 USD (part only), higher if integrated airbag clockspring replacement is required
- Wiring repair materials (connectors, pins, loom, heat shrink): approximately $15-$50 USD
Estimated Labor Hours:
- Diagnosis and circuit verification: 0.7-1.5 hours
- Component replacement (pedal switch straightforward; clockspring/cruise switch more involved due to steering wheel and airbag removal): 0.5-2.0 hours
- Wiring harness repair (if required, in lieu of simple component replacement): 1.0-2.5 hours depending on harness accessibility
- DTC clear, drive cycle, and final verification: 0.3-0.5 hours
- Total estimated diagnostic-to-repair shop time: approximately 1.5-4.0 hours depending on root cause